Locate Yourself

In order to find your way to a destination, it's important to have perspective of where you are at the beginning of your journey.  Whether you're using a paper map, GPS instrument, or simply getting directions from another human, the way to get to a place depends upon your location in relation to that place.  Maps in shopping malls illustrate well how this works, as they have an arrow or other symbol that essentially conveys, "you are here," so you can determine the appropriate course.

When it comes to our wellness, the script we compose here is going to be unique to each scribe.  Part of that is because we are coming to the path from unique places, metaphorically speaking.  Fears, assumptions, behaviors, preferences, and idiosyncrasies around food are learned behaviors; the story of your learned behaviors is not the same as mine, or even of your siblings.  We all pick up different pieces and assimilate differently the experiences around food we accumulate in life.  So, in order to understand which directions work for each of us, we need to locate our food-history-self.  

The Future of Healing Conference by The Institute for the Psychology of Eating

Jotting with Johnna
What are your earliest memories regarding food?  With whom do these memories happen?  What words, sensations, emotions, and conclusions do you recall?  Was there punishment or reward involved?  What memories come to you between that earliest recollection and this moment that seem relevant?  How can you reconcile your past attitudes and actions around food, recognizing that humans do what makes sense to them in the moment, with grace and compassion for your younger self?  What might you do moving forward to forgive yourself for adopting behaviors that no longer serve your best interests, release the compulsion, shame, and guilt they bring, and determine your next chapter?

Remember:  you are so very worthy of the work of recollection in order to re-collect your power over the choices of today.  It can be scary and even shocking; but it can also be supportive of the path toward your best life spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically, socially, and even financially.

Stay tuned.  Stay focused.  Stay well.