What Happened in January (2023)

January is a month filled with challenges and opportunities for growth. This year, my focus is on improving my health and well-being. Today, I will reflect on my journey and discuss the month’s highlights.

I wish that January went without a hitch. But I’m afraid it is. It was stressful, overwhelming, and demanding. That’s only reasonable because it is the month when you usually get things in order.

As you know, I’m very serious about the changes I want to make this year. I want to make my health and my well-being a priority. I know that it will not be a walk in the park and that things will change over time. It is imperative to keep going at it and trust the process.

What Happened in January?

So without further ado, here are the highlights of my January.

Cigarette Progress

Quitting smoking is my priority this year. This January, I took steps to raise my awareness of this habit. I tried to lessen the cues and make the experience as unpleasant as possible. But the problem seems to be adapting to the discomfort I put myself in when I smoke.

It is only half of it. I notice I’m only passing the time until I light up another cigarette. It is difficult because there is no immediate reward for not smoking. So, I came up with a reward system for myself. I will give myself 20 pesos when I opt not to smoke and deduct 10 pesos when I decide to light one up. I will use the money to buy books or support my Gunpla hobby.

To ensure I’m not rigging the game, I’m only allowed to smoke a certain number of cigarettes daily. Depending on meeting that day’s quota, I will deduct or add half of the total money. I will decrease that number as time marches on until I reach zero.

Currently, I smoke ten cigarettes a day. It is quite an improvement, given that I smoked a pack daily.

It is challenging if you ask me. Sometimes I slip up, and most days, I get irritable. Now I can see why one comment mentioned a punching pillow. But I’m determined to quit. I’m also writing this down so I can hold myself accountable.

Atomic Habits

Another goal for 2023 is to read as many books as my time allows. I couldn’t think of a better book for January than Atomic Habits by James Clear. It’s a self-help book that explains how small, consistent changes can improve your life.

I finished it in time, and it was eye-opening. I became aware of habits that seemed inconsequential but affected my happiness. The book is insightful and entertaining. I’ll give it a 9 out of 10.

If you want me to write a review about this book, please comment down below!

Self-care Go Bag

Stress management has always been a problem for me. I get cranky when I get stressed out. It is also one of the reasons why my smoking habit spiraled out of hand. You see, when I get stressed, I smoke. And the more anxious I get, the more I smoke.

Whenever I get stressed, I remind myself not to worry too much and to care for myself. One of the tools I use to manage my stress is my self-care kit, or what I like to call my kikay bag. This kit includes self-care items like facial masks, lavender roll-on, and hand cream.

Alice in Borderland

Between work and a handful of things I need to do, I only have limited time to watch TV. I only watch an episode or two a day if I get lucky. This January, my daughter suggested we try Alice in Borderland.

I watched the show because I wanted to spend time with my daughter. I was skeptical at first. It wasn’t the kind of show I usually enjoy. But soon, I enjoyed each episode and began rooting for the characters.

The show reminded me of Lost but with a more satisfying ending. And I think Alice in Borderland has a more meaningful story than The Squid Game. So if you enjoy those two, give Alice in Borderland a try.

Please let me know if you would like a more comprehensive review of Alice in Borderland. I’ve been thinking about what content to try this year.

January 2023 Round-up

• New Year’s Resolution for 2023

• Mental Health Matters: A Guide for Men

• Allow Older Women to Use Their Magic

January was a challenging but productive month for me. I am motivated to continue improving myself after this experience. I am determined to make the changes I want in 2023, and my New Year’s resolutions are fresh. Hopefully, this post has inspired you to reflect on your journey. Anything is possible with a bit of diligence and patience.

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