When I was eating SAD, I had my favorite friends, they were many types of cooked food, all comfort foods, most from my childhood, most in boxes, and cans, or frozen, most of them were soft, and warm and full of wheat and dairy.

I am going through many major life changes right now, my emotions go up then down, and I am allowing them to do what they need to do to heal, to grieve, to release, to renew.

In the past, I would be watching TV with a bowl of SAD ice cream and mac and cheese, any wheat and dairy I could get, and feeling really terrible, sleeping all day, and talking to my friends all night, and basically doing nothing to help myself "get through the other side" of my emotional pain.

But now that I am eating RAW, I don't have those warm comfort "from childhood" friends to fall back on, and this is what I have discovered.

I can allow my feelings to be what they are, but that doesn't mean I need to be a masochist, and dwell on anything.

I can laugh, even when I am hurting emotionally, especially at playful animals, black and white movies, and my own thoughts.

My companion animals are precious and always loving.

I have true friends, I never knew I had (on this board and in my non-cyber life) (thank you Revvell for your offer of caring--and everyone who posted and emailed me)

I can allow this process as long as it needs, and I don't NEED to make my physical body ill in the process.

When one door closes another door opens, and although I may not see that right now, it is there for me, when I am ready.

Working 20 hours a day is NOT a relationship with anyone or anything.

Changing your lifestyle while in a relationship, can cause you to re-think that relationship, and cause your partner to no longer "feel" right for you.

As you grow, many people no longer serve your highest and best purpose.

Being with like minded friends helps you stay focused on what you really want.

Just because there is no one around, doesn't mean you need to feel lonely. In fact you can be very lonely even when you are with someone.

Food is not your friend, it is fuel for your body, it is enjoyable, it is fun to play with, and can be joyful in it's own right, without having to numb your feelings.

Feeling your feelings is a good thing, it helps you to understand where you are now, and where you've been and where you wish to go, on your life's path.

Pleasure comes in many forms. (peeeeeeeeeachezzzzzzz) say it out loud!

Joy comes in many forms, friends, companion animals, a beautiful sunrise, sleeping in a big bed with a soft comforter, a warm shower in the morning, cool breezes on a hot summer's day, talking to friends, re-connecting with old friends, giving presents, etc.

Life is a journey, and not one ounce do I wish to miss. I revel in each and every step I take on my life's path.

I would never give up my learnings to have a "safe" or "easy" life.

and above all, I choose to

LIVE LIFE WITH PASSION!!