Food first means self-care first
This has been a particularly rough week for my family. But I don’t want to talk about it today. I’m emotionally exhausted. So I am going to talk about taking care of myself. And it’s going to be pretty short, quite frankly.
When I am fully committed to putting boundaries around my food, that is my first step in self-care. My first act is to buy food within my boundaries and then cook and portion out those meals. But that is just the beginning.
What the act of keeping my eating under control does is allow me the clarity of knowing when I need to rest. When I need to say no. When I need to take a step back. When it would be just too much to keep going.
When I was in the food and I took on too much, I became overwhelmed. I would shut down. And I would become resentful. I would get angry and rude to the person who asked for something. I would fail to take responsibility for my choices. Partially because I didn’t feel allowed to ever say no.
Now, I say no. Sometimes it’s just no. Full stop. But sometimes it’s not now. Or I can’t do that but I can do this. Or I am not available for that, but I can ask someone I know who may be able to help.
I am responsible for my life. Of course, I always was. But now I *take responsibility* for it. I know not to blame people for asking for what they need. And I know not to be hasty to agree to something I can’t take on. I also know to ask for help myself, when I need it myself.
So I am available to be of service, because I know how much I can handle. And I learned that by taking care of my food.
onceafatgirl 
Here’s to better weeks! Thanks for posting. Remaining on my food template is my key #1 goal when facing tough, unplanned circumstances.
Glad you are keeping your routine, through the hard times. It’s true. We are of service when we are in our regular food. Onward and keep up the work that needs to be done. You are not alone
Thank you so much! And agreed. It’s the most important thing. And thank you for reminding me that I am not alone!