Friends, emotional eating (from feeling fearful, sad, angry, or whatever overwhelming thing we are feeling) is something that can be managed and overcome when we learn how to access the tools we need.
It definitely takes practice and lots of support to “retrain our brain” but it is TOTALLY doable! I’ve been actively at work on my own emotional issues and how I can respond to stress differently than I did for so many years. It’s a powerful process, not always easy- but the healing that has taken place and the strategies I’ve gained are worth the effort.
I’ve learned that one of the strongest tools that we have is our own voice. The words that we say to ourselves have incredible power! That’s why I believe so firmly in the power of positive self-talk and affirmations. Our self-talk, both internal and external, should be coming from a place of love, and strength, and joy. That’s the starting point for truly learning to love ourselves well.
The problem that we face is that for too long, we have let ourselves be bossed around by an entirely different kind of voice. Too often the voice that we have been responding to is one that is demanding, critical, harsh, mean, and pardon my French but, kind of an asshole. And the thing is that when all you keep hearing is negative, you become so familiar with it that you will keep recreating patterns in your life that support that negativity, until you choose to make some changes.
Why should the negative voices have all the say in what we do, think, believe? While we can certainly recognize that the negative and critical inner commentary going on within us does have a purpose [typically it is drawing attention to an area where we feel vulnerable] the truth is that we DO NOT have to let that be our only guiding voice. We CAN learn to choose a more positive way, a more gentle way, and ultimately a more loving, fulfilling way.
The next time you are stepping out of your comfort zone, you can bet that the negative self-talk will start to pipe up and get your attention. When it does, try saying this (out loud if you have to!): “Thank you for your input. I’m OK, and now I’m going to try things differently.” In doing this, you get to remove the power from Captain Negative Bossypants and return it to where it belongs, with your Fabulous Inner Superhero. YOU get to be in charge, not your emotions. You can then proceed to address the stressful situation in a calm, peaceful, thoughtful and positive way.
An absolute expert in the area of “retraining your brain” and dealing with your critical inner dialogue is Nicole Lewis-Keeber, MSW, LCSW. She’s such a gifted coach in this area and she has some excellent resources for you as well. I hope you will check out her website Nicole Lewis-Keeber.com and especially look into her “Retrain Your Brain: 7 Strategies to Fire Your Inner Critic” which she is currently offering as a free download! Yes- FREE. And just FYI, I am not an affiliate, but I am lucky enough to be her cousin.
Okay loves, on to a more loving and positive way!
You can get my affirmations eBooks, The Blessings Butterfly and The Blessings Butterfly Companion Guide from Amazon for your Kindle today. They are also available in paperback!
