I have a theory.
It’s about the difference between freedom to and freedom from.
I have the freedom to eat Oreos, but at one point, I was pretty addicted to them.
At the point I needed freedom from Oreos. I needed for the cravings not to be a dominating factor.
I used to have a cheat day once a week where nothing was off limits. I would eat a whole box of Cinnamon Bun Oreos in one sitting, while dipping each one into a tub of vanilla icing. If you’re looking for a delicious heart attack, I highly recommend it.
This year (2017) in addition to going vegan, my wife and I cut out cheat days. On one hand, I “can’t” eat Oreos anymore (which are vegan, BTW). But in reality, I’m choosing not to eat the Oreos.
The way I see it, my choices may be limited, but my freedom is not. I’ve stopped craving Oreos, which is a huge deal for me. I’ve also lost a little weight. I don’t have the intense sugar crashes. I haven’t felt bloated and guilty this entire year. I feel like what I eat is helping me live the life I desire.
I have the freedom to say no. It didn’t feel that way before. I have the freedom to run. And I do, I have loved it. I have the freedom to choose a healthy food that tastes good.
I’m not trapped by my desires and cravings. I choose what I eat.
I’ve made a bunch of pre-decisions that limit the food I can eat. But I feel good about that food. I love that food. That food tastes good, fuels my body, and aligns with my core values. I’m choosing that food, just in advance.
I may be making a big to-do about food choices, but considering that I eat at least three times a day, every day, it is a pretty big part of my life.
My encouragement: Get rid of the foods or whatever it is that limit your freedom.
We need freedom from things that hold us back.
That gives us freedom to live the better lives we long for.
You know what holds you back.
For me, it was Oreos.
Peace!