Do you think you're in control?....or maybe, just maybe it's your mind, the voices in your head that are really in charge. Today we're going to embark on a deep expedition into the workings of your mind when it comes to the negative emotions about food and your body image, because it's the creator of your reality, the custodian of your beliefs.
Your mind’s job is to listen to what you say and to make it real. If you keep doing what you don’t want to do, your mind thinks there might be a benefit to it. These secondary benefits serve a hidden purpose. They give you an excuse to opt out.
The Echo of Thoughts in Reality
Our minds, like an attentive listener, soak in every word we speak, transforming them into the fabric of our existence. Thoughts, even those we don't consciously desire, tend to settle deep within our subconscious, forming the foundation of our actions and beliefs.
Consider this: sometimes, behaviours we don't consciously want may have hidden benefits. These secondary gains serve as secret excuses, providing reasons for us to persist in actions that might not align with our true desires. It's a defence mechanism, shielding us from confronting uncomfortable truths.
Challenging Beliefs: Food and Body
Let's turn our focus to the beliefs we hold about food and our bodies. Are there thoughts you've accepted as truths without questioning?
Perhaps you've convinced yourself that being overweight is an inherited trait because your family shares similar body types. But pause for a moment, is it truly about genetics, or could it also be about shared eating habits and lifestyle choices?
What about the concept of having 'big bones'? Take a closer look at skeletons; barring height differences, are they inherently distinct in bone structure?
These beliefs, seemingly innocent, might carry hidden implications that shape our actions and self-perceptions.
Unmasking Hidden Benefits and Negative Emotions:
Now, let's delve deeper into these beliefs.
Are there hidden benefits entwined within them? Do they act as subconscious shields, shielding us from the discomfort of change or the effort required for transformation?
It's time to challenge these beliefs, to unravel their hold on us. When we question their validity, we create cracks in their foundation. Doubt emerges, paving the way for growth and transformation.
Replacing Limiting Beliefs with Empowering Affirmations
It’s time to challenge your beliefs and replace them with ones that actually serve you. Ones like “I’m not perfect but I’m making progress to where I want to be.” This is a powerful statement that acknowledges that you’re not perfect, but you’re still moving forward. It’s a statement that focuses on progress, not perfection.
Stuck for a few ideas? Soulful Bites, a Mood Boosting Journal for Emotional Eaters has a whole chapter on the subject.
Redefining Beliefs for Personal Growth
Remember, your mind’s job is to listen to what you say and to make it real. If you keep telling yourself negative things, your mind will believe them. But if you start telling yourself positive things, your mind will believe those too. So, start challenging your beliefs and replace them with ones that serve you. You’ll be amazed at how much progress you can make when you start believing in yourself.
If you'd like to work on this more 21 Days to Food Freedom, an online programme to help you stop overindulging may also help.