by roundcoconut » Thu Apr 23, 2015 10:42 am
grannylut, I'm glad you posted, and I'm glad you've decided to take us along with you on your journey. I'll always offer any encouragement I can, and be your eating cheerleader as much as you ever want or need one. Just let me know when you want someone to give you credit for some good decisions you've made and some positive thoughts you've had, and we will do so -- how about that??
Of course, there is much to be said for the strength we have shown in coping with life up till now. I mean, what person on this planet does not do sub-optimal things to themselves as coping mechanisms for times when you feel somehow stressed, bored, unfulfilled, conflicted? Some people drink alcohol, some buy material objects, some retreat into depressive patterns, some pour themselves obsessively into work. You've had coping mechanisms like the rest of us -- no shame in that!
But at some point, we have the strength to rework our approach to the challenges of life and change our response to it, even if it's just a little bit. It sounds like you've decided that you want to do that, and I think you're fully capable of doing the work, and making shifts happen in your life. We all are capable of that, if we decide we want to be.
I listened to a wonderful podcast last night by Marc David, on the emotional underpinnings of the pressure we put on ourselves or our bodies, the blame we heap on ourselves for not sailing effortlessly through life, the frustrations within ourselves that drive us to seek coping methods. If I can the link, I will -- it was AMAZING!
In short, what I was trying to say is, welcome back, and I'm glad you've made some decisions to rework your relationship with food! Feel free to let us know more about your successes or challenges, as much as you feel like it.