To move forward, you may need to examine the voice within your head which is always nattering at a low volume like a radio playing in the background. Does that radio station keep playing sad songs like “I’m a Failure” “I’m a Fake” and “I’m Lazy”? Well, maybe it’s time to change the station and realize that you sabotage yourself with negative self talk.
You look in the mirror and you gained five pounds—not great – but not the end of the world either. Seize the opportunity to look within and get a greater understanding of why you overindulged. Did you seek solace in food and extra wine to deal with the deep pain around _________________(fill in the blank – a break up, parent’s divorce, job loss etc.)
Painful losses are a fact of life, but our culture is uncomfortable with expressions of grief. We divert our focus to food, gambling, drugs, alcohol and even self-mutilation. These are all expression of the deep pain we carry and our attempt to not be present, to escape.
What if going forward you created a kick ass lawyer or counselor to rebut all the horrible things you tell yourself ? Imagine this lawyer/counselor advising: “Yes you gained five pounds as a coping tool to deal with your parent’s death or for some other reason, but you are now learning other tools to help you deal with the deep pain and discomfort these events caused you.”
Give lawyer/counselor a name and trust him or her to look after you and protect you from that nasty voice that undermines you in so many of your endeavors. It’s time to dare to dream.
