One Bite Means a Binge - Food for Thought

[MajestyJo]

Sunday, November 27, 2011

You are reading from the book Food for Thought

One Bite Means a Binge

By this time; we know that we do not overeat moderately. One extra compulsive bite sooner or later becomes a binge. Keeping this fact firmly planted in our consciousness prevents us from deluding ourselves into disaster. For us, there is abstinence or there is chaos. Nothing in between.

Having proved this fact over and over again, we must avoid at all costs the insanity that makes us think we can handle one small extra bite. Our only sure defense against such inexplicable insanity is a Power greater than ourselves. Alone, we cannot control what we eat and we cannot manage our lives.

Each day we begin by admitting to God our powerlessness over our compulsion, and we ask for His control. Whenever we are tempted or overwhelmed, we release our whole selves into His care and protection. At the end of the day, we give thanks for the Power that keeps us from taking the one small, disastrous bite.

Deliver me from the bite that means a binge.

[MajestyJo]

This reminds me of a counselor at Mary Ellis House where I went to treatment. One of the clients said, "I don't think I am an alcoholic, I am a binge drinker." The counselor asked her, "What does binge taste like!"

[saved1]

There will come a time when you believe everything is finished.
That will be the beginning.:281:
Louis L'Amour

During my life I've always found it hard to start anything. I don't know whether it comes from being a compulsive overeater, but I do know that I took my time in starting a recovery program. Maybe it was a fear that, if I didn't succeed, I could never start over.

Luckily, this is a very forgiving program. If I slip, I can get up and start over. I don't have to stay down. In fact, I can be down, but I can never be counted out, because all I need to do is begin again. My Higher Power helps me stay on track, and it comforts me to know that, if I fall, I can be picked up and allowed to continue my journey to recovery.:1:

One day at a time . . .
I will remain "higher powered" and start over if I need to.
Jeff

[schell08122008]

Thanks for this reading Jo. Just because I binged yesterday, does not mean I need to binge today. I pray each morning, admit my powerlessness over food to my divine power, then move through the day remembering that I , in doing my own will, or claiming control does not work..I want to take that first bite all the time..I did remember to talk to God yesterday as my insides were jumping for the first bite..it worked until , a couple of hours later, I, on my own will , went to the kitchen and started eating the butter cookies, did I forget God? Yes, I want what I want and took back my will. I will start over today, as God did grant me a new day..Peace Schell

[saved1]

Above all, let us never forget that an act of goodness
is in itself an act of happiness. :idea:
Count Maurice Maeterlinck

While in the disease, most of the goodness I tried to do was for ulterior motives. It was only in recovery that I learned to give unselfishly and without strings to help another.:1:
In doing so, I have found happiness beyond measure.
*I can create my own happiness in the service of my Higher Power and other compulsive overeater's.:15:
* I can make the promise of a "new happiness and a new freedom" come true.:281:

One Day at a Time . . .
I will do acts of goodness.

~ Judy N. ~

[saved1]

“Hide not your talents, they for use were made.
What’s a sun-dial in the shade?” :281:
Benjamin Franklin


In the cups of my illness I was a chameleon and people-pleaser. I was afraid to stand on my own opinions and be myself. My fear of rejection kept me always looking for ways to fit in. I was running from life because I was afraid that I would be found to be a fraud and a compulsive eater. I played dumb in school and with my friends. I was afraid to be smart. I was afraid to have differing opinions. Shame kept me hiding inside of myself and inside of my suit of fat. I was afraid to be me.

Since coming to the program I am learning more each day that it is okay for me to be me. It is more than okay; it is essential. I can spread my wings and let myself out of my self-imposed cage ~ and I can go for a flight gliding on the breeze with ease. My first steps were wobbly, but this program promises me that the sunlight is there and it is okay to come out of the shade and be whom I really am. I have something to offer the world. We all do. It is up to us to find it in our deepest heart’s desire.

One day at a time...
I can take one small step to match my insides to my outsides.
~ Lanaya

[saved1]

:17:(SHARE-PERSPECTIVE) :42:

People are lonely because they build walls instead of bridges. :281:
Joseph Fort Newton

When I was growing up I remember always being lonely and I never had many friends. In order to protect myself from the pain of rejection, or perhaps because I didn't have self-esteem or believe in myself, I gave the impression that I didn't need people. I was probably thought of as a snob. I thought that people didn't like me because I was shy and introverted, but I had built up around myself an impenetrable protective wall which didn't invite anyone in. It was small wonder that I spent many lonely nights buried in a book or food or any other solitary pursuit for that matter.

In my adult years I became a people-pleaser in the hopes that people would like me more. That even spilled over to include my children as well, which meant that I wasn't able to say no to them or anyone else unless they stopped loving me. I would say yes when I really meant no, and consequently I was always filled with resentment and felt even lonelier than ever. I didn't know how to set boundaries and was terrified that if I said no, people wouldn't love me anymore.

I now know that when I set boundaries, it is an affirmation of my worth, and in most cases I am respected and liked by those people who are really my true friends. My children, too, have benefitted from my having set boundaries with them, and they have more respect for me than before. I am beginning to realize that it is just fine to do what is right for me, and that it doesn't have to jeopardize any of my relationships.

One day at a time . . .
I am learning that it is right for me
to define my boundaries with those that I love,
knowing that I set these boundaries in love and friendship,
rather than hostility, and that I am still a lovable person. :D

Sharon S.