Stressed + in Between

Today I struggled with saying no to the flaming hot Cheetos that live in the vending machine at my job. Why? Because for some reason every week since I’ve began my health and wellness journey again no matter how much water I drink or how many meals I prep those chips seem to call my name every single time.

The first few weeks I thought it was happening because I was working on becoming more self-controlled in my decisions so I gave myself permission to slip up once. Then once became twice and now every week no matter how good I’m doing with sticking to my plan my mind tends to wonder what those flaming hot Cheetos would taste like if I were to substitute them for one of my meals. I’ve even begun to accept the calorie count on the back of the bag as me just needing to exercise a little more. Although I have been able to continue to lose weight, I struggled with the guilt that I could’ve done more if I would’ve followed the plan.

So when it happened again today, I decided to talk to my trainer and ask him “Why am I struggling with wanted to eat something other than what’s on my food plan?” and his respond was “because you are stressing about reaching your goals so much that your mind is telling you to eat something else to deal with the stress.” Aha!! This ring of some truth and makes a lot of sense to me as to the reason why this is continuing to come up for me. For me when I understand why things happen to me I find comfort in my decision going forward.

So will I have more struggles? Of course, but today I choose to work on stressing less on the scale’s number and going back to enjoying the journey towards the finish line.

What are you struggling to finish in the next hour, day or year?

National Child Abuse Prevention Month – Day 30

April 30, 2020

12:00 a.m.

**A trigger warning has been placed on this content**

It is time to free yourself from this secret. Are you ready?

Subscribe to The Pen Letter for weekly survivor support. Happy Healing!

National Child Abuse Prevention Month – Day 29

April 29, 2020

12:00 a.m.

**A trigger warning has been placed on this content**

Do you have a survivor’s toolbox? If so, what is your must have tools?

Subscribe to The Pen Letter for weekly survivor support. Happy Healing!

National Child Abuse Prevention Month – Day 28

April 28, 2020

12:00 a.m.

**A trigger warning has been placed on this content**

My counselor saved my life by really listening to what I had to say.

Subscribe to The Pen Letter for weekly survivor support. Happy Healing!

National Child Abuse Prevention Month – Day 27

April 27, 2020

12:00 a.m.

**A trigger warning has been placed on this content**

To heal is to ask questions of why and then what now.

Subscribe to The Pen Letter for weekly survivor support. Happy Healing!

National Child Abuse Prevention Month – Day 26

April 26, 2020

12:00 a.m.

**A trigger warning has been placed on this content**

She said she never understood why a grown man would do this to a child.

Subscribe to The Pen Letter for weekly survivor support. Happy Healing!

National Child Abuse Prevention Month – Day 25

April 25, 2020

12:00 a.m.

**A trigger warning has been placed on this content**

She said generational abuse was part of their family history.

Subscribe to The Pen Letter for weekly survivor support. Happy Healing!

National Child Abuse Prevention Month – Day 24

April 24, 2020

12:00 a.m.

**A trigger warning has been placed on this content**

Just because you can’t see the damage doesn’t mean it isn’t there.

Subscribe to The Pen Letter for weekly survivor support. Happy Healing!

National Child Abuse Prevention Month – Day 23

April 23, 2020

12:00 a.m.

**A trigger warning has been placed on this content**

Love should never hurt your heart, body or soul.

Subscribe to The Pen Letter for weekly survivor support. Happy Healing!

National Child Abuse Prevention Month – Day 22

April 22, 2020

12:00 a.m.

**A trigger warning has been placed on this content**

Trust creates a vulnerable place for an abuser to take advantage of you or value you.

Subscribe to The Pen Letter for weekly survivor support. Happy Healing!