The Overwhelmed Brain

Emotional Intelligence for Critical Thinkers

Can You Make Peace with Your Cravings?

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I was chatting with a client recently and told her that over the weekend, I drank a soda. This may not be a shock to you, but it was for me because I haven’t had a soda in about twenty years.

I was at a horse farm with my girlfriend enjoying some time away from home, and this craving came over me. I really, really wanted a soda.

Every time I’ve tried to drink soda in the past (after I quit soft drinks), I got an instant headache. This was a blessing when I was getting off my soft drink addiction because it made the cravings a lot easier to reject.

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An Addict’s Mind – Is Suffering Optional – Avoid Healing by Judging Others

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An Addict’s Mind – Is Suffering Optional – Avoid Healing by Judging Others
An Addict’s Mind – Is Suffering Optional – Avoid Healing by Judging Others
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An Addict’s Mind – Is Suffering Optional – Avoid Healing by Judging Others
January 7, 2018

Segment 1: The addict has a different perspective of the world according to a recovering addict that sent me a message that I read on this episode. Segment 2: We’re told that suffering is optional. I make an argument against, and for it.

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Changing Bad Habits – Inspiring Letter from Someone with an Eating Disorder – Jared Fogle and Antisocial Personality Disorder (the Sociopath)

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Changing Bad Habits, an Inspiring Letter from Someone with an Eating Disorder , and Jared Fogle and Antisocial Personality Disorder – or the Sociopath
Changing Bad Habits, an Inspiring Letter from Someone with an Eating Disorder , and Jared Fogle and Antisocial Personality Disorder – or the Sociopath
Episode play icon
Changing Bad Habits, an Inspiring Letter from Someone with an Eating Disorder , and Jared Fogle and Antisocial Personality Disorder – or the Sociopath
November 15, 2015

Segment one: Bad habits can be hard to change or moderate, but there are small steps you can take to make it easier to change a bad habit into a good one, or at least, a little less “bad”.

Segment two: I received an email with a heartwarming story of inspiration where someone finally realized she had a choice – and she made that choice! It was empowering and needs to be heard by anyone who feels there’s no hope for them.

Segment three: I talk about Jared Fogle, the former Subway spokesperson who is now being charged with possession of child pornography and sex with minors. Once a hero to many, he is now a symbol of shame.

Can Your Defense Mechanisms Keep You From Creating the Life You Want?

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Image source: blog.awma.com
Image source: blog.awma.com

In this article, I talk about 9 common defense mechanisms we employ in our lives. Most are used as a substitute for full expression of our thoughts and feelings (which I encourage), but you’ll find many of them useful nonetheless.

By the time you’re done reading this, you will understand what your defense mechanisms are and what you can do if you find yourself, or others, doing them. [Read more…]