Psychologist and Jungian scholar James Hollis says that most of our maladaptive strategies are attempts to mitigate anxiety. (Yes this includes bingeing on sugar!)
As human beings – with our tender, precious vulnerability – we like to feel safe; we long to know that whatever happens, we’re going to be okay. This need to protect and to defend can then turn on ourselves, where we don’t give ourselves free rein to learn and grow because of the anxiety that it arouses in us.
So if you’re trying to change your habits with sugar, you will encounter the natural, normal anxiety that arises with change.
The fact that you feel afraid or anxious at times in this journey does not mean you’re doing anything wrong. Anytime we leave what is familiar, comfortable or routine – including sugar! – we can feel some anxiety of, “Will this work out? Will everything be okay?”
Your nervous system is simply recognizing – “Hey! This feels different. I’m not so sure how I feel about this….”
I invite you to befriend, care for and love your anxiety, your fear about leaving sugar behind. Love the part of you that wants to stay small and comfortable, for it is simply a very, very young part of you who needs your reassurance. Tell this sweet part of you, “Dear one, rest in me. I will take good, good care of you. You’re going to be okay.”
Let your anxiety rest in the compassion of your bottomless heart.
– from The 30 Day Lift