Dear Brain,
How the heck are you? It's been such a long time since we spoke, and I hope things are going well in general. I know the exam coming up on Monday is causing you to stress again and memorize more facts than seems humanly possible, and for that I'm really sorry. Thank you again for being kind enough to avoid signaling a massive migraine in protest; that must have been mighty tempting! For a brain, you truly do rock. I appreciate your resolve.
One quick thing though: I have noticed that in connection with preparing for this exam, you've been asking for foods which are...How shall I put this...Absolute, utter crap? Devoid of nutritional value? Idiotic to consume? Please take your pick of descriptive phrases, as all are generally relevant.
It's one thing to want something like a square of chocolate. I can understand this. It's even biochemical. It can be managed, too. But a deep dish pizza and beer? A heaping mound of fettuccine alfredo with a side of french fries? Honey, no. That's not going to make the exam go away any faster, or make the studying any more palatable. Not in the long run. Don't even get me started on the gastrointestinal issues that such a diversion from your on-the-wagon dedication lately would cause. You're doing so well. You've lost three more pounds already!
So here's what I recommend: stop, breathe, and focus (again) on the act of separating what you put in your mouth from what weighs in your heart. It's okay, it doesn't matter how many reminders you need to repeat this exercise. Some hard lessons require a permanent seat in the classroom of life school. What is important is that you're willing to listen again, and consider that it's not even the pizza that you want. It's the feeling of control. Or maybe it's just the temporary pleasure of doing something naughty in your humdrum, girl-scout, Pollyanna life (which, BTW, is precisely what is leading you to bigger and greater things for later, as you know).
It's OK to want to divert from the tedium of work, work, work, but it's important to do it in ways that honor you. Why not take a walk, get a pedicure, rest with a quick nap, or indulge in a perfect cup of warm tea? The ultimate comfort, and indeed the best diversion, is choosing to do something that will take CARE of you, not something that will derail you. You are worth staying on track for!
I just thought it was important to keep this in mind as you work through what will be a rather brutal study weekend. You can do it. You've done it before! Now please try to get through this with respect for yourself, and your sense of humor intact. Best of luck.
Love, Myself
~Peace
PS: see you all after Monday!