Limiting beliefs are false thoughts we have often enough to accept them as truth. And in our minds, they are.
I worked with a sports dietitian for female athletes over the summer and we uncovered something really interesting during one of my individual sessions. I was frustrated that whenever I didn’t feel well, I had a strange tendency to overeat. Unlike some people who can’t even look at food when they are sick, I was the polar opposite. I kept thinking that if I found the right beverage or soup or comfort food that I would magically feel better and not feel sick any longer. Why would I do that?
She offered that in her experience, many women self-soothe with food/drink when they are tired or don’t feel well as a way to keep going, when what they really need is something else entirely. Rest. Truth bomb!
I can’t tell you how many times in my life I said the phrase, “I am just NOT a good sick person.”
I didn’t have the time or patience to be sick. And what that really meant is that I didn’t have the luxury of taking time off to rest and recover when I was exhausted or ill. And for most of my life, I really haven’t. I either didn’t have sick pay or had to save it all in case one of my kids got sick. Or when I had sick pay, I couldn’t use it because that could have a negative effect on my next evaluation (and future earnings).
Last week I woke up with a mild eye infection and generally felt crummy. I managed to avoid an urgent care trip with a telehealth appointment, but instead of taking the day to rest and recuperate I worked from home. No contacts, no glasses and a nagging headache. And guess what else? Ate random, unsatisfying crap all day long hoping I would feel better. Then I caught myself saying that line, “I’m just not a good sick person.” And as soon as the words came out of my mouth I heard then for the limiting belief they are.
That limiting belief is not truth. It’s not a circumstance. It’s a thought I’ve had so many times that I believe it’s true and it has created this feeling of powerlessness over the situation. The random eating is my attempt to take control and feel better. Because remember, I’m not a good sick person. The result is I don’t feel much better and I’m mad at myself for eating junk when I should be kind to myself and allow my body and mind to simply rest.
So the next time I’m not feeling well, instead of living out my limiting belief, I will stand up for myself, even if that means disappointing someone. I will sit with my discomfort and give myself grace and space to rest. I will take note of the positive things I am doing (or not doing) and take on the new belief that I am learning to become a good sick person.