Abstinence

The practice of restraining oneself from indulging in something, teetotalism, temperance, sobriety, abstemiousness, abstention, celibacy, chastity, virginity, self-restraint, self-denial, refraining from, desisting from, holding back from, withholding, renunciation of, refusal of, declining, avoidance of, eschewal of, abjuration of, forgoing, shunning, going without and doing without.

I think the idea is to abstain from things that are bad (society qualifications) such as drink, sex, and other nonsense that will get you in trouble or worse.  We all like to conform to acceptable expectations. We must abstain from the pressure to stay up past curfew, drive too fast or taking advantage of the curious and willing. No matter how we wanted to emulate our screen idols or fit in with the cool kids we followed our instructions of right and wrong.

 Once we are free from our parental judification there is no one to blame for our actions. It is part of the growing up process and we accept what we like.

So after living as a ‘good-boy’ in a ‘bad-boy’s’ body, perhaps I’ve grown old enough with a taste of wisdom and a bit of sensibility to conform my lifestyle of restraint. No late night carousing or shenanigans. Step away from the fried food and dead animals and starches and don’t go down the chips or cookie aisle.

Self restraint might have made us live longer and healthier, but those temptations were hard to resist.

So the New Year will be a Vow of Abstinence.

It is not hard to go without. I’ve already tried to clean all the clutter collected through the years. I’ve trimmed down my Rolodex and only answer the phone after a message is left. The television is turned off except for important programs like candidate debates or football. Priorities are being set.

Still pay attention to current events but only worry about what I have the power to control. Makes social media easier to view.