I posted this in the forums today because it is such a monumentus thing for me to realize about myself... and it has happened (is still happening) slowly over time.

I am in a particularly stressful time of my life right now... high profile deliverables at work with short deadlines, an unexpected audit of my company with short notice that happened this morning (luckily it went smoothly) and a multitude of personal obstacles in between.

In the past my first reaction would have been to eat. To find a really big piece of sourdough bread, cinnamon bun, butter croissant, pizza slice, you name it - to console me.

But yesterday and today, the first things that came to mind were NOT food.

Last night I calmed myself down (after finding out about the impending audit) by going out onto my patio and preparing my pots for the container garden I intend to start this weekend. Then I served myself a large glass of low calorie cranberry juice and sat out on my patio imagining my future garden. Then I called a friend to vent.

Then I went to bed early. Then I did yoga this morning. And now... now all I want to do is go for a run to burn off the extra steam.

Of course the idea of chowing down on a big plate of noodles, on the outset, seems enticing... but I have revolutionized my coping mechanisms enough by now that I know that will only make it worse, to sabotage myself.

I am amazed with this new discovery. It doesn't mean there won't be a time in the future that I want to and choose to stuff myself with food to feel better... but it does mean that I can grasp to knowing that is not the answer.

Three cheers to this new me that I am uncovering and getting to know.

I think I really like her...!