We each have our own way of coping with the crap in our lives.
I used to eat. SUGAR and CARBS were my go-to. Ice cream sundaes. French toast doused in butter and syrup. Warm chocolate chip cookies. Washed down with tall glasses of cold milk.
All the delicious things that seemed forbidden… But felt oh-so-good going down.
Until I felt nothing. Because feeling was too painful. And I just wanted to avoid the pain.
Do you numb with food? Alcohol? Pills? Shopping? Work? The options are endless.
I no longer rely on food. Somehow—well, with a lot of therapy—I made peace with it. I still love sugar and carbs (I enjoy them every day) but I don’t binge on them.
Now I sometimes overindulge in Chardonnay. Or I lose myself in work—I’m hooked on busy-ness and DOING. I am aware of this; it’s a first step.
I also know I can’t power through these issues on my own. I’m working with a somatic therapist who is teaching me to FEEL my feelings and I’ve signed up for the Cutback Coach app to keep me accountable for my drinking. I’ve also hired a strategy coach who is helping me simplify my business so I can reduce my workload and spend more time BEING.
It’s a work in progress.
Know this: It takes courage to own our struggles. The truth is, we ALL struggle, and we ALL have our own ways of avoiding or managing pain. I see this time and again from the deep connections I make with the women 40+ inside my membership.
So trust me, you are not alone. And by recognizing how you cope, you are taking the first step toward healing.
YOUR TURN: How do YOU numb? I’d love to hear from you. Please let me know in the comments below or email me directly.
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