An attitude of playfulness helps ease difficulties that are
bound to arise on every Chew Tamer's journey. It is
an essential part of our healing process. I often ask my
clients to share their childhood adventures with me -- things
that took place before they learned the adult lessons of being
fearful, worried and over-burdened caretakers. We discuss
these stories and often they are surprised and delighted to
discover that they have a playful, creative little imp hidden
deep within. Many who come into my office, with or without
food control issues, find reclaiming childhood playfulness
frees them to become interested and involved in the
development of something new in their lives. This information
may manifest immediately in positive changes or in more subtle
changes that take longer.
Epiphanies come in their own way and at their own time. Ask
yourself what you would like to add to your personal life.
Don't consider an activity because you feel you should
like it or because someone makes a suggestion. Only
consider things that ring true for you. Close your eyes right
now and think about times you have felt joyful. Then ask
yourself these questions: When were some of those times? Why
did you feel so happy? What made those experiences important
and freeing? Were these times you took on challenges, spent
time with neighborhood friends or enjoyed an activity by
yourself? What can you do today to recapture some of those
joyful, illusive feelings?
Who are you? Are you a painter, a skydiver or a gourmet
cook? Maybe you're a deep-sea diver or a yoga instructor. It
doesn't matter. What does matter is that you're having fun.
Try different things. If you try something and don't like it,
try something else. Get actively involved in the process of
living your life consciously. Be proactive, not reactive.
Don't wait for life to happen, because it won't. Only you can
do it. If you don't take responsibility for making the changes
you want and creating the YOU you want to be, no one will.
Managing your life is your job. Don't think of yourself as a
victim. The time to act is now! Each moment that passes by
without doing something for yourself is one more moment you
have missed. Don't wait!
I certainly missed my share of opportunities along with
many of the gifts life has to offer. My words are written
solely to give you the impetus to create the most exciting
life you can. Separate yourself from all the roles you play in
life - parent, child, friend, partner, etc. - and spend time
thinking of who YOU are. When I ask a client "Who are you?" I
often get a teary reaction, simply because a conscious
response has never been considered. Most people are far too
busy playing roles they have learned to play and attending to
everyone else. Spend time contemplating what you love to do.
Brainstorm some ideas. No matter how far-fetched or impossible
they seem, capture them on paper. This will grease the cogs of
your brain and refresh your spirit. Feelings deep inside of
you will become the manifestations of your dreams. You cannot
create something new in your life if you don't know what you
want. Spend time discovering who you are. Only then can you
move towards the life you truly want to have - filled with
zest, joy, health and balance.
Start now to uncover the creative, playful, delightful
little imp dwelling deep inside of you. Meanwhile, I hope you
are enjoying autumn – perhaps playing in the leaves?
Warmly,
Dr. Denise
