SUGAR FREE!!! WHO ME?!?!
/A year ago today, I was stressing about my first sugar free Thanksgiving. I was filled with major anxiety thinking about all the dishes once over consumed and were now forbidden. I was only a couple weeks into this shift and it was rocky and filled with anxiety. If you are or have ever been a certifiable sugar addict, you know my pain.
It was actually difficult for me to start writing this because within the past year things have gotten - well, easy. I NEVER thought I would say that about sugar free, but it's true. I don't have intense cravings and salvating of my mouth like I once did. My body instantly rejects sugar now, which really helps me stay my course. Over the last year, sure I've had a little sugar now and then - telling myself everything in moderation. However sugar moderation and I don't mix. For one, the cravings come back when I have just a little. Second, my stomach instantly rejects it. Prevention of the stomach cramping, bloating, discomfort and uncomfortable extraction (can I say that on tv?) all motivate me to avoid added sugar.
Food and myself have quite a choppy history and I have let go of the past and rewrote my food story. Especially around the holidays when it's so acceptable to over indulge. I no longer binge and have a secret hidden love/hate/shame/guilt/uncontrollable relationship with it. For most of my life I never hit the feeling of full. I could eat and eat and eat. My friends called me the "over orderer". I would order 3 dishes at a brunch. If only they new how much I ate behind closed doors. Through all of this, sugar was my biggest vice. I thought there was something seriously wrong with me. I felt deep shame about my sugar addiction. Throughout this past year I have learned so much about sugar that allowed me to see it's not my struggle alone to bare. Sugar is seriously *ucked up. Have you read anything about how it reacts in your body, your brain, how addicitve it truly is? Crazy!!!
I've also learned so much about myself. I learned that I can do all those things that I desired to do. I am capable of anything I put my mind to. I am crushing it at my dream job, working with so many beautiful souls, filled with confidence and clarity, trusting in myself, listening to Divine guidance, investing in my life, relationships and business, AND I AM SUGAR FREE!!!! Woooo Hoooooo!!!!!!! The truth is: If you know you can't, you are not capable of achieving it. If you know you can, anyhing is possible.
Today I feel totally relaxed about the upcoming holiday celebration. Now I know - I can do it. I intend to eat mindfully, be present, love completely and stay in a space of deep deep gratitude. I intend to feel great and proud of myself during and after the celebration. I will not have a lack and sacrcity mindet about the 'special' Thanksgiving foods, but will choose thoughts of abundance. Inser one of my favorite abundance mantras: "There is more where that came from." I don't need to over-indulge today on anything except fun, love and gratitude.
What are your intentions this holiday? Do you have any fears or worry you're ready to let go of?
I'd love to read your responses below.
Intentional Breathing Meditation
A great one to use before you celebrate this year. Allow yourself a few minutes to connect with yourself, before you encounter anyone else. Feel grounded, protected, guided and true to who you are now. Close your eyes and focus on your breath. Inhale and exhale, deeply and fully. Silently repeat with your breath. Repeat until you feel ready to shine.
Inhale "Love, guidance and protection"
Exhale "My most authentic self"