The Addict Inside

The word addict paints a picture in our mind.  We think of an individual living on the street and begging for money or perhaps a scenario a bit closer to our heart.  But have we ever considered that there may be an addict in all of us. While some are addicted drugs and alcohol. Others are addicted to TV, video games, electronics, food, and the list goes on.  

Now, being a health coach this is usually the part where I jump in and start speaking about food and gut health.  I begin to tell you all the addictive ingredients in your food are making you powerless. Although I do believe this is true in many circumstances, I also want to bring to light the other underlying issues that addiction feeds from: your limiting beliefs.

Limiting beliefs are those things we tell ourselves to keep us small and “safe.” We say things like you don’t know enough to get that job, you’re not pretty enough to go on that date, you are too old to be rockstar in your career.  When we are children we are told we can be anything we want to be, but as we get older we are often assured that this is true as long it is something safe and very attainable.

From this point on we have a constant struggle between who are heart believes we should be and the limiting beliefs that are drilled into us to keep us where we are.  Eventually this conflict creates a void and we feel an urge to fill it with something. This is where the addiction begins.

Through our addiction we find pleasure and a sense of relief.  We are able to quiet the noise of the our inner conflict and it is glorious… until it isn’t.

In some way or form this addiction begins to no longer serve you.  Although it may bring you some pleasure and quiet the noise, the consequences are many. Your health begins takes a toll, you isolate yourself, and the shame cycle begins.  

Sound familiar? Whether we admit or not there is an addict living in all of us. Some vices are less harmful than others, but they are vices all the same.  They perform the same job of filling a void that we have yet to face.

It's time to face the conflict and fill the void!  As Brene Brown likes to say, “dig deep” and tackle your inner conflict. After all, “life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about dancing in the rain.”

I challenge you to claim your pain and share your vice below or with someone you trust.

Acknowledgement is often the first step in a great adventure.

In love and health,

Meghan