Food for Thought: November 29th

Flexibility

If we examine our behavior patterns when we were eating compulsively, we usually find that they were quite rigid. Our mental obsession and physical addiction kept us bound in repetitious behavior, which permitted very little spontaneity. With so much time and energy tied up in eating, we had very little flexibility. Most of our free time was used to support our addiction in one way or another.

As we recover, we may find ourselves threatened by unstructured time or by impromptu changes in schedule. An unexpected holiday can bring on feelings of emptiness or boredom. Changed plans can leave us feeling confused and unsettled. Without a firm routine, we may become uneasy.

Remembering that abstinence is the most important thing in our life without exception can provide an anchor when we are required to be flexible. As long as we remain abstinent, we are free to alter schedules and plans according to preference and convenience. Flexibility and spontaneity are possible when abstinence is firm.

Show me how to be flexible.

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

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Structure prevents chaos. If my Food Plan prevails, then no change in schedule is going to throw me off track where food is concerned. I pack my food & carry it with me so I have no excuse to get detracted.  Schedules can and do change, but my eating plan does not. It is the one thing that remains rigid in my thought patterns.......it must, because otherwise, chaos WILL prevail. "Just this once" never pans out, and easily turns into getting back to the Food Plan "on Monday".  Once Monday rolls around, there's just a bunch more excuses to trot out. TODAY is the day for rigidity with regard to the Food Plan.

Unstructured time can pose potential problems for COEs, especially from a boredom perspective. We do not, as a rule, deal with boredom well at ALL, and I'm included in that statement.  We tend to feel uncomfortable with 'down time', alone with our thoughts, which we fear.  When we learn to use our down time constructively, and to deal with our thoughts & emotions in a mature fashion, then we stop turning to food for entertainment or comfort.

For today, my Food Plan prevails.  My food intake is simply nourishment & fuel for my body, to keep me alive; not to make me feel good.