Wise Self Warnings

Dear JoAnn,

I know you’re having food thoughts, but before you act on them, I’d like you to read this letter all the way through. It’s from your wiser, experienced self.

You are a food addict, so it’s quite natural you want to eat. That’s what you do when things are even a little bit out of the ordinary or uncomfortable. Without going into your history, or even the science, let me say why it’s better to make no exceptions, just for now.

Even one bite beyond what you’ve committed and weighed is dangerous, and I don’t use that word lightly. Any substitution or addition has always led to sugar and flour, sometimes in a few days, sometimes the same day. But the exception never serves your body or your highest self.

And when you get on the sugar train, there’s no predicting when you’ll get off.  So as long as you’re within your Bright Lines, I urge you to do whatever it takes to stay there, just for today. Otherwise, you’ll eat junk that might taste good at first but becomes like sawdust you mechanically chew and swallow, which is a far cry from the delight you wanted.

As you continue to eat sugar, you’re like a robot seeking more, spending too much money and time looking for the perfect item to meet a need or desire you haven’t taken the time to get clear about.

Trouble is, no food can meet that need because the desire is deeper than food will ever address. Those intangible needs for love, acceptance, joy and connection cannot be met by material items. Ever. The problem is, because you’re a sugar addict, there is never and will never be satiation in your body after eating sugar or flour. There will only be more fat stored, more sluggish energy, more foggy thinking, a dampening of your spirit, and insatiable appetite.

Here's what I wish for you: detach and observe these food thoughts and replace them with fond memories of beauty, connections, or contentment.  Take them as information that you DO have a need, and then spend a moment figuring out what it truly is.

Laugh at the indulger who always has a clever argument but never tells the truth.

And make contact with someone—through the phone, on a walk, or online. Be open to all the ways the hard work of recovery can support your happiness and freedom, and watch thin happen on its own.

With much love and care, 

your Highest Self.