Life would be boring if we could not enjoy relaxing down-time and luxuriating in some of the pleasures of life. After a hard day, we all want some comfort and self-indulgence. But what if we take that comfort-seeking too far to the point of over indulging? As a former addict, my first thought for a “solution” even after year away from participating in any addictions is to try to obliterate the stresses, worries, fears, anger, and shames of the day by sedating in some way. We are a society that likes immediate gratification – we are high-speed internet, microwave in a minute, turn on something to tune out. We are looking to shut off our heads to escape the pressures of the day by any way possible and we want it to be quick. If we over indulge, the results are always the same. We may get momentary relief, but we wake up with the same stresses, worries, fears, anger and shames. And a hangover and regret from whatever our “drug” of choice may be: food, drugs, alcohol, gambling, and sex and to some lesser degrees TV, social media internet, texting and video gaming.

Centered Action

So what about this concept of going to bed empty to wake up full? What if I just don’t over indulge physically? I will wake up without the hangover or shame, and with some hope. But just how do I not seek some relief when my head is screaming for peace? Try taking 15 minutes for “garbage writing”. This can be done at night or in the morning. Take a pad of paper and just start writing all the garbage in your head exactly as your head is saying it. Do not censor yourself. Allow the concerns of the day to flow onto the paper whether you can do anything about them or not. Write out your grievances of others, whether you love them or hate them. Put words to your fears and shine a light on them. When you are done write “I turn all these problems and people over to the loving care of my Highest Self”. Then tear up the piece of paper in small shreds and throw them away. No need to keep them because they are just garbage.

Emptying your head lightens the burden. If you can get into the habit of daily garbage writing you will notice a shift in your thinking and actions.

If you feel this message would be useful to someone you know, please forward it to them.

Keep the Faith, Clean up the messes in Your Path, Give to Someone Else,

And Be Your Most Magnificent Self…

Jody D.