Recently my long-time videographer came to my cabin to get some footage of Annabelle, the senior dog my ex, Miles and I share custody of.

See, Annabelle’s got cancer and it’s spreading fast.

Losing a beloved pet to cancer is the kind of thing that could send a person face down into a Domino’s pizza. Believe me, I get it.

And instead of coping with food, I’m getting a tribute video made so Miles and I can remember her in a really special way, even after she’s gone.

Food may be an easy option in tough times, but it’s not your only one.

There are other ways to cope.

Support, especially, is key when you’re going through a tough time.

A lot of people try to navigate hard things all on their own.

And yeah, maybe some of the processing can happen when you’re alone.

But isolating yourself and eating your feelings ain’t gonna do you – or anyone else – any favors.

Leaning on the support available to you, on the other hand, will.

Does it feel vulnerable? Yes, it does. Being vulnerable is hard. 

But you know what else is hard?

Looking in the mirror or at a photo of yourself and not recognizing the person you see staring back at you (or worse, hating them)…

Getting more bad news at the doctor’s office…

Taking fistfuls of medication every day…

Going up another clothing size…

Feeling decades older than you are…

Dragging through your days with pain, brain fog, and no energy…

Sitting on the sidelines instead of doing activities you enjoy because you’re too unhealthy, tired, and/or embarrassed about your size to participate.

Stop trying to navigate tough times on your own. Connect with people capable of supporting you and lean on the support available to you.

Eating yourself into a health crisis won’t fix the problem. The opposite – it’ll make it worse (even if it “feels good” in the moment).