Why did I give up coffee?

I recently did something that people may find shocking: I quit drinking coffee. Let me clarify- I gave up caffeine.

Now, I'm not going to be militant about it and refuse to eat chocolate or something ridiculous like that, and I still may have the occasional Diet Dr. Pepper (yes I know they're poison, they're my treat), but gone are the days of relying on coffee to wake me up.

 I know there is a ton of info out there about health benefits you get from drinking coffee. I know this. But I also know I felt like a stretched rubber band that was about to break. I had anxiety- shakes that were sometimes uncontrollable. I had also built up such a tolerance that the coffee wasn't even working anymore. I also came to realize that (gasp) I don't really like it that much. I like it with fancy creamer, and I can't resist a good salted caramel mocha, but just plain coffee? Gross. I don't like it.

It's been a little over a week now and I think the worst is over. But there have been some unexpectedly challenging moments. I thought the hardest part would be the withdrawal headaches. But really the hardest part is WHAT DO I DO WITH MYSELF WHEN I WAKE UP? I'm so used to preparing coffee before my eyes are even fully open. So, I cheated a little and started drinking decaf. (I know what you're thinking, you're thinking A. Decaf has a little caffeine and B. You didn't give up coffee if you're drinking coffee. Bear with me). I decided I really still want that ritual. I can be healthy and caffeine free but still make myself a warm drink in the morning. My plan is, when I get the chance to pick some up, to drink Teeccino instead of decaf. I've had it before- it's good.

Overwhelmingly, I feel free. Yes I'm still choosing to participate in the ritual, but I love the feeling that if I were in a place with no coffee, I wouldn't die from a headache. I would be ok. I'm considering doing some cleanses that I put off only because they required me to stop drinking coffee. One of these is the 3 Day refresh. I'll be trying that soon. A longer cleanse would be the 21 day reset. That's more of a commitment, but I can do it now because I'M FREE FROM COFFEE!

I'm not going to preach to anyone that they should quit drinking coffee. I'm just saying it's working for me. I feel proud of myself and I feel FREE.