Hot Topic: Compartmentalizing

Happy Friday! I?m currently procrastinating taking a study break, and thought of a topic I?d like to share with you all.

One of my very wise friends once told me this: ?Men are like waffles, women are like pancakes.? Think about pouring syrup on these two breakfast items. What she meant was that men compartmentalize the things in their life, and women just let everything go everywhere.

Hi, my name is Jenny, and I am a compartmentalizer.

Most days, I am happiest when everything fits neatly into their own little boxes, or compartments. When I can accurately gage where and when everything fits into my schedule or plan.

Snacktime? Okay, as long as I?m following along with my planned my workouts for the week. As long as it?s only my morning or mid-afternoon snack as prescribed in my meal plan. As long as it?s within my snack calorie range.

Or a glass of wine with dinner? Sure. As long as I make sure to cut back on at least one serving of carbs, if not more. As long as I walk for at least 20 minutes tomorrow. Or skip my morning snack. Or both.

Because then, these things ?fit? into my life. Then, it?s ?okay? to do them. Not because I want or need that snack or that glass of wine, but I?m allowed to have these things because I?ve made a compartment for them.

This is a W-R-O-N-G way of thinking. Plain and simple.

Sure, this mentality can be helpful for those in the process of trying to lose weight, or for someone who has trouble overeating. But I, and most of you, fall into neither of those categories.

So what gives?

I know that all of these seemingly ?rationales? are merely the anxiety component of my ED creeping in. And I?m usually more than happy to oblige.

But lately, thanks to the blessing of a new group of friends (ones who love to cook, throw dinner parties, and enjoy it all positively) I?ve started to truly break these habits. I?ve started to see them for what they really are: remnants of that stubborn old ED that have been left behind.

Yes, they are remnants that I will probably always have to battle, but you know what? I love a challenge. And it feels so damn good to wake up the next morning, with a body that I fed good food and wine and that was NOT deprived of enjoyment and happiness. And THAT?S what living is all about.