Super Bowl Serenity
Have I mentioned that I just finished a life-altering cleanse? During those two weeks I was put to the ultimate test: the Super Bowl! An annual affair synonymous with drinking, eating and shouting. Even though I am far from a sports nut, I love a wild Sunday Funday here and there. Superbowl is one of those days that will always be so debauterous, I tend to start the cleanse the day after.
This year, however, I was already on a cleanse. So what was I going to do? Stay home? Yes, I could have done that. I could stay home every time I didn’t want to drink a ton, and be tempted by heartburn-inducing fare. But what would that prove? That I can’t handle it. That I can’t say “no.” So I went out.
There I was, passing delicious mimosa’s over my head, or to the person to my left. Handing out plates so my friends could gorge on sticky, delicious-looking chicken wings. Watching the 12 people I sat with consume a cacophony of calories, and I, sipped my tea, shook my shake, and hoped I wouldn’t have to ask the waiter to fill my glass of water every single time he came to the table. I wasn’t isolated, or subdued. I can tell you that I was a little jealous. Who knew we’d be going to a place that offered roasted vegetable gluten free pizza?? But still I passed on it. I had a plan for what I was going to eat, and that’s all I ate!
It’s always around this time that I start to reflect. What did I learn? How did I challenge myself in this situation that I can impart on others that find themselves in similar situations? I learned that I wasn’t ostracized because I wasn’t partaking in what used to feel really like letting loose. I started to realize that this is what I should do when I’m out with one of those friends that pressures me into dessert. Politely just say no! It works! They will choose to order what they want and I don’t feel obligated to eat half or, in most cases, fight the other person’s fork every time they approach the shared plate!
I put myself in the most challenging environment I could think of, and I discovered that peer pressure is powerful. I am strong, but I do succumb to make other’s happy or to avoid having to explain myself. But when I can calmly just say no, and make it clear that that there is no further discussion, as nicely as possible, then everyone will lay off!
I also actually enjoyed the game! I was able to focus on what I was there to do! Experience the drama as the players tossed victory back-and-forth. When the game was over, I happily paid my cheapest tab to date, and I went home. I wasn’t hungover at 10pm and I was up early the next morning, ready to go into the next week! It was the Monday after Superbowl that I made these observations: 1) Damn the streets were dead. I’m pretty sure I was literally the only sober person in Los Angeles yesterday & 2) I should live everyday like tomorrow is the most important, and I want to be at the top of my game!
All-in-all I want you each to know that it’s hard to go out, it’s hard to exhibit self-control. But it’s only hard at first. The more you do it, the easier it becomes. Practice does make perfect, and you can improve the person you choose to be when you leave your comfort zone.
