Life is a perpetual series of new beginnings. Each day we wake up provides us with an opportunity to start afresh; and even though, we one of us knows this intuitively on an innate level, not enough of us consciously use this universal fact to our benefit.

New beginnings and fresh starts offer each of us an opportunity for us to engage in self-awareness (asking ourselves questions like, “what do I actually want?”, “what do I need?, and “what is helping/ hindering me from enjoying the life I’m meant to lead?” to name a few…), but also take stock and cleanse our lives from that which no longer serves us.

For me, that has meant giving up two of my favorite activities: drinking and smoking. Unlike many people, I wasn’t introduced to either via means of peer pressure (I’m not easily influenced), but each is (or, shall I say, was) a conscious decision I made for myself.

For instance, I remember the day I decided to start smoking as if it were yesterday. I was 18 years old and my parents had just dropped me off at the university residence that I would be staying in.

I was also a heavily sheltered , somewhat naive, all-girls boarding school religious nut that had never been allowed to experience anything remotely not socially acceptable. So in my young mind, I decided to celebrate this new-found freedom by doing something rebellious (but still rang true to me).

Being a double Bachelor of Arts and LLB student, I had future dreams of spending time of the outside seating of beautiful Parisian cafés, writing and watching life go by as I enjoyed delicious coffee (it used to be wine, but I have that up so….) and smoking away. That was when I bought my first pack of cigarettes and I’ve been smoking on and off for about 20 years now. I reckon I’ve had a good run.

You must be wondering why I gave it up if I enjoyed it so much – and trust me, it wasn’t for any health reason. I made the decision I did because I’m looking for new experiences and that requires a new me. And to be quite honest, I’ve been craving for a change for a minute, so I’m giving it to myself.

I’m excited about finding new habits and activities to spend my time (and money) on. I’m also excited about discovering new ways to motivate and engage with the world around me… now that it feels safe enough within myself to do so.

As always, I’ll absolutely keep you posted as I explore this new trajectory I’m on. I mean, one benefit I’m absolutely excited about is that I’ll now be able to taste food better – and that alone makes it worth while.

Love and positive vibes always,

Victoria

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