Habits ~ the good and the ugly

I was at the grocery store a couple days ago, focused in my own little world of getting all the grub up to the register, distracting a bored toddler, and fitting a VERY pregnant belly around the cart to do both. When I looked up, I realized what the gentleman in front of me was buying. Only two things: a pack of cigarettes and an inhaler. Now I didn't ask him any questions so the two may be completely unrelated, maybe not for him...BUT...I couldn't help but wonder, if he didn't buy one of those items, would he still need the other?

This short shopping list kept popping into my mind ~ and obviously still does as I write about it here. All I can see is the cycle of behaviour/habit/addiction that he was trapped in. As I stewed a little more (I know you all know my strong feelings about smoking!), and worked hard to remove my judgement, I saw that it was really just a perfect representation of cycles most of us get caught in.

I have been spending these last couple days looking at my interactions with life and looking for those cycles. If I routinely stay up too late (more on this in my recent post Project: Bedtime) the next day my patience is far less...which is unfair for everyone. If I don't hydrate properly, I am more lethargic, groggy and generally feel unwell. If I continue a routine of stretching/yoga/movement my body and I am happier. If I choose to watch a crappy TV show to 'relax' rather than read or listen to something inspiring, my resulting mood is much different. Even right down to the relationship between what I open first on the computer and the resulting effect on my productivity of that work session...its really quite incredible!

I encourage you to take some time this week and look at your habits. Try to look at them without judgement (tricky business) and just look for the cycle. They may not be as obvious a cause and effect relationship as purchasing cigarettes and an inhaler together at the grocery store, but some may surprise you! After that you can decide if you, like me, would like to do a little habit 'spring cleaning'!

Photo props: flyingmichelle via Flickr