OK Doughnut, Just Back Off

How many times have you said, "Food is the only pleasurable thing I have, so I'm not giving it up"? I've said that too many times to remember. What I'm really saying is that I refuse to look for any other option to relieve stress, boredom, anxiety. . .and whatever else I can think of. I'm in denial about my food addiction (i.e. I am not a cupcake addict. It's just that cupcakes make me feel good.) And so, as long as I allow it to happen, my addiction continues. 

That's right—as long as I allow it. The truth is that I do have control. I am not powerless. I am the one who makes to decision to eat the cupcake. The cupcake doesn't jump in my mouth. 

Have you ever been at work—just minding your business, doing your work—and someone brings in some doughnuts? You weren't even thinking about doughnuts, but now there they are with all of their delicious sprinkles and frostings. You can't stop thinking about them. You make a number of excuses to walk passed them. And finally you give in. 

Now those doughnuts didn't really sit there calling your name did they? But why did just knowing that they were there make them so tempting? Why did they suddenly become so important? I really do have power over the doughnuts. But why do I think they have power over me? It isn't true that food is the only legitimate pleasure I'll ever have. It is time to stop giving up everything for the doughnuts, cupcakes, cookies, whatever, that I encounter.