This month’s Kick the Habit challenge turned out to have a lot more of an impact on my life than I thought I would. I mean, I knew that kicking some bad habits would be a good thing, but I didn’t realize that I’d a) form healthy lifelong habits and b) learn some deeper lessons about myself.
On that note, let me start by going over my bad habit of having sidewalk rage.
I’ve mentioned before how I feel seriously lame for even saying I struggle with this. But, as l just mentioned, the problem goes deeper than simply how I react to pedestrians. As a Christian, I don’t want to be someone who just talks the talk - I want to walk the walk (pun sort of intended). I can go on and on all day on my blog about how faithful God is and how much I want to show His love to this city…and I can go to church and outwardly express my praise…but what does any of that matter if I can’t act in a loving, kind way while doing something as simple as walking to work?
It kills me to think that even one person has thought “wow, that girl is a bitch,” rather than seeing kindness and love from my life. I don’t want God’s love to show through me only when I’m intending it to be - I want it to be there all. the. time. So that’s why this sidewalk rage habit of mine is part of a bigger picture. And, although I can’t say I’ve kicked the habit completely, I’m glad I began this process of being a light in this city as much as I possibly can.
And now for the more practical kicked-habit - quitting my frequent dining out.
Since the last week of July, I’ve dined out maybe 5 or 6 times, which is less than I used to in an entire week! Not only have I been saving a ton of money, but I’ve been able to cook myself healthier meals, bake for my friends and office, and use my lunch hour for more productive things.
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While I may go back to grabbing lunch here or there more often after this month, I can quite confidently say that I’ve broken the habit of dining out for almost every meal. Even better, though, is that I’ve formed the habit of going back to preparing most of my meals at home - the way it should be. I’ve also formed the habit of being more mindful of what I spend money on and how efficiently I save it. Just about every week I’ve been putting more and more money into my savings account, and that - my friends - is a good feeling.
So thank you, FreelyBe. I may be biased, but I think you’re pretty awesome 
What do you think the meaning behind some of your habits (good or bad) are?
Wow, this post has really gotten me thinking about how my little actions add up and can affect the big picture. Thanks for this and glad you have ‘kicked’ the habit(s)!
hahah died laughing reading this. I totally have sidewalk rage too! Slow walkers frusturate me!
I’m glad you’re succeeding at “kicking the habit”! My worst bad habit is being a control-freak… and I’m trying to let go and accept imperfection. It probably means that I hate feeling like everything isn’t in my control and going according to plan, but the fact is — it’s not! And I’m happier when I go with the flow
Good job kicking your bad habits! I love eating out too- not only is it delicious but just really convenient at times. It adds up though so I’ve definitely been cooking more meals at home!
I love how much you’ve gotten from making more of your own food. My roommate this summer ate out so much (mainly fast food or a microwavable dinner) and she constantly wondered why she was broke and gaining weight. I’m glad you’re enjoying cooking for yourself so much. AND I think that makes dining out feel more like a special event, right?
Oh girl, I hear ya! I get grocery store rage and try my DARNDEST not to lose my cool. Having moved to a big city 10 months ago, I’m STILL getting used to how crowded the stores are and how people just take up the aisles and don’t care if you’re blocked.
*sigh*
I think from now on I’ll just wear my ipod and play worship music the whole time so I can focus on HIM!
CONGRATS on making most meals at home and especially for saving $$
how cool.
pretty girl, I want to make your pb blondies. SO BADLY.
This was so fun to read-partly because I love your writing, and partly due to the fact that I can completely relate! Eating our is SO TEMPTING, but I always feel empowered after cooking at home. And of course, the wallet like me for it, too
I think you should do another kick the habbit for September! I have a couple habbits I need to work on
I eat out so much too! My husband and I are trying to cut back on eating out like you are doing currently. I’m glad to see that you have had a positive experience doing this! I hope it works well for us too!
Way to kick the habit! I know I get annoyed like that too sometimes… And totally shouldn’t.
Good job kicking some of your habits! It’s hard not to eat out for convenience, but it definitely saves a lot of money to make your food at home, too!
I lived in NYC this past summer so I can definitely feel ya on the sidewalk rage. Sometimes I stopped myself and thought about how ridiculous I was being, but it can just take you over! Glad to see you’re overcoming it though.
I’ve been reading your blog for awhile — love it!
Yay, thanks for reading Bri!
I missed out on the Kick the Habit thing at the beginning of the month, but am totally on board for trying to eat in more - my bank balance does not appreciate my nandos addiction! Well done!
Thanks so much for sharing- now I’m thinking about my bad habits and what I need to do to improve… My fiance has recently started packing his lunch for work and he says it’s so nice saving his $$$- it quickly adds up! Maybe he’s saving it to buy something special for his honey