2020 Hindsight: 941 Days

The 324th day of 2020 is also National Carbonated Beverage with Caffeine Day.  I know this holiday on 11/19/2020 is likely a made up marketing ploy.  But when I heard, from Breakfast with the Beatles, that this was one of today's "optional holidays" it made me think.  It used to be a rare day when I did not have a carbonated, caffeinated beverage.  My obsession with Coke Zero bordered on unhealthy and when I felt it crossed that border, on April 23, 2018, I vowed to take a Coke Zero Cleanse.  I told Sarah I was going to go 30 days without drinking Coke Zero and her response was that it would take MUCH longer than that.  So, I decided I would just stop.  Cold Turkey.  My 2020 Hindsight is 941 days.  It has been 941 days since my last Coke Zero and, in fact, I have not had an artificially sweetened beverage since.  I stopped my Diet Green Tea (much to Turkey Hill and Wawa's chagrin) and no more Coke Zero, Diet Coke, Sprite Zero, etc.  And now, if I take a sip of something and I think it has been artificially sweetened, I spit it out because I can no longer stand the taste.  I guess it's like when ex-smoker's hate the smell of cigarettes.  I actually have felt better drinking mainly water and, lately, Sarah has been making some excellent cold-brew iced tea (unsweetened).  Small steps to feel better and likely improved my health.  During this pandemic it's good to consider the small things that can make things better.