This poem was shared with us by Tracy, a participant in one of our Free Telephone Seminars. I think many people who have struggled with their relationship with food can relate! Thanks, Tracy!
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Is it my best friend?
Or is it my worst enemy?
I wonder can it be both.
It comforts me when I’m sad
Makes me feel wanted
Like a true friend
It makes me sad
Tells me I’m not worthy
Like an enemy.
It puts a smile on my face
Always calms me when I’m angry.
Like a true friend.
It removes the smile forever
It makes my anger rage
Like an enemy.
No one understands how this can be.
On one hand my friend but also
My enemy.
Should I choose one or the other?
If a friend is also an enemy
Is it a true friend?
How do I say goodbye to a friend
That’s not truly a friend?
How do I escape an enemy
That is so strong?
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To Tracy, and to everyone else who is still struggling…
Recovery comes when food stops being the enemy; when we realize we have used it in a way it was never meant to be used—as our vehicle for disconnection, distraction, self-soothing, numbing. With that awareness comes opportunity to learn healthier ways to manage our thoughts, feelings, our “cravings”, our everyday lives.
Here’s an important question to ask yourself. Are you reaching for new opportunities or are you still reaching for food?
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Ellen Shuman is a Life Coach who specializes in emotional and binge eating issues. She is the founder of A Weigh Out & Acoria Eating Disorder Treatment, Vice President of the Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA), and Co-Chair of the Academy for Eating Disorders Special Interest Group on “Health at Every Size”, ellen@aweighout.com
