If Chocolate Could Be The Answer

I have a confession to make.

Although I practice healthy coping habits on a regular basis. There are times when there is only one thing that will work.

Yesterday, I almost ate a whole bag of Lindor Peppermint and Dark Chocolate Truffles. Seriously, almost a WHOLE bag.(We will not even discuss the calorie count) I have now hidden the few remaining truffles from myself. I should also add that I did not buy this bag and my beloved purchased them because he knew I was having a tough weekend. He is not an enabler because typically I can eat a few and put them away.

But this weekend was emotional for me. Emotional in the way that I could cry over anything (have you seen the Facebook post reminding you to bring your pets inside because it’s cold). I could blame hormones. I could blame that every college football and NFL team I have pulled for this year has lost. I could blame the fact that my floor cleaner decided to dump out all of water on the carpet and then the wet vac decided to quit working, I could blame the fact that we are not independently wealthy and I need to start planning my spring classes. I could blame the weather and the fact that it is currently 1 degree outside.

However, underneath all of this is the fact I am a grieving daughter and grand daughter. The past weekend  is a situation where my reactions were not congruent to the situation. Grief is still an ever present issue in my daily life and there are times when I am able to cope better than others. I wish it were not present but I must embrace the fact that my life has changed and these are the reactions I will have to missing my loved ones.

Most individuals experience the same type of situations and issues that I had this weekend. Of course, the emotional responses are likely due to other situations: perhaps problems at work, health concerns, financial worries or family strain. The problems arise when we don’t recognize the underlying issue. If individuals were able to acknowledge the root of their emotional eating, binge drinking, or compulsive shopping then I wouldn’t be needed as a counselor. (Confession: It would be wonderful if my profession were not needed).

When you find yourself emotional, attempt to step back and ask yourself a few questions. Are you truly responding to the current event or are there other issues you have not addressed? Do you need to do something differently?

As a counselor, I am no different than anyone else when it comes to coping with life’s stresses. I am human. I have feelings. I make mistakes. I don’t workout at times and occasionally I eat too much chocolate.

 

]]>