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02/20/2011

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Jenna Figman

I really enjoyed reading this article. I think it is important for everyone to know and realize what they are doing as they get through their day. Often I find myself doing my own thing and not realizing the actions that I may be taken. In high school, people had told me that I would always get distracted easily, doodling or walking through the halls without realizing who I was passing. People don't realize their actions and impulses, and it can be seen in every day life. I thought the example used about grabbing a cookie or having a sip of water was especially interesting because I often find myself chewing on something and then questioning myself as to "why" and whether or not I am actually hungry. Our unconscious mind can play a large toll in our every day lives.

Evin Epstein

I really need to take the advice of this website. I often ignore my emotions and just try to focus on the positive things in life, but this isn't always the right approach. I am used to living in a college bubble where I don't confront many realities. I also think that it is important to be humble when trying to be introspective.

Elsita

Your advice is a very good one.
I kind of started doing it by intuition.
I decided to take next week for resting.
My Mom will be visiting from Florida so I will spend
time reconnecting with her and just taking it easy.
Thanks a lot!

elamap

This seems so easy to relate to-- we all do things we regret a few minutes later. What a big idea that we often think we are making choices when we are really compelled by inner forces or subtle external pressures. We could talk about this idea for at least a year!

Dr. Meyer

So sorry to hear about your friend. When feeling sad and scared it does often feel better to pamper yourself: the trick is to do it in ways that don't create new problems. Try indulging yourself in things other than food. Make time for whatever soothes you, whether talking with friends or taking a bath. Temporarily lessening your standards at work and home will help you find time. Stop reading the paper for a while or let your house get a little dirtier. You might even allow the kids to skip a bath on occasion or watch more TV. Asking for favors may be uncomfortable, but now is a good time to try. Ask your husband for a back rub, or another mom for an after school pick-up. You rightly intuit that you as you deal with this painful news and its aftermath you will be inclined to indulge yourself. Experiment with new ways to cater to yourself even if it requires some planning, social discomfort, or breaking some of your rules. Such efforts may help you avoid the quick fix of grabbing food and packing on the pounds.

Elsita

I really needed to read this today.
It's so hard when I know what is right to do but then do the opposite. In this case I am talking about eating by impulse. There is a lot of stress right now in my life because I recently found out that my best friend has been diagnosed with lung cancer. This makes me so upset. I need to deal with stress in a way that doesn't include eating the wrong things by impulse, because then I gain weight and feel bad.
As you said: "Becoming aware of how we operate gives us a leg up on trying to deal with our nature".
You're so right!
That's why I love your blog, because it teaches me more about myself :)

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  • Dr. Meyer has worked in private practice in West Los Angeles for over 25 years, and is an Associate Clinical Professor of Psychology at UCLA. She earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from UCLA and her B.A. from Oberlin College.


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