Peace, Elation, and Gratitude
I mentioned earlier this week that I have been abstinent from my addicting foods since Tues 06-01-10. It's only been a few days, but my being has been transformed. First of all, I'm not always thinking about food. Secondly, I feel better physically, mentally and emotionaly. All of that in a short period of time.
I thank God for granting me this abstinence. Now I understand the mantra that addicts talk of living one day at a time. Heck, sometimes I now take life one hour at a time. The important thing for me is to ask God on a daily basis to take away any desire for addicting foods. Develop an attitude of dependence on Him and also develop an attitude of gratitude.
I now have something I didn't have for over a year--individual days of abstinence. And, I've enjoyed succeeding days of abstinence. I don't want to give that up.
I know that for me my abstinence can be a fragile thing. But that fragile thing can give me strength. I've been reflecting that I do not wish to slip. Yeah, I know intellectually that we should just pick ourselves up and continue if we do slip. There's a problem with that intellectual stuff with addicts. That problem is that there is a physical aspect to food addiction. If I slip and lose my abstinence, I don't know how long I will go before I am able to get it back. I slipped last May after 5 months of abstinence and it took over a year to get my abstinence back. And, I did pray just about every day for it.
I feel like a new man. I feel so much better than I did a mere week ago. I think more clearly. I actually am experiencing profound joy despite the world situation. I have hope--that's something I haven't had in a year. And, outside parameters haven't changed. My wife is still out of work, we're still in debt (who isn't ?), and I still have all of my old physical problems. But, with the burden of my addiction lifted from me, life is so much easier.
I do say the Serenity Prayer every day. I do recall the 1st 3 steps of 12 step programs. I do track my food. I am starting to exercise--it may not seem like much but persistence will add to my strength.
I just want to encourage other food addicts to pray for abstinence. Can you take practical steps? Sure, keep track of your food. You may have to weigh and measure it or you may have that skill down to a science. The key for me is to avoid the addictive foods. Without my higher power,i.e., without God it is impossible for me. But, with His help it is relatively easy. I imagine that I am walking through life and God is extending a hand to me. If I just accept His help and guidance, life is so much easier. I just hold on--I'm still doing the walking but God is there ever ready to help me.
I thank God for granting me this abstinence. Now I understand the mantra that addicts talk of living one day at a time. Heck, sometimes I now take life one hour at a time. The important thing for me is to ask God on a daily basis to take away any desire for addicting foods. Develop an attitude of dependence on Him and also develop an attitude of gratitude.
I now have something I didn't have for over a year--individual days of abstinence. And, I've enjoyed succeeding days of abstinence. I don't want to give that up.
I know that for me my abstinence can be a fragile thing. But that fragile thing can give me strength. I've been reflecting that I do not wish to slip. Yeah, I know intellectually that we should just pick ourselves up and continue if we do slip. There's a problem with that intellectual stuff with addicts. That problem is that there is a physical aspect to food addiction. If I slip and lose my abstinence, I don't know how long I will go before I am able to get it back. I slipped last May after 5 months of abstinence and it took over a year to get my abstinence back. And, I did pray just about every day for it.
I feel like a new man. I feel so much better than I did a mere week ago. I think more clearly. I actually am experiencing profound joy despite the world situation. I have hope--that's something I haven't had in a year. And, outside parameters haven't changed. My wife is still out of work, we're still in debt (who isn't ?), and I still have all of my old physical problems. But, with the burden of my addiction lifted from me, life is so much easier.
I do say the Serenity Prayer every day. I do recall the 1st 3 steps of 12 step programs. I do track my food. I am starting to exercise--it may not seem like much but persistence will add to my strength.
I just want to encourage other food addicts to pray for abstinence. Can you take practical steps? Sure, keep track of your food. You may have to weigh and measure it or you may have that skill down to a science. The key for me is to avoid the addictive foods. Without my higher power,i.e., without God it is impossible for me. But, with His help it is relatively easy. I imagine that I am walking through life and God is extending a hand to me. If I just accept His help and guidance, life is so much easier. I just hold on--I'm still doing the walking but God is there ever ready to help me.
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