I try and stay aware of the things that I say, and the words that I use. I have a whole list of words and phrases that I've changed over the past few years, more so in just the past few months. One of the words I stopped using was the word 'binge'. I did not want to associate with that word. I did not want to own that word to describe one of my eating habits. That word makes me uncomfortable. Why?
Well, I think one of the obvious reasons is that part of the definition of "a binge" is one of being out of control, and the judgement I put on the behavior of being out of control. I don't like the thought of giving up responsibility of my actions to being "out of control". I mean, am I really out of control? That seems ridiculous when I think about it, because everytime I put food in my mouth, I'm the one doing it, I'm the one "controling" it. I'm choosing to not stop.
But in the past few weeks I started using that word again. I started using it again because it best describes one of my eating habits....it just does! I mean, what else is it? Overeating? Yes, but come on....I have to be honest and call it what it is. I realized I wasn't using the word because of fear. What am I so afraid of? So stinkin what! It is what it is. Jeez....like a monkey on my back, and constantly trying to deny it's there.
Instead of fearing the word I need to change how I feel about the word, so I am. It's just a word. The power and feelings I give the word is under my control.
Eating can be, and is, joyful. Food is good. Life is good.
I've learned that words don't have power, but the emotions/associations behind them certainly do. You're on the right track: change the association and the word no longer locks you in. It's tough, though, to make that change in perspective, but doing so has great rewards.
ReplyDeleteAmy, I'm learning.....lol!
ReplyDelete