Comfort Food?

One of the ways I used to handle my depression was to plow through a bag of potato chips or candy and eat with reckless abandon. It felt great in the moment, but when I was done with my indulgence, how did I really feel? Did this food really bring me "comfort"? Well, let's find out, shall we?

For many years I ate the foods mentioned above and loved it. They tasted great and I felt pleasure in those moments of consumption. It was the after effect that wasn't good. I became moody and it accentuated my depression. I did not realize it when I was going through it, but the people around me did. My habit was hurting my health and not helping the situation at all. Why couldn't I see what I was doing to myself and to others? It was selfish of me and I see that now.

I have decided to be selfish again for a good reason and work on improving these areas of weakness. As I have gone through this wellness journey, this is one of the goals I have set for myself. To find a better way to handle my depression. My focus has been on exercise. My cardio drumming class is great for this, because I can beat the exercise ball with reckless abandon. There is something very energizing in giving that ball what for! Can you tell it is my favorite class?

Another way I have found great release is walking with Mr. Grumble. We have some of our best conversations on those walks and I get to see my favorite cantankerous African goose, Eastwood. Yesterday, we saw many pelicans, cormorants, and coots. Nature just puts a smile on my face and you never know who you will run into as well. We have met up with many of our wonderful neighbors too. Many reasons to feel good, even after the activity is done. When endorphins are released, you can't help but feel happy.

"Comfort" food did not make me feel good after eating it, but I have found new and improved ways of dealing with sadness. What changes do you need to make to improve how you handle depression? Are you ready to make them? Only you can make that decision and when you do, you will be glad you did. I'm rooting for you!

Isaiah 49:13- "Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the Lord has comforted his people and will have compassion on his afflicted."

We found this troll on a walk in Austin at Pease Park