I spent a few days in the company of a close friend of mine. She is amazing in many ways, one of which is that she is very serious about her healthy routines, and approaches things with mindfulness and consistency that not many people have. In these few days, I noticed how she always drinks plenty of water. The first time I noticed this little detail was almost ten years ago, I think. This time, I decided to copycat, and pick up a few of the things she does, and try them out in my everyday.

The rule of “start your day by drinking a glass of water” never worked for me before. It felt a little forced to wake up and already have something to do — something that you don’t even feel like doing. Making myself gulp down a glass of water wasn’t really enjoyable. The habit never stuck.

Something apparently was different this time. There was just always water nearby, and I guess “monkey see monkey do” was the beginning of it. After these few days, coming back home, I remembered to put a glass of water near my bed. And I took a sip in the morning. Nothing forced. Just a sip of water. Then, a bit later, maybe a couple more. And now, I find myself reaching out for a glass of water every morning. Even if it’s not the first thing I do, maybe ten minutes after I wake up, I’m thirsty.

How did this magic happen? How did something that was a habit I was trying to impose on myself because it was Good For Me turn into a natural craving?

Oh, by the way, I now also start my breakfasts with some vegetables. And other meals that I have at home. Thanks, friend!