Sunday, February 17, 2008


Living Large
Today I read a Lenten devotion at Writings from the Wilderness that struck home for me in a BIG LEAGUE way. It should be clear to you all that I possess a highly addictive personality, which explains part of my eating disorder. I am very, very thankful to God that I have never been offered any kind of drugs and that I don't really like the taste of alcohol because I know what my path would have been, otherwise.

Even without drugs or alcohol, I know that the god of my life is pleasure. I have no idea how long it has been thus, but it's been for many years. I procrastinate on tasks I don't want to do in that "ostrich" sort of way - if I don't see it, it ain't there and I don't gotta deal with it. Stupid, yes; short-sighted, certainly, but I don't believe I'm the only one with my head in the sand.

Where has this pursuit of pleasure led me? To a sedentary life in front of a TV or computer; a life in which I do not feel fulfilled, with no husband or children (the deepest desires of my heart), a job that's just a paycheck and a house that's always messy because I can't be bothered to get up off my rump and do anything about it. And did I mention that as of Wednesday I weigh more than I ever have at any other point in my life?

I struggle on a daily basis to change my life. I have discovered a technique that is becoming an invaluable tool in my box. Whatever decision I need to make - what I'm having for lunch, whether I should wear my seatbelt, anything - as I'm making that choice, I speak my choice out loud.

Example One: "I'm going to have chicken salad for lunch today because it fits my food plan and I am NOT going to have the cheesy artichoke casserole, even though that's what I would prefer."

In this case, it is easier for me to stick to the choice because I have spoken it out loud which reinforces it for me. I try to do this in advance (and out of the hearing of those who would call the mental hospital).

Example Two: "I am choosing not to wear my seatbelt today because I don't feel like it. Besides, I am only going three miles to work and it's highly unlikely that I will have an accident on the way."

Put that way, it sounds rather absurd, doesn't it? Especially considering that I have HAD an accident on the way to work.... Putting it in this kind of language makes it easier for me to make the choice to do the right thing.

No, this is not an easy method. First, I have to be aware that I'm making a decision at the moment, second, I am a weak human being and I still face the temptations to go against my better judgment, but speaking and hearing it out loud means that I cannot pretend any longer that I'm not making a decision. I cannot stick my head back in the sand.

Even though recognizing the decision points is tough in the beginning, I know that with practice I will be able to spot them more readily and the more I practice good choices, the easier it will be to make one the next time.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Excuse me, did you say something? I couldn't hear, I have sand in my ears! La la la la la la la la la!

DeskDiva said...

You totally crack me up, cg!! :-D

Unknown said...

"Comfort" is one of my main things.

You're smart about to use your seatbelt. Not exactly the same, but I once got hit by a car when I was riding my bicycle to a college class. Good thing I was wearing my helmet. It cracked in the back. I got some scrapes and bruises. I was just crossing the street on the crosswalk.

DeskDiva said...

kristina - I have had a few accidents in my life (YES, I'm a safe driver!). In one, I had my seatbelt on. It left terrible bruises on my left breast and stomach. In another, I cracked the windshield with my head and bent my steering wheel with my chest. That one put a permanent, if small, bend in my sternum that gives me minor trouble periodically and I spent 3 hours picking glass out of my scalp. (It was a very low-speed accident, but I hit a cement pole which didn't seem to want to move out of my way.)

All in all, I'll take the seatbelt bruises. WAY less permanent.

Mary's Blog Writing Tips Blog said...

DeskDiva,
I just read your funny squirrel comment on Dave Barry's blog and was curious to see who wrote it...which led me to your website.

I'm an infrequent blogger...although I do try to read what's going on many days. I do feel like I know a little bit about you from reading your very funny comments..but I didn't necessarily recognize the sadness behind them.

I just want you to know that you bring much joy to other people's lives. Because of that, I hope you don't mind if I add you to the list of people I pray for every day. And I mean that sincerely... you'll get at least one special prayer said for you every single day, along with all the positive energy I can just to send your way.

My best wishes for you...
marytheblogkidsmom

Anonymous said...

My brother got in an accident a few years ago, and was probably in much better shape afterwards because he was wearing his seat belt. I asked my then boyfriend (now husband) if he would start wearing his seat belt all the time. Quite frankly, it had shaken me up. He promised, and did start wearing his seat belt. Then, about 2 months before we were married, he rolled his car while going down the interstate. He had his seat belt on and walked away from it with only cuts and bruises!