🌱 From Enemy to Partner: Meet Discomfort and Discover Your Real Cravings

It’s week 41 of 52, and let’s shift our outlook on discomfort. Honestly, discomfort can feel sticky and unsettling. It can slow us down, nag at us, and even pull us back into old habits. You've been advised before to sit with that feeling, find gratitude, and look for lessons in struggles. Now, I invite you to see discomfort as a curious partner rather than an enemy.

Words carry deep meaning. When we complain, we tend to add up many frustrations. But practicing gratitude opens up new possibilities.

Dr. Alison Ledgerwood researches how our minds tend to focus on the negative. She found that negative thoughts tend to stick because our brains resist the positive. The good news is this: we can train our brains. If we focus on sharing the positives in stories, we can actually boost our well-being. Shifting from a loss mindset to a gain mindset is possible, starting with small steps.

Here’s a playful challenge for this week: simple, revealing, and effective:

The Half-Plate Experiment

Take your usual portion and cut it in half. Eat slowly for 15 minutes, without rushing or multitasking. Notice everything. Notice any discomfort that arises when you see the half plate. Stay calm, observe, and breathe.

After 15 minutes, jot down what you noticed.

Try this once a day, or at every meal if you can; it’s about curiosity, not deprivation. Many believe the key lesson is self-control, but I consider awareness to be more critical. When you slow down, your senses sharpen; flavors intensify, your body’s signals clarify, and your mind can catch up.

Why this works:

Committing to 15 minutes of slow eating trains your attention. It shows your brain that you can tolerate discomfort without harm, building trust. Over time, this rewires the brain away from automatic reactions toward conscious choices. That helps prevent overindulgence.

Tips for managing discomfort:

• Breathe first, three slow inhales and exhales before starting.

• Name the feeling, say aloud or silently, “I notice tension,” or “I desire more.” Naming weakens urges.

• Savor intentionally, briefly describe the food before eating, noting texture, temperature, and surprises.

• Use a timer; 15 minutes may seem short at first, but it’s enough to reveal truths.

• Journal one insight after eating; note if cravings faded, if you felt satisfied, or enjoyed the taste.

• Be gentle with yourself; if you choose to eat more later, that’s okay. It’s about learning, not perfection.

Reflection questions:

• What surprised me about the taste or texture?

• How much was physical hunger versus emotion or habit?

• What did I notice in my body at 5, 10, and 15 minutes?

• Did my mood shift? Was there gratitude or calm?

• What will I do differently next time?

The benefit:

Changing your perspective makes small choices feel more meaningful. You’ll stop punishing yourself for past bites and start celebrating the clarity of awareness. Wayne Dyer said, "If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change." This experiment helps you see differently.

Here's your challenge: try the Half-Plate Experiment this week, sticking to 15 minutes even if it feels tough. Share your discoveries, surprising wins, tiny realizations, moments that make you laugh.

Remember, words are seeds. Plant ones that foster resilience. Complaints drain energy; curiosity nurtures it. Let’s tend this garden together and see what blooms.

With playful curiosity,

Kim 💚

Blog: Mindful Eating, Freedom from Worrying About Food

Inspiration: Wayne Dyer: "If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change."