Food issues abound.

[irishyogini]

Sooooo... I feel overwhelmed. I feel tired. I feel overweight (even though I've gained less than ten pounds). I feel frustrated. I feel thick. I feel...

Bored.
Hopeful.
Stuck.
Stressed.
Determined.
Lost.
Lonely.
Sad.
Cautious.
Optimistic.
Pessimistic.

How can I feel all these things all at once?

I've found myself overeating. Not bingeing, exactly, but

Comments

[bodhifox]

Learn to tie a bow tie on someone. That's the key.

[irishyogini]

Learning to tie a bow-tie will alleviate self-destructive behavior? Wow. :)

[bodhifox]

Certainly. It would put a crack in your patterns and allow new habits to begin. Campfire cooking would also service. I would be happy to assist you in either endeavor.

[anonymous]

You should come over here for a visit. Can you apply for an artist's travel grant? My muso friend can vouch for you, probably get you some gigs together. Stay with him and every morning we can go for a long walk along the beach. You would love it here.

[sagebee]

Come over here to visit. Can you get an artist's travel grant? My muso friend can vouch for you and probably even arrange for a couple of gigs with him. You would love it here.

[irishyogini]

I want VERY much to visit Australia in general and you in specific. I think you are the loveliest person I've never met on another continent.

[red_girl_42]

You may be nothing like me, but I think when I do things like that it's because I'm shutting myself off from grieving (something I definitely never learned to do) or feeling whatever emotions I need to be feeling. I mask them instead.

Maybe you need to grieve this relationship in addition to celebrating the life you are creating for yourself. Maybe you need to acknowledge that this is all really hard and be kind to yourself. Maybe there's a way you can be kind to yourself without binging or drinking or lying around. Maybe instead of feeling guilty that you aren't out going for a run, you can take pleasure in a less taxing session of stretching, or treat yourself to a massage, or something else that's good for you but doesn't scream "deprivation!" or "hard work!" when your emotions are probably already working overtime in the background.

Just a thought.

[irishyogini]

I know I self-medicated with food and alcohol. A lot. Like you, I never learned how to process or deal with my own emotions, though I am very skilled at helping others with theirs.

Oddly, I feel as though I've mourned this relationship for years, but I always seem to have more tears to cry. I'm trying to learn how to care for myself in positive, constructive ways, and I am often frustrated at how difficult it feels.

You're so wonderful. I think we are alike in many, many ways.

♥

[red_girl_42]

I think we may well be. And I know what you mean about helping other people but not being able to deal with your own emotions. Hell, I'm giving you advice here that I'm not any good at taking for myself! I'm working on it, though. It's a process.

[feministyogini]

This is a really lovely sentiment. I concur.

[annelise]

sending you good thoughts! I think this is so natural, and you should give yourself permission to do one of those three things (I'd suggest the lay around one more than the other two :)

Or re-read (or read if you haven't) Living Your Yoga, by Judith Lasater. I find this book to be such a comfort!

[feministyogini]

Second this book recommendation. I started reading it this summer and using it in my yoga teaching. I, and others, really like it.

[irishyogini]

I think I need to get this book. I've been meaning to get it for ages, and just never have.

[irishyogini]

You know, I've been meaning to pick that up. I think it's high time I just go to Amazon and get it.