When you’ve gone through a holiday season and KNOW you’ve eaten way too much sugar, you might think you should do a sugar detox. It sounds like a great idea, especially if health and well being are among your top values. But I encourage you to think long and hard about that decision! And, for goodness sake, NEVER just jump into it, just because a girlfriend is offering a class. Yes, indeed, think long and hard and PLAN for it. Make sure you’ve got a lot of space in your week, because you may need it! AND GOD FORBID, NEVER LET YOUR IN-LAWS STAY OVER UNEXPECTEDLY!

The program I went on was great. Seriously. Day One went well…until I heard my husband talking to his brother who was in a nearby town, traveling with his parents from Lake Tahoe to Sothern Califonria. It was rather late in the day and I began to cringe as I realized there was every likelihood that they would be asking to stay at our place, given the time of day and the length of their trip. As I listened to their discussion, I began saying “No. No. No.” while my husband was saying, “Well, of course, you can stay here. Mom and Dad can sleep on the futon and we can get the air mattress for you.” Now don’t get me wrong, I am actually very fond of my in-laws, but I was detoxing – from SUGAR (and caffeine). I hadn’t seen my husband in four days and I really wanted some quiet time with him. And although I wasn’t experiencing cravings for sweets, I’d been a pretty cranky camper, not being able to consume my usual chocolate!

From that point on, my usually fairly compassionate nature went out the window. I was seething – about everything. It was like waking up on the really wrong side of the bed – and staying there. The in-laws only stayed one night, but the experience opened up a can of worms I wasn’t expecting to find.

I am realizing, of course, that sugar likely numbs the anger and frustration that I, trying to be loving and gracious, don’t want to deal with. And don’t really know HOW to deal with maturely. Which makes it just that much worse – I wind up being angry that at my age, I don’t know how to “do anger.” God bless all my friends who remind me that many women don’t know how to deal with anger in ways that work for them. They remind me that I’m learning this for myself, and that this is actually a GOOD thing!

All in all, I do recognize this as having a very positive, very productive aspect to it. I’m learning that dance helps, writing helps, praying helps, baths help, the dog and cat help. Supportive friends are Godsends. And, I made it through 5 days without caffeine or sugar! That is worth celebrating!

I’ve actually learned so much this week! Another layer has been removed and I get to go deeper in my personal and spiritual growth. This is what I ask for.

If, by chance, you do want to try a sugar detox, by all means, do. (take a peek at http://yourhealthpotential.com – Shanna is great!)  Just make sure you can give yourself the space and gentleness you need. And, seriously, think twice before you let unexpected guests (whoever or whatever they may be)  encroach on that space you need!

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