Addictions: January 2008 Archives

Recently, someone in the Diet Survivors group complained that our board has too much personality.

Well well well! That's by design. Here's my thinking. My vision for people who come to the Diet Survivors message board is for them to find their OWN wisdom, their OWN critical thinking.

In my opinion, the most devastating result of dieting is a surrender of one's individuality and sense of reason.

By infusing my personality in the Diet Survivors materials and on the board, and reinforcing my name, I'm always endeavoring for people to know when it's me speaking.

That's because I'm always trying, in my own small way, to MODEL critical thinking.

That's why one member recently commented that I take her by surprise in the things I say.

I don't do it to be contrary. I do it because I'm not totally subscribed to anything, including normal eating. Rather, I simply try to be an intellectual about things. That's what I'm modeling.

That's why people on this board are not being turned into normal-eating crazies. They're not becoming militant and rigid about yet a new thing.

There's a modicum of truth in every idea--even dieting. I'm certain that a small segment of the population does okay with a formal diet. Why say otherwise? Saying otherwise only promulgates more lies.

Haven't we had enough lies from the diet industry? How about if our new approach to life, our new world view, be an intellectual one? The intellectual approach holds little room for sweeping generalizations and broad brushes.  

For those of you who feel lost, those who've wandered into extreme religions, extreme diets, a spartan lifestyle, have addictions or compulsions, or any other polarized way of approaching the world, and who are sick of it, here's a suggestion.

Begin to think of yourself as an emerging intellectual. You don't have to be bookish. Just willing to set your mind to things. You'd be amazed at how freeing it is. Be a free thinker.

Click on the book cover for more information

Normal Eating solutions: (You'll see after clicking how to subscribe to them)

Diet Survivors meditations

Diet Survivors message board

Food and Feelings message board

Find out more about Linda Moran's book, How to Survive Your Diet.

Visit the home of the book, The Rules of Normal Eating

Learn more about normal eating at Eat Normal Now