Thanks to a comment I received from my "Unfinished Business" story, I felt it was important to address some of our daily struggles. Be it food, shopping, gambling, or any other addiction we turn to for comfort, in the end, these behavioral patterns are simply distractions. We subconsciously give our power to these addictions in hope of comforting a concealed wound.
Until recently, I proudly labelled myself a shopaholic. I'd spend any free time at malls and when closed, I'd turn to online shopping until the wee hours of the night. I had no issues joking about my debts because I believed I was being fulfilled by all the "stuff". My credit card was the gift that kept on giving - temporary happiness, that is.
When my friend, Mavi brought up her love affair with food, it was clear that we both had the same struggles through different addictions. The underlying fact remains that we turn to our distractions when we're craving something much deeper than a poutine or a pair of Louboutins. We all seek happiness, yet when it's not easily obtained - be it in relationships, our career, in parenthood - our distraction is always available to comfort us with short term joy. More often than not, we buy into the sinful pleasures, only to feel regretfully defeated later. Everyone has some sort of escape they hope will bring them happiness. How do you get your happy fix?
As a born again yogi, my perspective on my life has been altered. Eight years ago, yoga was my idea of a great workout that provided a sense of calm. I'd show up to my classes with judgement, fear, and expectations to leave a better person. Today, my goal is to practice yoga with loving kindness, an open heart free of any preconceived thoughts and appreciation for all it awakens within me. Learning to live my yoga off the mat has become my ultimate goal. Through this internal growth process, I learned that shopping was my happy fix. The thought of taking free time to look inwards for raw happiness, scared me. What if I didn't like what I felt inside? Somethings are better left unknown, I'd think to myself.
Weight battles are probably the most difficult to conquer. I mean if Oprah admits to being defeated by food, it's gotta be tough. Yet Oprah also came to realize that in constantly giving to everyone, she neglected to give her Self love and support. When you love your Self enough, you will take care of YOU.
The same way the scale doesn't lie, neither does the mirror. Take a long look at yourself. Look into your eyes with questions. Try to get to the root of your cravings. See if you seem distracted or disconnected. I bet you are. I also bet you're out of balance. Somewhere on the life scale, you probably dedicate less than 5% to 'Me Time'. In a 24 hour day, you're doing yourself the biggest disservice if you take little time to nurture your Self through exercise, meditation, or just plain alone time. No matter how hectic your life is, you'll never feel accomplished if you continue to let your guilty pleasure win. Bottom line - you don't feel deserving enough to honor your Self with love and acceptance for who you are.
It's difficult to say this, but our temptations will forever exist. The difference will be in how we manage our deeper issues. Food will always be around; especially when we're down and out. Based on my persoanl experience, I choose to conquer my comfort by taking time for my Self (aka 'Me Time'). 'Me Time' needs to be scheduled just like any important meeting. If you want to finally confront your problems, grab your cell phone, schedule 'Me Time' as a daily reccurance in your calendar. It's time to give back to your Self (the soul; that which knows truth, desires, sufferings). Devote appreciation and love to YOU on this never-ending journey.
