The allure of unhealthy treats
"I deserve a treat," is an enticing phrase that often leads us astray.
When we utter these words, we tend to reach for things that provide short-term satisfaction but leave us feeling awful afterwards, like that beer or sugary cookie we swore off.
In the moment, we crave the quick hit of pleasure. But later, we're left bloated, hungover, and full of regret.
If a so-called "treat" makes us feel terrible, can we really consider it a reward? Shouldn't treats make us feel good?
Rather than defaulting to unhealthy indulgences, we might expand our definition of what constitutes a treat. An evening playing cards, watching the sunset, or taking a walk with friends can lift our spirits.
Treats don't have to be edible at all - they can simply be experiences that bring us contentment.
The next time we feel we "deserve" something, let's pause and consider what would really make us feel cared for. Chances are, the unhealthy option won't pan out the way we hope. On the other hand, activities that nourish our spirit can be the treats we’re truly seeking.
Caught in the riptide
When caught in a riptide, it's advised not to fight the powerful current. Even strong swimmers can't overcome it. Instead, you should conserve energy until the tide weakens, then swim perpendicular to shore.
Life presents similar moments when we face forces beyond our control. Like enduring an abusive relationship – it’s often better not to confront the abuser in the heat of the moment. Tread water by finding support until you can safely exit. Or coping with workplace bullying – directly facing the bully could worsen matters. Document incidents, lean on coworkers, and watch for opportunities to leave for better prospects.
Other challenging "currents" include battling a legal opponent with far greater resources, or recovering from illness. There may be times when progress feels impossible no matter how hard you strain.
The key is persevering through difficulties using available supports while awaiting chances to swim perpendicular toward safer waters. With patience and wisdom, the stormy present need not last forever. Riptides eventually weaken entirely. Similar currents in life ease up too, allowing you to move toward relief. Staying afloat through the chaos lets you emerge stronger for the challenges faced and overcome.
So in times when you feel caught in a riptide in life, don't fight needlessly against forces larger than yourself. Tread water, brighten your corner, and keep sight of shores unseen.
This too shall pass.
The self-reflection that came from 'selfish' wishing
At a 12-step meeting last Sunday, I heard that it is selfish to wish someone behaved differently. This gave me pause for self-reflection.
It often happens that I wish people in my life would make different choices. I wish they would adopt healthier habits - better diets, more exercise, avoiding substances that can cause harm. I genuinely want the best for them.
However, I’m realizing these wishes also point to something in me that needs adjustment.
What does this say about my own patterns?
Have I become over-involved, attempting to excessively care for or change others?
Is this a sign I need better boundaries?
I’m learning that wanting things to be different is rooted in deeper emotions - fear, grief, anger. I’m also learning that by focusing less on changing others and more on accepting with compassion, I can become curious about myself and where in my body the discomfort exists.
Then, I can turn my efforts toward personal growth and self-care (ie noting my emotions and comforting myself), rather than trying to shape how others live.
As I learn about myself, my faults, and the pain I’ve caused, I’m seeing many areas for improvement. With time and progress, I can become less judgmental and more at peace.
My hope is to approach my relationships with empathy, humility, and grace. Rather than a selfish desire for others to change.
Big Food & Pharma: hooking our kids
In a podcast interview with Dr. Mark Hyman, former Big Food and Big Pharma consultant Calley Means revealed information about why America is getting sicker, fatter, more depressed, and more infertile.
This is worse than the Covid pandemic.
I am horrified about the corruption that’s harming the health of children. Can you believe doctors are talking about prescribing Ozempic to treat obesity in six year olds? Sadly, one in six youth have obesity.
A 2006 study states: “According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 3 children born in 2000 in the United States will become diabetic. The odds are higher for African American and Hispanic children as nearly 50% of them will develop diabetes.” (Ximena Urrutia-Rojas, John Menchaca, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center)
This is insane. The government needs to send the message that unhealthy food is to be avoided instead of subsidizing and recommending it! We need to push for taking Coca-Cola and high fructose corn syrup out of school lunches and hospitals NOW!
Processed food is the new tobacco.
To fix this we need to end Big Food’s funding of government, think tank organizations, academic research, and media outlets. It doesn’t help that there are unhealthy food and pharmaceutical ads on television.
It's time we demand an end to subsidies for processed food and drugs. We need to tax unhealthy food and use the money to fund healthy food initiatives.
It is an election year. Let’s improve health by giving our government incentives to put people before profits.