As we have just celebrated the 4th of July, I was contemplating the meaning of the holiday. Americans love Independence Day, but it seems like most don’t really take the time to consider what it means. For many people, it is a day off from work to spend with family and friends barbecuing and watching fireworks. What it really means is freedom from oppression. In 1776, we declared independence from the oppressive governance of Great Britain. I started to think about how many people I know who struggle with their oppressive relationship with food, body image and their struggle with weight. I started to wonder what would happen if we all declared independence from food. What would be different in you stopped taking orders from food? What would change in your life if you freed yourself from the oppression of the negative voice in your head that calls you names because you want to eat or shames you to the point of paralysis? I will tell you what would happen. If you were suddenly free, you would feel happier. You would stop emotional eating, you would end binge eating and you would feel better about yourself. You would be able to hold your head high with confidence and feel a sense of peace instead of the shame that comes with the belief that you aren’t good enough. So, my challenge for you today is to set yourself free. Allow yourself to feel the freedom that comes from not taking orders from food or the food bully that accompanies it. Allow yourself to celebrate Independence From Food Day! If only just for one day…..
Michelle Lewis
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Michelle Lewis has been working in the mental health field since 2001. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Weber State University and a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Utah. She is passionate about helping others achieve their goals.
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