Bad Habits

"Can't help myself....Bad Habits" crooned Billy Field back in 1981 which if my memory serves me correctly also was used in a TV jingle for Roundup CT!

In any case Billy sang of losing control and giving in to temptations and having so many "bad" habits. Songs are seemingly easier to write about "messes" in our lives or sad or negative aspects but what about "good" habits?

Next Tuesday, March 23, will be a significant date for us at the pub.

It is recognized by some as National Chip and Dip Day, National Organize Your Home Day & National Puppy Day. For us, like many more, it will mark 12 months since we were forced to close our doors under Covid-19 restrictions. 12 months since the Pandemic reared its head and things got serious. Swiping through Instagram I can see I was quite aloof about the oncoming threat as I joked about stocking up on canned goods (beer in the bottle shop) and was bemused when the Monday night Ukulele group suggested they would not be coming any more because of their concerns with the mysterious disease.

Whilst it was a tough time for our business it may become the most important period of my personal life to date. Faced with time on my hands I got down to "other" business, working on myself. As a result I have been blessed to have had some major shifts in my life and furthermore some wonderful habits have been formed.

The pandemic also brought opportunities. My daughter moved away and found peace among the hinterland and tropical waters of the Sunshine Coast, my wife started an amazing new business from scratch and like many families, we spent extended time together.

Personally I enjoyed the benefits of 5am starts and relishing in the magic and stillness of the early hours. I also completed a 6 month "Personal Activation System" which began as a skeptical and almost reluctant enrolment but finished with me manifesting and achieving goals I never thought possible.

One byproduct the lock down produced is now ingrained in my daily life, a dip in our wonderful Southern Ocean each morning. They say it takes 66 days to form a habit. Once you hit that mark it becomes an unconscious action.

Considering these "dips" started in or around April you can imagine that there was some challenging moments through 2 degree mornings and bone wrenching water temperatures. But along with a few like minded souls we braved our way through and those 66 days came and went like the waves that crash into us around 7:30am each day. Custom designed budgy smugglers unified our unwavering commitment!

Cold water swimming (we simply duck under a few waves and float around) has been well documented with many physical and mental health benefits. However that isn't really mentioned among our tribe as we shiver waiting for our delicious "extra hot" coffees at the nearby Beach Kiosk. There is almost this feeling or energy that we know we have started our day in the best possible fashion.

The most consistent part of the process is the inconsistency of the environment! The ocean, beach and weather are never the same. It could be a stunning sunrise, a powerful undertow or a visit from Sammy The Seal, but no morning is like its' predecessor. Science aside it is truly the best part our day.

Did you form a new positive habit during the last 12 months?

Start one tomorrow.

I tripped over mine and conned a couple of mates into sharing it with me each but with some goal setting you can identify something you definitely want to do. Imagine if you read for 30 minutes each day for the next 66, perhaps meditated for 15 minutes for the next 66 days or set that alarm a little earlier. Whatever it is remain bullish about doing it everyday for that period and enjoy the results once it becomes automatic.

You won't look back!

PS I am most excited to add that the Ukulele Group returned in stunning style Monday just gone.