What emotion does this piece of cake evoke? Is it dread, regret, failure, shame, guilt, fear, or stress? Is it forbidden? Why? There are no laws forbidding you from eating cake??(unless you are allergic to the ingredients) It’s just a piece of cake; something to be anticipated, savored, celebrated, or shared with friends! Here is the scene; you are sitting at a table with friends and/or family members, your are having a great time, the waiter brings this piece of cake, SCREECH the fun stops, and you go into PANIC mode! OMG! I can’t eat that cake! I’ve gain 5 pounds just looking at it. It is sinful. It is the enemy! I’ll start my diet tomorrow! Your brain goes crazy! It fills with chatter ,”monkey brain”! PAUSE, REWIND, BREATHE: The waiter places the cake in the center of the table (inhale), and you gaze around the table with a heart of gratitude for the gifts in front of you (exhale): Are you thankful for the company, the special occasion you are celebrating, or all the sweet things in your life? Ah, you relax! You take your first bite and truly enjoy the pleasure it brings you! No guilt, no judgement, no shame. Just pure pleasure! One bite ( deep breath of love), two bites (deep breath of gratitude), maybe even three bites (mm-mm satisfied)! You may choose not to have any cake, not because of guilt, but because you are full of joy and gratitude without it. The choice is yours but don’t blame the cake!
“Indulgence is stealing a kiss from some who makes your pulse quicken, sitting on a park bench feeling the sun on your skin, letting a truffle melt on your tongue as you savor every second, sneaking away from work on a Friday afternoon to do something fun. Indulgence is not eating until you feel sick, stuffed or ashamed, rewarding yourself with food because your deserve it, or having more wine or booze than you actually taste.” (Tonya Leigh; Slim, Chic, and Savvy)
Journal question of the day: What thoughts do the words “chocolate cake” conjure up in your mind? Can you shift them into pleasurable thoughts?
Please feel free to comment, follow and share!
With Gratitude,
Anna
Chocolate cake reminds me of two things. My Birthday and one day from when I was in college.
I was a sophomore at the time. I went over to my car to start my jam packed filled day, only to find someone had broken into my car and stolen my car radio. I ran back to my apartment (yup No Cell Phones ) and called my Mom. I was hysterical crying!!! My Mom’s response was, “ it’s ok. Calm down and go have a piece of chocolate cake!”
LOLOL
No issues is so big that it can’t be solved by chocolate cake. Love your mother!!
I’m never one to say no to any dessert if I want it
I’ll share it with some one ( or not 😄)
Life is too hard to deprive your self of a little indulgence !!!
And now I want cake !!!!
I think we should share a piece soon. I love your no diet philosophy!!
This is great! Love the analysis! I think I would eat the chocolate cake and enjoy every bite and savor the flavor. And most of all enjoy the family and or friends I was with as it’s the memories that matter….not the cake! ❤️🍰
Thanks for the comment! Yes the memories are what matter ❤️
Love the analysis. Cake is great but those memories are even better. As always, thank you for the beautiful reminder of the important things in daily life. 😘
You are welcome!!