I just returned from a woman's conference at my church. The theme was Simply Joy. Basically it was finding many different ways that brought us joy. One class was titled Chocolate Chip Cookie and yes I attended. We all love chocolate chip cookies, especially when they are still warm. Yes they handed out chocolate chip cookies in class. I had already made up my mind to turn the cookie down, but they ran out before they got to the back of the chapel. I also knew there were cookies and brownies for lunch and chose to stay away. For me this was all a good choice. I was in a good spot today.In the Chocolate Chip Cookie class it was basically on things we have learned and been taught that bring us great joy. Some of it was related to food, some to outdoor activities, and some to learning a new hobby. Maybe something that was not our first choice, but once we got though the learning phase it was not so bad. The point is, IT probably put us in a good spot of joy. Remember how you feel when you get to that spot? You feel like taking on the world because you know you can.
So it is with life. We have to make choices. Good choices are just as easy to make as bad choices - I think? But it really depends on where we are at that moment. Notice I did not say life, but at that moment. I believe there are some keys to have and be aware of to be in control of the choices at the moment. If you are not in a "soft place" you are probably going to make some choices you will be kicking yourself for later. A soft place is not being in turmoil, mad, upset, frustrated or out of control. It is that peaceful, warm safe feeling and you know if you needed to you could conquer the world. Or at least what ever life throws at you at the moment.
So I thought about the things that I have learned that truly brought me joy. I actually thought of one sitting in another class. There are several, but the one that I think I will use as my soft place is learning I am loved in this life. Shortly afterward Candida's mother saw me and said, "Laura!!" As she wrapped her arms around me and gave me a big hug and kiss. This is a lady I met at Christmas. And it was truly the unconditional love of a mother. Someone confided to me today, she first felt unconditional love when she met her new mother in law. In her home she was expected to be perfect and when she was not, they let her know. So she felt like she was never good enough. She like me had to learn to be loved in this life. This is my soft place. The spot I can go back to when I need to feel safe.
My challenge to all of you is to find your "soft place". That memory or place that you can go back to in your mind and know you are happy, completely safe and in control of you. If I can remember to do this, maybe I can continue to strengthen my relationship with food and not let it be my crutch and escape.
I have the No Sugar and No Soda thing licked, it is all the other stuff I still need the help with.
By the way, the reason it is called a "soft place" is because it that peaceful place. Think about getting in an argument with yelling and screaming. How different would that argument be if you conversed in a softer voice than one of anger and turmoil? You can call it what ever you want but for me it is my "soft place". And on that note I know there will be faced with treats tomorrow again. But I am ready!!!
