Careful vs Mindful: The Words We Speak
The words we speak into existence create our reality. In short, language has power.
That’s no surprise really, most of us know this. Yet are we fully aware of the words we use when it comes to our food choices or our fitness?
I say this often to clients who might slip out a “I can’t” or “I’m bad at X, Y or Z”. You see, what we say out loud is a mere reflection of our thoughts… the inner-narratives we create in our minds.
And when it comes to food lingo, oh man, do things get complex and messy.
Things like, “I’m being good” or “I ate bad” are often said without really thinking of the implications of what we are in fact saying.
One of the common ones I’ve heard quite a bit is “I’m being careful”.
I’ve probably said this one myself at some point. But the last time I heard it, it actually struck me. I sat with it in thought… wait a minute.
Careful?
The word “careful” implies danger or a fear of some kind… something I say to my 18 year old daughter as she heads out the door with my car keys in hand… “be careful”. I worry about her safety and I want her to be diligent and aware of the possible dangers on the roads she’ll be driving.
So why would I use the same word when it comes to my diet (not “diet” as in “on a diet” but rather my food intake)
Is food dangerous? Do I need to “watch” myself in case I get hurt, fall or fail?
That makes no sense at all and yet that’s what that word implies.
Instead of “careful” which is embedded in scarcity and fear or worry, why not try to use another word like “mindful” ?
That word, in my POV, implies a more empowering spin on my choices. An intention. A choice. A conscious decision I have the power to make.
Rather than sitting under the umbrella of fear or worry, being mindful means being fully aware and in control of my choices… whatever they might be.
You see the difference?
Being “careful” hands over the “power” to the food choice. In other words, food has power over me, therefore I need to “be careful”. It might be subtle, but it’s significant.
Whereas being “mindful” hands that power back to me when I actively choose what I will eat…regardless if it’s a kale salad or a chocolate brownie. Because that awareness ultimately empowers each choice I make. Of course, these choices are neither good nor bad. Because food is food.
Period.
Choosing to have a slice of pizza for one person is a win, because they can mindfully eat one slice and be done. Guilt-free. Move on. Next.
And yet choosing not to have a slice of pizza for another person is also a win, because they would rather mindfully eat something else that pleases their palate just as much. No regrets. No looking back. No FOMO.
What’s in a Word…
So being “careful” has nothing to do with it really. It only leaves us with the idea that we’re walking on eggshells or skating on thin ice when we’re around food.
I personally don’t want to live that way when it comes to eating and enjoying food. Because we eat to live. And living is enjoying food… all kinds of food in all different contexts and social situations. For the rest of our lives!
Final Thoughts….
What language do you use when it comes to your food choices…. is “careful” a word you’ve used before?
If so, ask yourself why you’ve chosen this word that implies danger, worry or extreme caution when it comes to what’s on your plate.
Maybe it’s time to change your language and speak of making mindful choices that allow you to step into greater control about the foods you choose to eat… or not!
