Marching into change

Commit to something

Today is March 1^st. It’s a date that reminds me of a few things.

It reminds me that Daylight Savings is coming, meaning longer days and along with that, warmer days too. 

It reminds me that sixteen years ago I moved back to NYC after a three-year hiatus and began an on-going and unforgettable chapter in my life. 

But mostly, it reminds me that eight years ago today I stopped smoking and drinking.

Most people who’ve known me for a long period of time can remember the days when I spend my evenings at the local bar, smoking a Parliament Light and drinking a vodka tonic. I constantly got lectured for smoking.

“That’s going to kill you.”

“You stink of smoke.”

“Why do you do that? It’s such a nasty habit.”

Having been on the other side of no smoking for such a long time now, I can honestly agree with those statements. But it’s fascinating how nobody ever really brings it up anymore. I don’t ever really hear people say “I’m so glad you quit smoking.” Out of sight, out of mind I guess.

On the flip side, I have to hear about quitting drinking almost every single time I’m in a social situation.

“You don’t drink? Like at all? Not even socially?”

“Oh wow, why would you do something like that?”

“How do you have fun if you don’t drink?”

No, I don’t ever drink. Not even one occasionally. I continue to not drink because mostly I like the person I am without booze in my life but also because after having quit, I discovered I carry the addiction gene and my body was most definitely addicted to alcohol and I don’t need to play in that arena anymore.

And I know that people aren't attacking me when they try to understand why I stopped. I mean, what does it matter to anyone what personal choices I make? I just get tired of having to explain it all the time. It's not a quick story explaining why you quit drinking when you didn't have to go to rehab. It makes people worry. First about your choices and then, more specifically, about their own. Or at least that's what I think a psychologist might tell me.

So why? Why continue staying on the wagon? Besides the fact that I actually enjoy it (imagine that!), March 1st now stands as a reminder of what strong will and determination can produce. I was so tired of enduring nicotine withdrawal that I decided to cut out drinking to help ensure that there wouldn’t ever again be an evening where I could have a potential lapse in judgment and drunkenly pick up a cigarette. And I was so happy with how I physically felt after a few weeks of no smoking and no drinking that I compelled myself to go longer. First aiming for three months, and then one year, and then on to what has became a lifelong commitment. 

Throughout the last eight years I have strived to get my physique into the best shape possible, something I’ve wanted since worshipping the Abercrombie and Fitch catalogs as a teenager. And though I don’t feel I’m anywhere close to having muscles like those ripped models, I honestly believe I look better and, more importantly, feel better now than when I was 21.

Staying on the wagon has also enabled me to have a fuller life. I’ve travelled and joined a volleyball league and have reignited my passion for photography.

Now I know some people may be able to accomplish all of those things while smoking and drinking, but I was not one of those people. If a genie popped out of a bottle and offered to grant me a wish, my wish would be to get back all of the wasted time I spent being wasted.

Well, I'd also want another wish to get back the head of hair I had when I was 17.

OH, and I'd definitely want another wish for pecs like male supermodel Pietro Boselli…

So let March 1st be a day known for committing to something for you as well. Make it something you've always wanted to do but keep putting off. It's not a resolution. It's a personal goal. A lifestyle change. Because it’s never too late to create change in your life. Whatever that change may be. Whether it be a new job, or a healthier lifestyle or a new hobby. To quote a now forgotten Debbie Gibson song: Anything is possible. And after dancing on stage with Madonna, I can certainly attest to that.

As I type this, I’m personally trying to figure out where to take my life next. Where do I want to go? What do I want to do? Figuring all that out will be an adventure that I look forward to enjoying. 

Happy March 1st!

Pietro and myself