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No man is free who is not master of
himself.
~ Epictetus ~
We mustn't let our passions destroy our
dreams.
~ Anonymous ~
YOU
DON'T HAVE TO EAT THE CAKE
I reported recently that I did a 14 day cleanse
which is part of my investment in my commitment to optimal health and
vitality. The cleanse was a kick off in a dietary experiment of eating
raw, uncooked foods only. This may seem radical to you and for me at this
moment it is very appealing. Especially this time of year.
In addition to the health benefits it's an
opportunity for me to be conscious in my eating and intentional as
learning to eat in this way is new, therefore very engaging.
I am just returning from Oklahoma where I had been
visiting my husband's family. Almost every day I ate freshly harvested
watermelon for lunch and mid afternoon I had a bowl of just picked
tomatoes. Yum.
We're on our way back to Chicago and my husband just
got into the car with something that smells interesting. Something I would
have eaten in the past 'for fun'. Today I just inhale and imagine what
eating it will feel like in my stomach after I swallow and I find it is
easy to say no.
Saying no is part of life. Just because something is
in front of you doesn't mean you have to eat it. Even if it is your
supposed favorite. You don't have to eat the cake. You don't have to eat
the pizza. You don't have to eat the french fries. Just because it is in
front of you, you don't have to eat it. You don't have to participate. You
don't have to.
If someone starts to criticize you, you don't have
to defend yourself. If someone cuts you off in traffic, you don't have to
get mad. If someone invites you to a movie and you are tired, you don't
have to go. If someone asks you to drive them to the airport during rush
hour you don't have to.
You don't have to do anything. You can say no.
When you get by yourself and your own thoughts and
feelings parade in front of you, you don't have to participate in them
either. When the inner critic begins to get on your case, you don't have
to listen. You don't have to participate in anything that doesn't support
you.
You can say no.
Many of us have been taught that it is selfish to
say no. But if we say yes and we really mean no we foster resentment and
negativity which isn't good for our health or anyone else around us. When
we say yes to the negativity parading inside of us it too is not good for
our well-being.
It's your job to say no. No one can do that for you.
People do what people do. Our feelings do what our feelings do. Our
thoughts do what our thoughts do. It's up to you to say no to what doesn't
serve you.
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Copyright 2009 by Leslie Karen Sann, Living by Design
Visit this link for contact information:
leslie@living-bydesign.com
Reprint permission granted in part or whole when the following credit appears in full:
Copyright 2009 by Leslie Karen Sann,
Living by Design. All rights reserved.
Web site. http://www.living-bydesign.com
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