Long ago, I was given a book called “What You Think of Me Is None of My Business”.
What an cool title.
And what a difficult thing to actually experience.
You mean….even if you knew me and you didn’t like what you saw, or felt, or knew about my thoughts, it’s none of my business? You mean, you can go on doing whatever you’re doing over there, and I don’t need to respond or pay attention to every nuance or tone of your voice? You mean, I don’t have to be hyper-alert to everything you do?
But! I’m worried about hurting your feelings, or you being mean to me, or you abandoning me! I’m worried about doing it wrong, or screwing up, or making a mistake.
In fact, I think it WILL be a mistake if you’re disturbed by something I say, do, feel, show, think.
So I better keep it on the low down! I better be very quiet, hide it, act like I’m nice even if I don’t feel nice.
Yeah, that’s the ticket. I’ll ACT like I’m fine, comfortable, non-judgmental….even if I am NOT fine, uncomfortable and very judgmental.
Ouch.
The thing is, when you try to hide the truth of what you’re honestly feeling and thinking, you will likely begin to feel like over-eating, or eating for comfort or distraction, rather than eating for fuel.
Which isn’t fun.
There may be a bump in the road to learn, and it’s called Being Honest.
Who would you be without the belief that you actually need to hide your true thoughts in order to be safe, secure, comfortable, or happy?
It’s not easy, but you may find, it’s worth it. Because when you tell the truth, without shame, and with the desire for connection and honesty with another….
….you’ll likely find you don’t want to eat for emotional reasons anymore.
THAT makes it worth it.
Watch here for insight on being yourself, in the presence of other people: