In almost every case, we know what is best for us in our lives, from the relationships we create to the food we eat. Still, somewhat mysteriously, it is often difficult to make the right choices for ourselves. We find ourselves hanging out with someone who leaves us feeling drained or choosing to eat fast food over a salad. We go through phases where we stop doing yoga or taking vitamins, even though we feel so much better when we do. Often we have no idea why we continue to make the less enlightened choice, but it is important that we inquire into ourselves to find out.
When we choose that which is not best for us, the truth can be that there is a deep seated part of us that does not want to heal. We may say it’s because we don’t have the time or the energy or the resources, but the real truth is that when we don’t take care of ourselves we are falling prey to self-sabotage. Self-sabotage happens unconsciously, which is why it’s so difficult to see that we are doing it. The important thing to realize is that this very part of us that resists our healing is the part that most needs our attention and love. Even as it appears to be working against us, if we can simply bring it into the light of our consciousness, it can become our greatest ally. It carries the information we need to move to the next level in our healing process.
When we recognize that we are not making healthy choices, we might even say out loud, “I am not taking care of myself.” Sometimes this is the jolt we need to wake up to what is actually happening. Next we can sit ourselves down in meditation, with a journal, or with a trusted friend to explore the matter more thoroughly. Just shining the light of our awareness on the source of our resistance is sometimes enough to dispel its power. At other times, further effort is required. Either way, we need not fear these parts that do not want to heal. We only need to take them under our wing and bring them with us into the light.
Source: Daily Om
From my experience, the best or healthiest choices are not always the most tasty or fun. I'd much rather eat a delicious piece of chocolate cake instead of a carrot for a snack.
I see the better choices as a mindset.
My passion is food, so it is not always easy for me to eat and cook healthy meals. Of course I know that I can learn how to cook healthy meals that are delicious, but I don't until I change my train of thought and make a conscious effort to be more healthy in general.
In the healing process, I have learned how to do things in small bites . . . incremental changes. Before I quit smoking after JR died, I made a conscious effort to adopt a healthier lifestyle since I had a considerable amount of weight to lose. JR died of a heart attack and that put the fear of death in me.
Rather than go on a "diet" I set out to change my lifestyle. Within a year, I had lost 100 pounds, even enjoying holiday meals at Thanksgiving and Christmas. The difference was that I enjoyed those things I knew were not the healthiest thing for me to eat in moderation. A bite of this and a bite of that. Just a bite to get a taste of it.
Little by little I made small changes that made a huge impact. Being addicted to Pepsi, I could not step down to Diet Pepsi and I knew it. I would fail and go back to drinking Pepsi. So I started drinking water and learned to love it.
Think of any change that needs to be changed as a lifestyle change. It is all part of the self-talk that is important in changing our mindset and leading ourselves into a different direction that is not comfortable or easy.
Now I need to put my words into action. Ultimately I quit smoking for two years and put on some weight. Then I met The Captain who was a smoker and I started smoking again.
It is never to late to start over again!
I see the better choices as a mindset.
My passion is food, so it is not always easy for me to eat and cook healthy meals. Of course I know that I can learn how to cook healthy meals that are delicious, but I don't until I change my train of thought and make a conscious effort to be more healthy in general.
In the healing process, I have learned how to do things in small bites . . . incremental changes. Before I quit smoking after JR died, I made a conscious effort to adopt a healthier lifestyle since I had a considerable amount of weight to lose. JR died of a heart attack and that put the fear of death in me.
Rather than go on a "diet" I set out to change my lifestyle. Within a year, I had lost 100 pounds, even enjoying holiday meals at Thanksgiving and Christmas. The difference was that I enjoyed those things I knew were not the healthiest thing for me to eat in moderation. A bite of this and a bite of that. Just a bite to get a taste of it.
Little by little I made small changes that made a huge impact. Being addicted to Pepsi, I could not step down to Diet Pepsi and I knew it. I would fail and go back to drinking Pepsi. So I started drinking water and learned to love it.
Think of any change that needs to be changed as a lifestyle change. It is all part of the self-talk that is important in changing our mindset and leading ourselves into a different direction that is not comfortable or easy.
Now I need to put my words into action. Ultimately I quit smoking for two years and put on some weight. Then I met The Captain who was a smoker and I started smoking again.
It is never to late to start over again!
