Today is National Dessert Day. It’s nice to have someone pump their fist at my choice to have dessert given how much of a fan I am. (Nondairy ice cream in a bowl with sliced bananas is my latest crave.)
I also have to notice how often I want dessert: Every damn night!
I don’t know that our human bodies were made for that and nutritional science supports that concern. So you might ask, “Why so many cravings, Jean Franzblau?”
This week, I was engulfed in travel, work and busyness. I noticed yesterday that I was feeling depleted in – not sugar – but hugs. I think there may be a connection. I reach for the comfort of one – which is easy and accessible – when what I really need is the other – which is vulnerable.
Today I texted a friend who works from home and asked him if I could get a hug and cuddle for 5 minutes during a break in his workday. He said yes!
So I’m going to get a different kind of dessert today. A very human kind of treat. Chances are, if I keep adding soothing human interactions in my day-to-day, my enjoyment of sweets will come more often from choice and not craving. Fingers crossed!
Beautiful self-observation. You’re having compassion for yourself and identifying your needs around this. I have cravings too. I think each of us needs that experience of being deeply loved and respected, of feeling fully warm and happy, treasured and honored. I find myself alone sometimes, in places of longing, and not knowing how to get to that feeling again. I forgive myself for indulging and I plan my next cuddle. I also have a meditation I do with myself. I go inside to myself to a safe place, invite myself closer, hold and cuddle myself, feel my warm heart growing, look down at myself with eyes of love, and give myself that precious message, “I love you, I will always be there for you, You are precious to me, I accept you, all of you, every part. I will always rescue you, I will always pick you up if you fall. We are on this journey together, I am with you, always.” And then I experience hearing that message as the little one, of being held, and looking up into those eyes of love, feeling and knowing that I am loved. Every time, the message gets through a little more, and I am a little more at ease with myself.
I’ve read this twice! Thanks for sharing this tender, inner work.