Tuesday 22nd November 2005
I am writing this in a war zone. At least it feels that way. Fireworks began exploding in my street at the end of October, and a week after Guy Fawkes' night they're still raining down.
It always amuses me that we burn the effigy of a zealous catholic one day then run up wings for a nativity play at 3am the next in honour of new hope in baby form. We humans can change overnight. Or can we?
I checked out the Reading Chronicle's 'New Year You' article, enthusiastically written in January 2005. Life coach and personal trainer Rachel McGuiness observes: ‘It's funny with New Year's resolutions, because we all put this pressure on ourselves to give up smoking, give up chocolate and lose weight, but basically they're all goals and you could make them any time.'
Been there, done that and I admit rather sheepishly that I’m still smoking, although I have taken up more exercise by walking to the shops to buy my cigarettes rather than driving.
I have often prayed for the desire to smoke to be removed, but there is a small part of me that hangs on to the fags like long-loved friends. An illusion I know, but will power when it comes to addictive behaviour has never worked for me.
It is when I admit I am powerless over the cigarettes and then ask God to take charge that the compulsion eases off slightly.
I do have free will of course, but those of you who have ever been part of a 12-step fellowship - alcoholics anonymous, overeaters anonymous or any other anonymous will get my gist. Confused? Let me just say that often, but not always, it is when I realise I am at my most powerless - stripped of money, jobs, relationships - that I truly turn to God and ask for clarity and support.
I suppose I could take some comfort from an Evening Post report of a project aimed at 'increasing physical activity in the workplace, focusing on giving up smoking and improving diet'. In the South East it will be led by Slough Teaching Primary Care Trust involving 1500 staff at a factory making Mars Bars.
To neutralise the effect of a sedentary office life the campaign urges us to take the stairs, cut back on biscuits and eat healthier canteen food. Oh, and it’s probably best to choose low-fat veg over chocolate-rich fun-size mini-bites. Easier said than done for those confectionary factory workers. Sweet-toothed torture!
Have a good Christmas and may God meet your needs whatever they may be.
Clare Catford presents BBC Radio Berkshire’s Sunday morning programme