Green Juice

Ugh, green juice.

So many things come down to choices. Every day, we all make choices. We decide what to wear, are we going to work, what to make for dinner, to work out or not. Some choices are easy. Others cause a little more struggle.

I don't know about you, but sometimes I have an internal conversation that happens. When I am facing one of those choices that spark struggle. I go back and forth with myself about what I am going to do. Where does that struggle and turmoil come from? Truthfully, when a choice is difficult it's because what I want and what I know is right are not lining up.

Of course, there are instances where choices are difficult for other reasons, but when I find myself waffling on something its usually because I know what I should do. I know what is going to be the best thing for me, but what I want is on the opposite side of the coin. What makes these situations even more difficult is this 'treat yourself' world we live in. Every other post on social media is about living your best life, doing what feels good, and just letting your inner desires fly.

Over the holidays my mom came to visit. She opened my fridge and when she saw my bottle of green juice, she made a sound of disgust as she said, "that green juice looks gross". Now, I can admit that the bottle of juice doesn't look appealing, but it is good. More than just taste good, it's good for my body. Green juice is not my go to treat. I would much rather have a glass of red wine. But green juice is something I enjoy drinking because I know the benefits it brings to my body.

A glass of wine will be good for a little while, but when the wine has run its course, it will leave me dehydrated and wanting more. I know choosing wine means also choosing all of the negatives that can come with that wine. Especially if, as often it does, one glass of wine leads to a second. That's not to say I never drink wine, but I try to make conscious preparations when I know I am going to have a glass or two of wine. Drink plenty of water, put up any tempting snacks that the wine may make me think I want, and trying not to stay up too late mixing lack of sleep with the negative aftereffects of the wine.

Setting goals and reminding myself of what I am trying to achieve is something that keeps me 'drinking the green juice'. One of my lifetime goals is to keep my body strong and healthy so that I can actively play with my grandchildren one day. I look at the green juice like preventative maintenance. My car will probably be ok if I push an oil change for a bit or wait for that tire rotation, but the long-term benefits of keeping up with the maintenance out way the short-term cost of my money and time.

Thinking a choice out and to its inevitable end or as far as is reliably predictable can help when the tug of war between what is good for you and what you want takes your brain hostage. More times than not we know the right choice. I am not saying never cut loose, but when you do be prepared and willing to deal with the negatives and don't forget to get back on track.