Intro You’ve heard the saying, right? That for every “yes” you say in life, you are also saying no to something else. So, what are we saying yes and no to when we comfort ourselves with food? This single concept might have you doing some serious double takes from that box of doughnuts or that extra large fries the next time you are having a hard day. ***42DFC Promotion*** www.loraartmendariz.com/freeresources *** Personal The other night I overate a jar of chocolates. It was still leftover from Christmas. I just kept reaching into the jar while my head boiled over with all the emotional trauma that comes with teaching and loving your students. I was tired. My body still hadn’t caught up to the 3am start on Monday morning and there were dirty dishes and laundry enough to keep me busy through the weekend. My heart hurt, knowing that some of the situations at school were well beyond my influence and God alone could affect the much needed healing and growth of kids and parents. The warm sweetness of the chocolate momentarily made life feel doable, but when the flavor left my tongue, my hands reached for the next chocolate square. I know you’ve been here too. When our brains learn to turn to food or a beverage to help us feel better, it becomes very difficult to turn to something else. So, what helps in this moment when all your defenses are broken down and all you want is that drink or that bite that will bring comfort? Okay, so, my sweet sister, as I did that evening, I recognized that some prayer and an early night to bed would be my best bet and I had to walk away from the jar and wrappers. There is a very big truth that we need to hold on to in these moments, the one that will have our eyes focused back on something that brings us health and peace. The truth is that comfort food holds us back from all our real needs. Concept When you say “yes” to comforting yourself with food you are saying no to 1.Your physical health and needs. Over-eating food that doesn't support your body will affect your energy and digestion in the immediate future and then affect your overall health long term if those eating habits are encouraged. 2.Your saying no to taking care of yourself in a better way. As long as you are shoveling in the comfort food or alcohol, you will find that true healing is harder and harder to find. You’re more likely to stay up late with that bottle of wine or Netflix. It's more likely you’ll grab another handful of jelly beans instead of calling a friend or opening up God’s word. Those comfort food and beverages provide just enough relief that we feel like we can just keep hobbling along emotionally and physically. 3.Lastly, you are saying no to change. Permanent weight loss means we can’t just lose the weight and go back to doing whatever we were doing before. If we keep going back to the habits that don’t serve us, we are not helping ourselves practice the healthy choices and learn the skills to make losing weight and keeping it off part of who we are. Spiritual Application I love in the first chapter of psalm when the psalmist writes “but he whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither-- whatever they do prospers.” (verses 2&3) Every choice we make, sinks our roots deeper. Where are your roots sinking in? Thankfully, our loving Father is there for us in this growing season, ready and willing to strengthen and protect us as we plant ourselves more firmly in Him. Practical Application I want you to take a moment today make a set of “Yes” and “No” phrases. My favorite is, “When I say “no” to sugar I’m saying “yes” to living my best life.” I know that as long as I’m eating that chocolate or cookie, I will feel like I can muddle through. But, when it is off the table, I have to dig deeper and open up to real healing and love and care. Then, I am truly living my best life. Journal Prompt The best way to start on those “Yes” and “No” statements is to simply make a pros and cons list of comfort foods or beverages and then use those truths to create statements that really resonate with what is true for your life. Sign Off Remember, my dear, that real change takes time. Each time you choose to show up and practice better healthy skills, you are developing those muscles and growing your roots in healthy practices. Remember to sign up for the 42 Day Fall Our challenge if you feel you would really like to target an unhealthy habit for six weeks. You are a hero simply by choosing to move in a way that is contrary to our world, trusting God, and caring for yourself. I’ll talk to you next week. Good bye for now.
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by Lora ArmendarizYou Can Do It!Do you want to fall out of love with a destructive habit? The first 42 episodes of this podcast are a resource for anyone who wants encouragement and information as they take a six week break from a habit in order to fall out of love with it. Archives
June 2024
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