I think we throw around the word addiction the same way we throw around other strong detrimental words. But sometimes simply using these words bring us down even more! The limit us, they anchor us, they enclose us in a labeled box and give us an excuse to give up.
I've been to my share of meetings. I've felt addicted to the struggle of food. I've seen both sides of the coin- there is the side that stuffed herself- getting lost in numbing with food, and there's the flip side that enjoyed chasing the feeling of hunger, enjoyed the idea of denying her body what's it's asking for because I could anticipate a different set of results. Many times people with these experiences will label themselves addicts and feel hopeless. And while I'm not minimizing the struggle... I do encourage you to ask yourself, is this really a hopeless situation- or just a really tough one?
Dr. Phil posed an amazing question to an addict that has stuck with me. He asked,
I've been to my share of meetings. I've felt addicted to the struggle of food. I've seen both sides of the coin- there is the side that stuffed herself- getting lost in numbing with food, and there's the flip side that enjoyed chasing the feeling of hunger, enjoyed the idea of denying her body what's it's asking for because I could anticipate a different set of results. Many times people with these experiences will label themselves addicts and feel hopeless. And while I'm not minimizing the struggle... I do encourage you to ask yourself, is this really a hopeless situation- or just a really tough one?
Dr. Phil posed an amazing question to an addict that has stuck with me. He asked,
"Is this an IRRESISTIBLE IMPULSE? Or an IMPULSE NOT RESISTED?"
I loved this question because it really drew a line between a disease and a lack of discipline and responsibility. It's not meant to judge people who are struggling, but to set them free and help them realize that they are a just small daily choice away from breaking out of the chains that are holding them down.
Tonight I was craving chocolate. I thought about cookies, I thought about ice cream. I dreamed about sugar. And then I walked to store and looked at those things. I read the ingredients, I look at the sugar contents, and then I RESISTED THE IMPULSE. I chose a box of tea instead. I will sleep tonight without guilt, without judgement of my choices.
What will you choose today?
XO Jamie
Tonight I was craving chocolate. I thought about cookies, I thought about ice cream. I dreamed about sugar. And then I walked to store and looked at those things. I read the ingredients, I look at the sugar contents, and then I RESISTED THE IMPULSE. I chose a box of tea instead. I will sleep tonight without guilt, without judgement of my choices.
What will you choose today?
XO Jamie