Breaking Free from Addiction

I posted an image last week, and I think folks got mad at me because they assumed I was pointing at their addiction. Hey, I draw my circle and stand in my own camp so that I can take care of myself. This image was for ME. Remember, it IS called social MEdia.

There are MANY forms of addiction. I mentor writers. I’ve lost count of how many writers never even started writing because they were addicted to the false words rattling in their head telling them they couldn’t do it. They used those words as a crutch.

I’m with a nourishment coach. I’ve been addicted to the false statements that I’m just destined to be fat because of genes and hormones.

I’m a social media addict. I’ve found that my finger mindlessly gravitates to the apps on my phone without even thinking…and without a plan on what I’m going to post. I believed the lies that as an author, I needed the app on my phone to connect with readers. Because I’m a mentor I lied to myself that I needed the apps to be in touch with the groups I’m a part of.

So, Saturday night I made some changes. I removed social media apps from my phone. I’ll be on when I’m at my computer, for three designated times a day specifically for social media.

And you know what? I’ve already noticed that my battery is still at 100%! I’m conserving ENERGY, too!

You only have one life! Do what you can to better yourself!

According to Psychology today, addiction is a pattern and has two things in common. The addiction is used to numb feelings and the addiction stems from a negative and destructive thought process. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/compassion-matters/201204/breaking-free-addiction

The author in the article mentioned an important part of the process that a therapist (or coach) needs to help a client do — identify the critical voice and words that are the foundation to the habit patterns. Then, learn more constructive ways to deal with the emotional pain.

Breaking free from the addiction, whatever it is, involves:

Identifying. I’m with a nourishment/wellness coach and she’s helping me to dig deep into my own health and nourishment food addictions. You have to identify the thoughts that lead you to make the bad decisions.

Journal. I already love to journal in my prayer journal or other journals. I’m diving into journaling specifically as it regards my food addiction. If I feel tempted to stuff my face, I journal about the feelings I have and what I’m letting push me towards the food pantry.

Reflect. My reflection time led me to an instance when I was a teenager and a lady at church called my rear end fat. Crazy how insensitive, quick-dagger words were still embedded into my mind.

Plan. I’m planning my meals. I’m planning places we go and what I’ll eat. I’m not obsessing and truthfully I haven’t put any food into a bad list. Right now, all food is good. But, not all food is good for me right now.

Compassion. Have compassion on yourself just like you would someone you know dealing with the issue. In my case, I know I wouldn’t rip someone up one side and down the other if they messed up and craved to a tempting food. So, I’m trying to have some of the same compassion with myself as I would with others.

Feel. No more stuffing my feelings. No stuffing my pain, physical or emotional. Since addictions work to stuff and bury feelings, both good and bad, it’s important for me to decide to feel all the feelings — the good, the bad, and the ugly.

So, there it is. I bared my heart to you today. I talked about my addictions. Food and social media.

I pray that if you realize you have some type of addictions that you’ll take the next brave step. Face it head on.

I find the scriptures in my “Light Over Darkness” Bible reading plan helpful to me while I battle my food addiction. Maybe they will help you as well!