Personal Development for Smart People Forums - View Single Post - I Want to Give Up Coffee. No, I Don't! Yes, I Do.

carenkh · 04-30-2008, 04:23 PM

Arrrgghhh... I LOVE coffee. There is something about it... I could totally relate to mlc82 in this Teecino thread. In doing some writing, I know that part of me believes that drinking coffee means I'm an *adult*. I wasn't allowed to have it as a child, so to me, it's something grownups do.

I want to (but don't want to!) give up coffee. I have, of course, read Steve's article about that. I've gone through phases of giving it up, but I always go back. Just recently, I didn't have coffee for about 3 weeks, then I got a craving... I've been in 12-step recovery, so I know how to say "just for today, I won't have any" to get through cravings without succumbing, but I succumbed. I didn't beat myself up for that - it's a choice I made. I want to quit because it affects my *mood* so much! First, I'm high and happy, then I'm very cranky and short-tempered, and not as available for my kids. I noticed this last time, that later in the afternoon after I had the coffee, I was feeling kind of depressed and overwhelmed with everything. When I have coffee, I usually have one large cup (12 oz. or so) in the late morning, and that's it for the day. My last coffee relapse lasted for two days, I had one cup each day. I haven't had any today - but it's really hard not to.

I've tried not keeping coffee in the house, but I end up walking to a convenience store just up the street. (surprisingly good coffee! It's one of the things they're known for.) The whole time I'm walking, I'm thinking, "Why am I doing this? I don't *really* want it! But wait, yes I do!"

I've come to understand, through reading A New Earth, that I'm feeding my pain-body when I drink coffee. I haven't gone back and re-read those sections of the book, maybe I'll do that on break, and that will help. I also have an inner rebellious teen, whose response to anything is "You can't make me!!" I have a feeling she's behind some of this, too.

I'm hoping by writing on here, I won't give in and have some. I was really hoping this last time, I was past wanting it... I didn't want it at *all* in the three weeks I was able to stay away. I want to do this mindfully, and figure out what need is being filled with coffee use, and find another way to meet that need.

I wonder if the desire is related to my menstrual cycle? Fine for three weeks, then craving...

Thanks for reading, and any tips if you've given it up.

Oh - I tried Teecino, several flavors. It tastes *nasty* to me, no matter what I added to it! There's nothing like coffee but coffee, and that's what I'm wanting/not wanting.

04-30-2008, 04:23 PM	#1 (permalink)
carenkh Family Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 1,800	I Want to Give Up Coffee. No, I Don't! Yes, I Do. Arrrgghhh... I LOVE coffee. There is something about it... I could totally relate to mlc82 in this Teecino thread. In doing some writing, I know that part of me believes that drinking coffee means I'm an adult. I wasn't allowed to have it as a child, so to me, it's something grownups do. I want to (but don't want to!) give up coffee. I have, of course, read Steve's article about that. I've gone through phases of giving it up, but I always go back. Just recently, I didn't have coffee for about 3 weeks, then I got a craving... I've been in 12-step recovery, so I know how to say "just for today, I won't have any" to get through cravings without succumbing, but I succumbed. I didn't beat myself up for that - it's a choice I made. I want to quit because it affects my mood so much! First, I'm high and happy, then I'm very cranky and short-tempered, and not as available for my kids. I noticed this last time, that later in the afternoon after I had the coffee, I was feeling kind of depressed and overwhelmed with everything. When I have coffee, I usually have one large cup (12 oz. or so) in the late morning, and that's it for the day. My last coffee relapse lasted for two days, I had one cup each day. I haven't had any today - but it's really hard not to. I've tried not keeping coffee in the house, but I end up walking to a convenience store just up the street. (surprisingly good coffee! It's one of the things they're known for.) The whole time I'm walking, I'm thinking, "Why am I doing this? I don't really want it! But wait, yes I do!" I've come to understand, through reading A New Earth, that I'm feeding my pain-body when I drink coffee. I haven't gone back and re-read those sections of the book, maybe I'll do that on break, and that will help. I also have an inner rebellious teen, whose response to anything is "You can't make me!!" I have a feeling she's behind some of this, too. I'm hoping by writing on here, I won't give in and have some. I was really hoping this last time, I was past wanting it... I didn't want it at all in the three weeks I was able to stay away. I want to do this mindfully, and figure out what need is being filled with coffee use, and find another way to meet that need. I wonder if the desire is related to my menstrual cycle? Fine for three weeks, then craving... Thanks for reading, and any tips if you've given it up. Oh - I tried Teecino, several flavors. It tastes nasty to me, no matter what I added to it! There's nothing like coffee but coffee, and that's what I'm wanting/not wanting.