When the indicator light comes on in your vehicle, many of you may “tense automatically.” Before you know the extent of the problem, you start imagining the severity and the cost of fixing the problem.  Better yet, how can you get a cheap and quick fix. Guess what folks, we do the same with our built-in indicator lights.

HUMAN INDICATOR LIGHTS ARE CALLED FEELINGS

When an emotion crops up, it generates a feeling, and many of us panic without knowing the full extent or cost of the problem. In anticipation of the worst, we panic and attempt to get a quick fix. Therein lies the problem, the quick fix for many, usually does not fix the problem, and often causes LONG TERM problems. Many of us are quick to try to neutralize our feelings by turning to something. For many that something can be food, alcohol, cigarettes, prescription medications, illicit drugs, etc. The unfortunate thing is that NONE of these things fix the problem.

THE FIX IS OFTEN WORSE THAN THE PROBLEM

Many people who struggle with weight issues have at some point or may still have periods of emotional eating. The emotion generates a feeling, which is trying to tell us that there is something in our lives that needs to be realigned or repaired; however, most of us do not give ourselves time to figure out what the problem is. Instead, we quickly try to RUN from the problem figuratively and literally. Anything that does not solve the problem provides a temporary distraction, which means, the problem is still there and will continue to trigger feelings UNTIL we tune in [become mindful] and fix the real problem. UNDERSTAND that you are creating these emotional feelings by what you believe and think about yourself, the world, and others.

SOME REASONS WHY WE RUN FROM OUR FEELINGS

There are many reasons why we may run from our feelings. Sadly, for many of us, it has become a HABIT, worse, an AUTOMATIC habit of running to food. Initially, we may not have realized that is what we were doing and by the time we gain CLARITY, we have:

1. Developed the unhealthy habit of USING FOOD to fix the problem
2. No idea how to cope effectively with our feelings
3. Problematic thinking about ourselves and the world
4. Developed a slew of limiting beliefs that keep us trapped in fear and misery

The FEEL-EAT CYCLE CONTINUES UNTIL WE MAKE A DECISION

Is it that simple? Yes! However, the first step is usually the hardest one to take.

1. Decide today that you are willing to allow God to strengthen you to take the first step because you truly desire an end to this feel-eat cycle.
2. Instead of eating following a feeling, we learn to ask the QUESTION: Why am I creating this feeling?
3. Know that you are STRONGER now to examine the beliefs and thoughts behind your feelings.
4. Be mindful of when you are most vulnerable.

The DESTRUCTIVE RESULTS OF THE FEEL-EAT CYCLE

If you are struggling with weight, you know that the feel-eat cycle destroys your body physically. Your body size gets distorted, and your internal organs get damaged causing many diseases and physical ailments.

The pain in your back and knees is often a result of excess weight on your joints.

The elevated blood pressure and headaches often result from the damage done to our vessels from excess lipids in our blood stream. Not to mention diabetes and elevated cholesterol levels.

In addition to physical damage to our bodies, excess weight damages us psychologically, spiritually, and financially. Often it is when the burden of the damage becomes overbearing that most people are inspired to stop the feel-eat cycle. Yet, be careful to use the correct tools when you begin to do the necessary repairs.