Halloween is here!!!
Are you worried about the candy?
I understand.
I used to freak out every year.
For me, this night was the start of the holiday season downward spiral.
I used to think some version of the following:
“What am I going to do with all that candy?”
“How can I stay on track?”
“I can’t lose control around the candy!”
I would start to panic a few weeks before Halloween.
What would I do when faced with all the Snickers bars and Skittles (my favorites)?
I thought I was doomed.
We would find the perfect hiding place for all the candy.
Sometimes we would lock it up, just so I couldn’t get into it.
That never worked.
The candy stress put a damper on the holiday.
I didn’t look forward to it.
How sad.
All the planning in the world didn’t matter, because the candy was serving a different purpose. It was filling the void for pleasure, and trying to comfort a stressed out, tired, overworked mama.
Things are different now.
I learned my triggers.
I realize the role candy was playing.
I stopped resisting it.
Tonight, as we prepare for the ghosts and goblins, here are a few new “tricks” to experiment with:
1) Investigate.
Allow the urge and ask yourself – why do I want the candy? What is it providing for me in this moment? For me, it was comfort…. from stress, anxiety, whatever. Chances are, once you ask and answer this question for yourself the candy won’t have the same pull.
2) What feels like love?
Does binging on mini chocolate bars, candy corn, and peanut butter cups feel like love to you? It makes me feel a little queasy. That’s not love.
When you ask yourself this question, notice the answer you get.
For me, right now, the answer is a hot cup of tea.
3) Find other ways to “treat” yourself.
We overeat because something is missing. We use food to fill a void.
What is one way you can add more pleasure and satisfaction in your day?
It doesn't have to be anything major.
Some ways that I add pleasure to my day include meditation, a walk outside, listening to a favorite song, or reading a good book. How can you treat yourself without food?
In the end, try to let go just a little bit and enjoy this time. I’ll do the same. And, if you find yourself sitting in a sea of candy wrappers, I hope you won’t beat yourself up. That definitely doesn't feel like love. After all, Halloween only comes once a year.
Have a spooktacular night!