I came across a surprising editorial in the New York Times by Mike Tyson during my 'net wanderings today. Although he focused on his recovery from alcohol / street drugs, I, on the other hand, honed right in to how closely his insights & experiences parallel my own junk (i.e. sugary, starchy) food addiction.
Here is a link to his essay:
Fighting to Kick the Habit
www.nytimes.com/2014/01/
04/opinion/mike-tyson-figh
ting-to-kick-the-habit.html
Even the title hits home! Here are some of the more striking quotes:
"For addicts, discipline isn't something to strive for each new year; it’s necessary for every moment."
"I had to replace the cravings for drugs or alcohol with a craving to be a better person."
"I’ve learned that being sober is more than just avoiding drugs or alcohol. It’s a lifestyle focused on making moral choices and elevating the things that make life worth living to the forefront."
"Even with your conscience nagging at you, it’s extremely difficult to develop a sober and moral consciousness without a good support system." Where would we be without our supportive friends, family and SparkFamily? "Recovery is a drawn-out process, and without the continued encouragement of my support system, it would be close to impossible."
"Strangely, times of success are most dangerous for me. When people tell me, 'You’re great' or 'Your comeback is amazing' or 'You’re a god,' I could feed right into it and go get high." Yep, been there, done that...even recently a well-meaning person who hadn't seen me in a while was telling me how good I looked and to myself I replied: Ugh. Don't tell me that! Cuz I know the score. My tight pants knows the score! I have been known to pervert praise as an imaginary "get out of jail free" card. Which we all KNOW doesn't exist, but those well-worn grooves can be so treacherously easy to slide back into!
I know I've seen similar thoughts / struggles from those well into maintaining weight loss: "even though I hadn't been using for five years, all that time I just didn't feel comfortable in my skin."
And near the end he shares a lesson I've recently re-learned, re-honed: "I had learned not to beat up on myself. I remembered that relapse is a part of recovery." Congrats Mike and thank you for passing along your insights!
This is day 3 since my re-set. Tracking & low carbing absolute essentials to where I want to be!
I also GREATLY appreciate the HUGE tip shared by WATERMELLEN (check out her recent blogs:
www.sparkpeople.com/mypa
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www.sparkpeople.com/mypa
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I've since signed up for Steve Siebold's FatLoser program (Mental Toughness Program for Dieters) and have begun reading his free e-book:
www.fatloser.com and doing the work.
In other news, I was disappointed today to have my allergy problem, which may be more than allergies, I'm beginning to suspect, prevent me from getting out on one of the increasingly rare days when we can cross country ski in our area. I've been sneezing uncontrollably, runny eyes, raw nose from blowing, headaches (which I rarely get) and absolutely zero energy. Despite that I have been able to put together a terrific soup with beef broth, crushed tomatoes, kale, onions, garlic, jalapenos, a smidgen of pumpkin left over and black beans.
AND I've wrapped up my third day of tracking. Sure I feel lousy with my allergies, but hey, no matter what, I can always choose what to eat!
Monday I see my old allergy doc, hopefully get to the bottom of these spells which come and go and knock my socks off!
Don