“Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re going to get.”
Forrest Gump
Sobriety is, too, like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’ll get!
Would you rather be given a box of assorted chocolates or a box full of the same pieces?
When I first landed in recovery, I would have said, give me the most enormous assortment; I’m good with all types of chocolate! I love chocolate. I had to give up chocolate cake when I was five years into recovery; that was a nightmare!
Over 13 years ago, I had my son and became fascinated with DNA, aka deoxyribonucleic acids… I was fascinated with it because I could be! I was clear minded enough to consider the possibility of having a child with an alcohol gene or who would one day grow up just like me. And I was in the midst of uncovering and understanding mindful living.
After studying different genes and working with clients, I can now clearly identify SNPs that perhaps represent a future alcoholic… That may sound like too much information, but our DNA is unique. It’s like a clearly labeled box of chocolate or, what I share with my clients, a blueprint. DNA can share who we are and how we could turn out or act in the future. WILD, right?
Living in sobriety allows us to live longer and be healthier and happier. Have you considered looking into your DNA to know what’s in your box of chocolates?
Here are some of the values you will learn with your box (aka blueprint):
- Weight Loss – your genes have a significant role to play in how your body manages weight; find out insights to help you manage your weight intelligently
- Hormones – find out how well your hormones work and get insights about whether you should be avoiding taking hormones, such as the contraceptive pill or testosterone
- Immunity – how well are your genes working to fight off viruses, knowing how healthy your immune system is and what you can do to build a robust immune system are essential in these times
- Exercise– find out what training works best for you, how to get fit and avoid injury by training smarter
- Brain health – learn how to optimize cognition as you get older
- Optimal diet – Find out what’s right for you
Last year I discovered that specific behaviors and lifestyle choices could rev up the genes that could potentially turn on or off “alcoholic behavior,” that’s worth knowing about, right?
I don’t know about you and why you are in recovery, but I know for myself and my friends that we are here to live our best lives and share memories and moments with loved ones for a long time. When you know about your DNA, you can course-correct and make massive changes in your life!
Now let me go back to the question:
Would you rather be given a box of assorted chocolates or a box full of the same pieces? For me, at this stage in my recovery, I want to know what’s in the box; I want to enjoy the fullness of the flavor, the depth of cocoa, and the hints of caramel. I want to enjoy each piece slowly, one bite at a time. Like I want to enjoy life.
What about you? Let me know in the comments or reach out to me. Ready to learn more about your DNA? Read my guide.
Now What Society Podcast:
#273 Why It All Comes Down to Your DNA on APPLE Podcasts
Spotify:
THE NOW WHAT SOCIETY: Are you a “tired, fed up” Gen X woman?
Meet Tamar Medford & Lane Kennedy, hosts of the podcast, The Now What Society, and Founders of The Now What Academy.
They created an online space for you.
They created The Now What Society so “tired, fed up” Gen X women could come together and live their best lives without compromise! Tamar Medford and Lane Kennedy share their life experiences and hilarious adventures as two women living in long-term recovery. (Which is often messy!) With over 35 years of continuous sobriety, Tamar & Lane support women over 40 who have hit the f*ck it button and find themselves asking WTF! Now What?
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Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
