Journey 2012

Well, I am about to embark on a new journey for 2012.  I have committed to go booze-free for the year.  Along with the lack of booze, I plan to run more often and train to complete the PEI Marathon in October 2012 just a few months shy of my 40th birthday.  There are several reasons for this journey.  First, I want to prove to myself that I can do it.  Second, I want to be in great shape when I turn 40.  Third, although I have been running on and off for the past 3-4 years, I want to take it to the next level.  While I can run consistently from Monday to Friday, if I party with friends on the weekend, I end up starting from scratch on Monday morning.  Fourth, I want to set an example for my kids, both with respect to the booze, as well as my physical activity, sticking to a goal and living a healthy lifestyle.  Fifth, I want to save some money.  I plan to put a $100 bill up from each pay to represent the money that I saved by not drinking as further motivation to keep going.

As part of this new journey, I am cutting my hair and donating it to "Locks for Love" on January 2.  I am hoping that by cutting the hair, shaving my beard, giving up the booze, watching what I eat, and training for a Marathon will help me to physically and mentally transform my life (at least for a year).  I am hoping to document my journey here over the course of the year.

With 16 days to go until the journey starts, I am extremely excited.  At this point, I don't think giving up the booze will be that hard and I am actually looking forward to the year as a type of cleanse.  Maybe this is getting a little too esoteric, but while I am looking forward to the physical transformation that I hope occurs, I am really intrigued by what, if any, my mental transformation will be.  Will I view things differently?  Will my relationships with friends and family change?  Will I come to any realizations about my life? my habits?