If your raw journey has detours....

[vegggeeemom]

Alright I sent an email to a raw friend yesterday about a revelation that I had about the raw journey and detours. I have a BAD habit of beating myself up if I make the wrong choices. So, I came up with the analogy! She thought I should post it here.

It's like driving somewhere. If you take a wrong turn, do you go ALL THE WAY where you began at and start again just so you can make it to your destination without making a wrong turn? NO, you keep driving until you get to where you are headed. That is me! I took a detour, but am getting right back on the journey to my final destination!

I really feel that this helped me when I had a slip up last night and ate cooked. I did not beat myself up over it. I did not say oh man, I can't even do a 30 day challenge, I didn't feel negative about myself because of it.

It really helped me to realize this is a journey and there are wrong turns that are made.

I have realized that this board is here for support, for helping us get to our final destination. The board is so loving and helpful and won't judge anyone for not being 100% raw and then returning.

So, if you are lurking and are wanting so badly to post again, but afraid of how people will react that you haven't been around in months, just jump right back in.

I did and you know what. It feels so good to be "home" again. I think of this all through the day that I am right where I belong. Oh, crazy sentimental moment, because my eyes are misty right now! LOL

I was talking to Rawkinlocs the other day and told her that I just didn't feel the "connection" with the board like I did when I first started raw back in August.

But, it was not the board that had changed. It was ME. Now, that I have the same goal, the same dreams the same destination as all of you do, I feel the bond and the connection again! :D

It just makes me so happy to know that there is a board out there like this to help support EVERYONE that comes along and posts!

So, lurkers and newbies, start posting! :p

Have a rawsome day!!

Pam

[Helen Of Tennessee]

Hi Pam,

I think that's a great analogy. I use to struggle with "having to start all over again" too. But now I think of it as "continuing" from where I fell off.

I still find, for some reason, that I have to start again in the morning. Not that I can't eat raw during the rest of the day, but if I slip up, I seem to crave cooked food, so if I eat more later in the day, again, I don't feel too bad. I try to eat as much raw as possible. But if I can start the next day out raw, I have a better chance of making it the whole day raw or very close to raw. So sometimes I take a few extra detours on my drive before getting back on the main road . . . but I NEVER go all the way back to the beginning and start over.

[maraw]

Well said Pam! I had the same experience last year. I left for a few months when things got a little too busy around here. I did feel a little uncomfortable when I returned to this board, but the truth was I missed it, and everyone here. The friendship and support we give each other has become a wonderful part of my life that I look forward to each day.

So yes, I agree - if you are lurking around, wanting to post, but feel as though you really don't have anything to say; or maybe it's been a while and you are worried what people will think - post anyway! The more the merrier. And this is a very merry group of raw folks!

I like your analogy too Pam. We are all driving on the road less travelled and it is easy to get back on the freeway and go with the mainstream flow. But when was that ever a healthier option?

Good thoughts all. So glad you shared Pam. And again, I am really glad you are back. My kids missed the smiling tomato (so did I :) )

[vegggeeemom]

Oh, I am so glad that you all could relate! :)

Oh, the smiling tomato has just been replaced! LOL I figured RIGHT as I'd change the avatar someone would mention something about it! ;)

But, yes it is so good to be back and at such a wonderful, safe, encouraging, caring place!

Pam

[ShelShel]

I love this! Very good. I totally agree!

[sosiesmom]

What a great idea. I am going to post that on my fridge. Thanks for sharing it. :)

[Tombi]

Way to go Pam! Good for you! You found that one thing that will help you embrace your raw food journey. That is the thing that will help you if you stumble and the thing that will help you up when nothing else will because it is yours. Your discovery and your own personal key to jmaking raw food a way of life for you!

Have fun and enjoy the rest of your journey!