Food for Thought: August 12th

The Beacon

There are times when we get tired and depressed or elated and confused. We are mentally uncomfortable, knowing that something is wrong but unable to pinpoint the trouble. Our first thought may be to reach for food, but we know that way leads to disaster.

We compulsive overeaters have a beacon light for our dark and confused moments. It is our commitment to abstinence. No matter how confused we may be, we can remember that abstinence is the most important thing in our life without exception. Whatever happens, we will not be lost if we hold fast to our abstinence. From the commitment, everything else follows. As long as we do not overeat, we will be able to find our way out of a difficult situation.

Our Higher Power gives us the beacon light of abstinence, and with it He gives guidance out of our perplexities. Patiently waiting until we clearly see His will keeps us from getting lost in the darkness of self-will.

Thank You for the beacon light of abstinence.

From Food for Thought: Daily Meditations for Overeaters by Elisabeth L. ©1980, 1992 by Hazelden Foundation.

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My natural INSTINCT is to turn to food in times of confusion or upset. Nothing I do can change those instincts, either. Abstinence and a firm Food Plan gives me another option, however, so I can override the instinct. I've developed enough tools in my toolbox to have a Plan B in force when my natural inclination is to soothe my anxiety with excess food. 

The worst mistake a person can make is to lose weight & believe they are 'cured' of their disordered eating. We are never 'cured', we just enjoy the peace of remission while we stay focused on our Food Plan.  If we divert from it, all hell breaks loose and we're thrust back into the dark pit of despair after taking that first compulsive bite.

Abstinence is my #1 priority; from IT, all good things flow.  Abstinence is my beacon light..........my way OUT of the haze and confusion that threatens to overwhelm me. When I am abstinent, I am thinking clearly and able to call upon my Higher Power to guide me.  If I am drowning in a whirl of excess food, I am not able to think clearly or to realize that God WILL help me out of the muck & mire.

For today, I pray not to get lost in the darkness of self-will, and to surrender my powerlessness over food.