We are the thinkers of our thoughts

I find myself saying, “It’s such a different world.” I walk around half stunned half of the time because it IS such a different world.

Many factors enter into that statement, but today my focus is on the new norm of over-indulging. As a kid, I babysat for a family with a giant crystal Lazy Susan loaded with chocolate bridge mix. Besides a few cream drops in my Christmas stocking, our chocolate came as cake and was served only as dessert. Today, I have chocolate within reach all the time.

On the farm, directions to our house were, “Drive 25 miles south, turn at the tree, and go five miles east.” It offers a clever concept of isolation. Thank God we went to church every Sunday. Before going home after grocery shopping for the week, we often met friends and family for brunch and non-stop champagne. Today, alcohol flows first and fast at any event on any day of the week.

Moderation is a big word for a healthy lifestyle goal. Whether we call it addiction, habit, or cravings, many struggle to keep whatever they eat, drink, or do somewhere between and out of the ditches. If we don’t, it’s a problem, and the most damaging consequences involve losing love and respect for oneself.

This week, a Chopra meditation suggested before indulging, we ask, “Will satisfying my craving for what I want right now sacrifice what I truly want?”

I’ve written many times about the power of thoughts. Chopra said it well–we are the thinkers of our thoughts. We choose if we eat the chocolate, drink the wine, or do something wrong. Putting time between the wanting and the doing is optional and doable. Take a few minutes to ask the critical question before doing whatever is staring you down. You can then select—the decision is yours to embrace. As with raising children or pets, please don’t take away something you don’t want them to have without giving them a substitution. I find the desire fades if I choose an alternative; an apple, a glass of something refreshing, a walk, a phone call, etc.

We can choose whether to act on the addiction, habit, or craving. It isn’t easy when what we associate with fun and pleasure is in front, through, and behind our thoughts and within reach. After allowing time, choose for or against, and then enjoy the decision. It is a different world, but we are still the thinkers of our thoughts, and thoughts still control. Give them a chance.

Until the next time: Live while you live.

Jennifer Goble, Ph.D., LPC, is the author of “My Clients…My Teachers,” and the blogger and writer of Rural Women Stories: www.ruralwomenstories.com.