The Importance of Kindness

So, of course this is a blog about my journey in becoming healthier, but sometimes emotions are connected to our views of food and how we consume and what we consume. I guess this is what is referred to as emotional eating. For some, the thought of food when they are not in a great place emotionally makes them ill. For others, they run to the fridge or pantry seeking out love in the one thing that's always there and always comforts them in their times of distress. Emotional eating can be done in times of happiness as well. But the connection of negative emotions with eating is probably something most overweight people can understand. It's as if somehow the food will heal us, bring us what we want most in life; peace. So we cry into our pints of ice cream and bags of oreos or fume over potato chips in a desperate attempt to suppress the real issues. This method always fails us. For one, the food is an inanimate object. It can't react to our emotions or give us any real comfort. It can't hug us or listen to us vent or be a shoulder to cry on. Yet, we put it in that very position. To be all those things and when it inevitably fails us, we feel horrible about ourselves and the extra weight these times can bring. We tell ourselves to find healthy ways of coping with our emotions and to not turn to food and yet when the moment comes, we succomb. It's a powerful pull and sometimes we feel powerless against it. Except we aren't at all powerless. You see, what stands between that bag of chips or pint of ice cream is our own desire and will. Something we are definitely in control of. We control whether we grab food or grab a helpful book. Rather we use our hands to reach into packs of cookies or fold them in prayers to God. Rather we use our mouths to chew chocolate cake or use them to talk kindly to someone who's wronged us. Because isn't that what we are called to do? Rise above? Reach out to God? Not rely on our own understanding? We are given, by God, freedom of choice and freedom of will, but He is ever present to help us in our times of despair and stress. He wants us to call on Him and not give into the weakness of the flesh. Which brings me to my next thought; never underestimate the power of kindness. No matter the issue, there's always a kind way to say what you want to say. Literally, ANY issue can be discussed respectfully and with loving kindness. Jesus was a great example of this. Those that wronged him, he loved still. Amazing. Kindness breaks barriers and builds bridges. It destroys hurt and leaves no room for regret. It strengthens relationships and raises self esteem. Kindness can overcome any adversity. It melts hearts and changes lives. Kindness is a weapon against hatred. Hatred cannot live in its presence. Kindness cures grief. It heals. It proetects. To be kind is to be wise and strong. I love this Scripture: "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up." (Eccl. 4:9). We all fall down at some point and all need to be picked up at some point. These are called mistakes, short comings, struggles, etc. We all have them. All of us. No one is exempt. And so we must all help each other. If one has a short coming or fault, we should pick them up. This is true in politics, relationships, parenting, at work, and wherever we come in contact with someone who needs us. Perfection is not achievable. It is impossible. So love and accept others understanding that they, like you, are imperfect and in need of being picked up. Not kicked while down or laughed at. But picked up and helped along. This was perhaps more than what I should say on a weight loss blog, but since emotions contribute to weight gain, I thought it relevant. Here's my daily update. Weight: 170.2 lbs! 3 days down. 35 to go.