If you are reading this in the United States today is an important day. More than two hundred years ago, The United States of American declared its independence from England and established itself as a sovereign state. We typically celebrate this liberation with BBQ’s and fireworks. Today is great day for you to declare your own independence from whatever food and eating issues still plague you. Like our forefathers and foremothers, write a document declaring your freedom. In your journal, on your laptop or table, make a statement of what you would like to be free from. If you need some help doing this, here’s a place to start.
I, _______________, declare myself to be free from mindless eating. I declare that I adopt a mindful approach to food and tap into the wisdom of my body and the knowledge of nutritional science to inform my food choices. I declare myself free from my previous eating habits which got in the way of my being my best self. I declare that I am a daily meditator and mindful eater. I declare that I savor my food and express appreciation for all those who contributed to its preparation. I declare myself free from emotional and stress eating and rely on more productive ways to manage my feeling. Finally, I declare that I offer myself and those around me compassion and gratitude on a regular basis. Signed this day, __________________.
Adapted from Mindful Bites – Joyful Life: 365 Days of Mindful Eating. Available in bookstores everywhere.