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Snack Thoughts and the Future Self: A Conversation While Eating Ding Dong

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[trigger]: in trying to eat healthy

[action]: munching Ding Dong snack mix

[visualization thought]: imagine you’re 80 years old, and you’re broke. and you know that starting to save money now, even how little it is, can save you from that pitiful situation. will that resonate with you? or can you transport your mind and body into that state?

[conscious thought]: no.. or sounds threatening actually. that gives me some idea to start saving and have insurance.

[planning thought]: oh better remind Jing (my husband) about his PhilHealth contribution.

[overwhelmed thought]: ah too many things to save money for.. funeral, health/life insurance, monthly social security contributions, house insurance. oh god.. how could you eat?

[logical thought]: that means, you got to work and save money for it.

[feeling]: apathetic

[body]: eyes seemed staring wide-eyed of disbelief

[visualization thought]: and then, your health. imagine. you’re 50 years old.. you look old, stressed out, skin dry, gained weight (like your size is XL), bloated stomach, joint pain (you’re not having hip pain and knee pain and butt hurts if prolonged sitting). can you imagine that?

[realization thought]: very much, i can imagine. i’m feeling those, you know except the XL. I’m medium. I can imagine that if I keep doing this.. that would be a foreseeable future. hmmm

[strategic thought]: now, what worked for you before is not working for you now. and we need to change strategies. how to cross that bridge of unable to able, ok?

[insightful thought]: the obstacle here is understanding you, your thoughts working. nothing else. your inner workings. that’s it. we need to keep this an open conversation.

[observational thought]: you are getting it, you know. you’re paying attention to fullness, the smell, you’re chewing the food. it’s just that … there is something in the afternoons that your brain goes nuts. hahaha

[feeling]: understood, and included, and valued

[solution-seeking thought]: just remember, we’ll start tomorrow. or maybe list down your habits with time.

[resistant thought]: oh, sounds too much

[body]: instant headache or head’s heavy

[feeling]: pressured, uneasy

[compassionate thought]: okay, sorry. just list the time, trigger, and food. that’s it for now. okay? you can do this, Maan. I can feel you. You can do this.

[gentle guidance thought]: we’ll take this slow. if you missed, no worries, just try to get on it as soon as you can.

[practical suggestion thought]: or how about put it as a wholeday reminder so it will be easy for your decision-making brain. that’s what the experts say.

[intuitive resistance thought]: err.. okay. i don’t like for now setting schedule or alarm for this. i don’t know why my body’s not accepting it. phew! something’s really wrong

[reassuring thought]: then it’s okay.. don’t set an alarm. do it when you feel like it. okay? ciao for now.

[nurturing thought]: have a good sleep. recover well.

[grateful thought]: thanks so much. it means so much to me with this kind of support from you all.

[feeling]: at ease, calm

[body]: head feels light, not tenses

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end: 20:41