I saw a tweet the other day which referred to ‘nourishment’. The tweet itself was about food but I realised – for me – nourishment is about far more than food.
I daren’t hope my binge-eating days are behind me, but I can’t help but wonder if I have less cause to do so now that I’ve dumped some of the toxic stuff from my life. (And I don’t just mean work!)
I recently re-read Julia Cameron’s The Writing Diet, and – although I had some issues with the book – I most-definitely nodded at the concept that some of us eat because there’s a sense that our creativity is thwarted, or life stifled, in some way.
I used to wonder, “When does the fun start?” as I plodded through my daily existence. I often pondered over the point of it all.
I told everyone who’d listen of my plans to be cryogenically frozen. When they’d ask why I’d explain that THIS life hasn’t turned out the way I’ve wanted it to. Perhaps next time around there’ll be less obsessing about my weight and body, more pursuit of my dreams; and a partner or husband for 50 years or just 5, would also be nice.
But, things feel a bit different since my seachange. Life isn’t only about the minutes grabbed here and there. It’s about every moment of every day.
I almost solely relied on books or television in addition to food for nourishment in my previous life. Whereas now it’s all around me. I look out the window and see the ocean, just metres away and find myself sighing contentedly, amazed at the world’s beauty. I wake each morning without the threat of work hanging over me and breathe a sigh of relief. And I can see friends or family whenever I want and talk about stuff that really matters.
I know it won’t always be like this (and I’ve already talked about needing to find a job – soon). But this is enough. For now.
Where do you find nourishment?
March 14, 2013
I totally agree! Nourishment for me is pleasure in the simple things that make life wonderful. The ocean really helps me appreciate the day and the worlds beauty.
March 15, 2013
I’ve mentioned before that I don’t like swimming in the ocean (though I used to!) but there’s nothing more beautiful than looking out on it every day. Right now the tide’s in but it’s pancake flat out there. Gorgeous!
March 14, 2013
You can probably guess where I find nourishment from. This morning I crested a hill just as the sun was rising over the river and I had beautiful classical guitar playing on my MP3 and I knew at that moment that even if I finished the day exhausted, I wouldn’t regret it.
March 15, 2013
Oh that’s wonderful Char. I really don’t get the running thing but am sure many people don’t understand why I find such comfort in books and tv etc! (Good thing we’re all different!)
March 14, 2013
This is a beautiful post. Thank you.
March 15, 2013
Thanks Julia. I’m happy I’m finally in a ‘good’ place! (Mentally – and location-wise I guess 😉 )
Deb
March 16, 2013
I love this nourishment concept.
I went to see a movie last night with a friend and and came back very refreshed. I was reminded how much social activity nourishes me. The irony is that I find it very hard to get enough “social nourishment” in my life, partly because I live alone.
And books and television definitely aren’t enough for me. I’ve always loved books and always will but they aren’t enough.
I didn’t know Julia Cameron has written a diet book..
I’m also looking for a way to have a life that I can live on my terms, not on someone elses..
March 17, 2013
I like that – ‘live on your terms’.
I have to admit my social life is busier here than it was when I was working and I’m enjoying that. I sometimes go for a week or two without reading and it’s not until I get my hands on a book (which I read in one sitting in the bathtub) that I’m reminded how much I love it!!!
I bought the Julia Cameron book on eBay a few years ago. I have a half-written post (review) about it, but I was a bit underwhelmed by it!
March 16, 2013
My nourishment comes from watching the sun come up each morning and knowing I have so much to be thankful for in my life.
March 17, 2013
Oh wow, how beautiful. Sadly I rarely see the sun come up but when I do I am always gobsmacked. The sunset is also a bit the same for me (and that’s something I always see at the moement!)
Deb
March 21, 2013
just beautiful…
March 21, 2013
Thanks Jo!