Packing for Adventure

There are many wholesome habits that bring people joy. I’m gonna talk about my addiction.

I cannot live without Diet Dr. Pepper.

To be fair, I CAN live without it, but I choose not to.

It’s delicious, it’s refreshing, it’s ZERO CALORIES. So what’s the fuss?

I know, I know, insert all the reasons diet soda is bad for you here… I’ve heard them all.

I have quit several times in my life, but I always fall off the wagon.

I think the longest I’ve gone without it has been two weeks. Most recently, I went four full days without it during a longer intermittent fasting stretch. (I fast regularly to help with weight management and for the health benefits.)

But here’s the thing: I’ve realized that what actually brings me joy isn’t just drinking it—it’s getting it.

Sure, I have dozens of 12 oz cans of soda at home, but my true love is Diet Dr. Pepper from the fountain. On a typical day, I find time to drive to the local gas station to get my fix at least once, if not twice. It’s a nice 15-minute break that gives me a chance to reset and catch up with familiar faces in my community.

Recently, I discovered I can still take that break, even without the soda. I fill my cup with ice-cold water instead, and somehow, it still feels like a treat. I go home refreshed. I still get the ritual, minus the chemicals.

Does that mean I’ve given up Diet Dr. Pepper for good? No, not anytime soon.

But the habit—the little break, the ritual, the joy of it—that’s here to stay.