Sometimes cookies really do make things better.

I’ve spent a lot of time over the past few, oh, decades, becoming aware of and trying not to emotionally eat. Or rather, emotionally overeat.

I’ve gotten kind of good at it. I generally eat when I’m hungry, not when I’m bored. I stop when I’m satisfied, not stuffed. And overall, I’m better at expressing my emotions (especially by writing) and don’t feel the need to suppress them with the dulling sensation of too much food.

But sometimes on a tough day, a cookie or two really does help.

Today was such a day.

My husband had sent me to the grocery store to pick up a few things we needed, which is always dangerous. His trips to the grocery store look like someone stuck to a list of things we need. My trips to the grocery store look like someone said “WHOOPEEE!” and “HELL YES.” I’m way too whimsical for my own good, which is why I don’t normally do the shopping.

But.

Today.

Sucked.

And there were cookies (the good kind) at the store.

I bought a package. 

When I got home, I opened it and ate two cookies.

Funnily enough, I did feel better. I didn’t feel the need to stuff my face. But there was something about a little treat that made the day not so bad.

So, maybe my past self was saying something when it tried to care for myself with overeating. It does work. It is a form of self-care.

Current self is a beyond that. First, I’m aware that I’m emotionally eating. I’m human. I don’t beat myself up about it.

And I enjoyed the little treat for what it was: a little treat.

Like I said, sometimes life’s better with cookies.