Taking It Too Far
I have an addictive personality. Now that might sound strange coming from someone who doesn't drink or smoke or do drugs, things we usually associate with a word like that, but addictions come in a lot of colors. It may sound like a harmless habit but I was addicted to diet soda. I finally weaned myself from it this year. I gave up caffeine several years ago so I was drinking decaf but still, I would drink multiple cans of the stuff a day. When I started on this quest to live more holistically, I took a long look at the food and beverages I was consuming and diet soda scared me. It really is nothing but a boatload of chemicals and colorings in a can. I knew my body wasn't getting any value from it, in fact, I was probably endangering it, so I let it go.
But, even things that are otherwise good for us can become weaknesses when we can't get enough. I found a website last year that offers classes on various things I'm interested in: photography, creative writing, journaling, painting, etc. I excitedly signed up for three classes right away and then, every time a new class was offered, I signed up for it, too. Everything sounded interesting. Everything sounded like something I needed. I couldn't not register for them. It took me a few months to realize, I was hooked. You might think, what's the harm in that? Learning is good for you, right? Yes, learning is good for you. Feeling like you have to sign up for every class under the sun is not. I thought about why I wanted to take the classes and realized that the classes were just a procrasination maneuver. If I was still "learning," I wasn't responsible for "knowing." That's not where I wanted to be. So I'm not allowing myself another class for a while. I need to put into practice all the things I've learned and see how far I've come.
I tend to do the same with exercise. When I decide to implement a regular workout routine, I am gung-ho. I work out every day, sometimes multiple times a day and there's no stopping me until I get injured or completely burned out or exhausted. There always comes a day when I miss a workout and that's when the train runs off the rails. I lose momentum, one missed day turns into missed weeks and before you know it, I'm addicted to the sofa.
I'm trying to tame this personality trait and learn how to indulge in things I love without going to extremes. I don't do things that are unhealthy but I do healthy things to the point where they aren't any more. I'm striving to find that balance.
Do you find yourself in a similar situation? Are there things that you obsess over or take too far? I'd love to hear how you're working on that.
addiction, bad habits, classes, exercise, good habits, obsession in About My Day 
Reader Comments (4)
I too am addicted to diet soda. Specifically, Diet Dr. Pepper. I know it's not healthy but it's something I enjoy and at most I have 2-3 a day. I've read on Twitter that others are drinking 15 cans a day. That made me feel better about my consumption. In an ideal world, I would give it up and I may someday. In the meantime I'm proud of you!
I think it's a common thing with the overexercising. I don't do it but know several who are obsessed with it. Basically the only thing I overdo is eating. Of course that's a huge thing. We all know what we need to work on with ourselves, it's just a matter of if we want to. I love watching tv but also can go cold turkey and give it up for weeks and not really miss it. I think for me, it's easier to give something up completely than to cut back.
You're in good company with taking so many classes. There are tons of professional students who basically go to school their entire lives. They are hooked on learning. It's not my thing but I see nothing wrong with it. There are far worse things to be addicted to! It's also a way for you to make connections with others which seems important to you.
I'll have to come back to your blog so I can learn more interesting things about you! :-)
I was addicted to Tab in college (I know!) and then Diet Coke. I gave it up for Lent one year, and when I got a soda on Easter, it was NASTY! I rarely drink soda anymore. A Sprite here and there. Maybe a Fresca. I like club soda. Does that count?
Just remember - Moderation in all Things! We all want to be "better". And breaking an addition is SO HARD. Be gentle with yourself. You'll find the balance.
I'm so, so, so with you! I've always recognized my addictive personality, and that is why I make myself stay away from the "hard" stuff...but really, getting addicted to "good" things isn't good. I always have to struggle to find a balance.
And speaking of diet soda, I had gotten down to 2 or 3 a week. With the move, I've gotten back up to 1-2 a day. Gotta cut that out!
I love how all of us ladies seem to share that diet soda addiction. Why is it never celery sticks or lunges we can't get enough of? :)