Two Myths

The two myths disclosed this morning are these:
1.  that pain must be avoided at all costs; and
2.  that food relieves pain free of charge.

Neither are helpful.  Neither are true.  The For Today reading this morning starts with a quote from former US president John F. Kennedy:

The great enemy of the truth is very often not the lie -- deliberate, contrived and dishonest -- but the myth, persistent, persuasive and unrealistic.

The reading goes on to say that the writer's food addiction was acquired so [s/he] could survive and cope with earlier, painful circumstances. 

Thus began two myths:  first, that pain was to be avoided at all costs, and second, that eating would relieve the pain free of charge.  These myths were useful then, but they are insanity now.

As I become willing to accept the truth that is revealed to me in this program, the myths I clung to so desperately lose credibility.  I no longer need to be anesthetized; I can stand still and feel my feelings.  I don't think something is wrong if I'm not happy every minute.

For today, the more I accept the reality of what is, the more comfortable and serene my life becomes. 

This morning I am extremely sore from a fall on the ice yesterday.  My body is swollen with the excess salt I had last night bingeing on corn chips.  The binge did not prevent the soreness, it made it worse this morning.  Insane. 

I know I had painful early experiences.  I know I have been working around the edges on them in therapy for years.  For today, I will just hold my pain and trust that in time it will release its hold on me and just become part of my history, like happy memories do too.

Blessed be.