Weekly Vlog: Two Visits to the ER

Today I’m coming off a near-all-nighter at the emergency room with a loved one. It’s my second night this week in the ER-with two unrelated circumstances.
Sometimes this happens. And it occurs to me that it might be helpful for you if I describe how I navigated going through a situation like this while staying Bright. So let me lay out how I managed, in the hope that when you’re facing moments like this, it could help you out.
The first incident happened Wednesday night. David and I were woken up at 2 am with the news that one of our loved ones was on the way to the hospital. I knew it would probably be a long time in the ER, so I packed my breakfast. I don’t leave the house without my food any more than I’d leave the house without pants on. There’s always a moment to pack a quick meal.
I didn’t pack the breakfast I had written out the night before. Instead, I threw some nuts, an apple, and a portable grain in a Tupperware. It took me only a minute.
A day and a half later, I was still recovering from that long night. I had a meeting that morning and didn’t think I could face it. I meditated and cried and crawled back into bed for a little while until my Highest Self told me it was time to get up. I went to the meeting…super late, but better late than never. And it was essential that I stay sensitive to my need to fill my tank back up after the ER experience.
Then, last night, I was out with one of my kids and some loved ones, and one of them passed out and fell face first into a concrete floor. It was 8 pm, and we were on our way to the ER again.
I’d had my dinner and did not need to pack food. I thought, rightly, that we’d be done before morning. If needed, though, I could have swapped out with David to get home for breakfast.
A word about my food thoughts and food cravings this week. I shot a vlog a while ago on dragonflies and dragons. A food craving is like a dragon that swallows you up; it demands that you eat. A food thought is like a dragonfly that lands on your shoulder. It feels like an invitation to consider food. When the dragonfly lands on your shoulder, you’re at a choice point. You have the option and the ability to brush it away before it grows into a dragon. As soon as you turn toward it, however, it opens the door to further thinking about that food and before you know it, you have a dragon on your hands.
In the past few days, it felt like I was walking through a swarm of dragonflies, particularly when I was in the grocery store. So I called a Bright friend, just to tell her that I was grateful to be Bright, but that the food was calling to me. A two-minute phone call. I used my mantras: that’s not my food, that’s poison to me. And I got out of the grocery store Bright.
After I got home last night at 3 am, I went into triage mode and began canceling things. What was most urgent, and what could I put off till later? I canceled a bunch of meetings. I slept a bit, then woke up, meditated, and had breakfast. Then I went back to bed. I needed a nap and then my lunch. I am giving myself the grace of doing this vlog in my office rather than going into the studio because it feels more gentle.
I feel like there’s a part of me that is a very effective, kind, skilled Girl Scout troop master. When the Girl Scouts are on a hike and things go awry, the master needs to handle bruises or broken bones, while navigating the route, and making sure everyone stays engaged and safe and well. And I have a part of myself that reviews the calendar, cancels non-essential events, changes plans, and reorganizes my world when life gets lifey. That Girl Scout master in me knows that staying Bright is the top priority.
The habits and routines that staying Bright includes are all negotiable, but breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the right times with the right foods-that must happen. I’m grateful for the part of me that takes over and makes that happen. I’ll be in that mode for a few days, I suspect. We’ve been through a lot in the past few days.
Today I’m going to go spend time with one of my kiddos and stay close to family. So when life gets lifey for you, I wish you gentleness and care and hope you have a Girl Scout master who can shepherd you through it.
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[@Divinemule]

Oh Dear Susan, thank you for taking the time to share with us this morning. Once again, being so authentic and teaching us by your example. Prayers for you and your loved ones. So grateful to be a Bright Lifer. ❤

[@Brightlineeating]

Thank you 💞💞😊😊

[@tjazminndavis]

Thank you for your many words of wisdom and remembering us through your families different issues and being at the emergency room so many times. Such commitment to everyone and you are certainly a role model. Sending out love and prayers to you and the family.

[@ISeeYou912]

Thank you for the loving reminder that thoughts are just that, thoughts that can be heard and then let go, but also that we need to pay attention to our own needs. You have lovingly shared that message several times and I am finally starting to understand.

[@Brightlineeating]

We are so glad you got so much out of this 🫂🫂

[@JuliaClair-qb6ok]

I am saying prayers for your family. Thank you also for taking the time to share when you are extremely vulnerable. Your words had an amazing impact as they always do. ❤❤❤

[@Brightlineeating]

🙏🧡

[@arleetalerner7828]

Thank you for sharing; really important that real life is shared because most of us are living real life. May your loved ones have a speedy and complete recovery.

[@Brightlineeating]

🙏🫂💗

[@fionah3433]

Prayers, love, and healing rest to all concerned. You give so much to others, it's wonderful to see you give yourself the grace that you do.

[@Brightlineeating]

🧡💞💗

[@carolshortis6207]

lots of hugs from Aotearoa New Zealand, thinking of you dear Susan and thank you for sharing your vulnerable moments and the strengths that get you through. A fantastic example of self-care whilst being totally focussed on loved ones and their needs also. Sending lots of restorative energy to you, and wishing you and your loved ones equanimity. ❤❤

[@Brightlineeating]

🧡💞💗

[@SusanPrice-l7h]

I truly hope the rest of your week goes smoothly and is peaceful and bright!

[@Brightlineeating]

So sweet, we appreciate that. 🧡🧡

[@MsJamble]

You are soooo precious! What a treasure you are! I love your self care ethic!

[@PropheticCoachTheresa]

I so resonate with this. I'm just 2 years alcohol free with the help of AA, today 8 days sugar and flour free using the 12 steps on my own. I'm learning.....I can bring all addictive behaviors to the 12 steps. That same process, not even CONSIDERING what the dragonfly is trying to get me to consider, is everything to staying sober.

[@alexisodonahue3858]

You are truly amazing, & your commitment is inspiring. Huge love & prayers for your loved ones, and serenity for you & family.

[@williammann8994]

Praying for you girl. Family first and we are family. 🙏

[@Brightlineeating]

💗💞

[@MarlaOwens-ne8lb]

Thank you so much for posting this... I have spent the last month and a half traveling to hospital/rehab center for a dear friend and I just couldn't keep it together with my bright lines. I am back on track, and your vlog has reinforced for me that, yes, we can be bright, all the time. I just let myself succumb to the emotional eating monster/excuse. My prayers and heartfelt healing vibes to you and your family.

[@Brightlineeating]

Thank you for sharing--we're sending you and your dear friend so much love. 🧡We're glad this has reinforced things for you 🙏

[@inesbergman8281]

Susan dear, thank you for sharing your heart and wisdom while navigating such a challenging week. Hope your loved ones get stronger soon. Sending tons of love your way❤❤❤

[@Brightlineeating]

Thank you very much 💞🧡

[@aliciadelamora1706]

Thank you so much doctora courage and transparency , bravo to you and 12steps that teach us to keep it really honest. Much love always. I learned so much from you. 🎉

[@Brightlineeating]

🫂💞

[@malkahgeller728]

Thank you so much for this heartfelt Vlog, dear Susan! It means a lot to me and I’m grateful for your honesty and vulnerability. Sending prayers for some good rest. Love you so much! PS I hope your loved ones are doing better!❤

[@Brightlineeating]

🫂🙏💗

[@laurieolson7425]

Sending love, I hope everybody gets better soon. I'm thankful you are taking good care of yourself and knowing what needs to be rescheduled. Sending loads of love and strength.

[@Brightlineeating]

So appreciated 🧡🙏

[@SherylNangeroni]

Sending Healing Energy and Love your way.

[@Brightlineeating]

Thank you 🧡😊

[@Sandra-faith]

What a great lesson in taking care of yourself ❤ I've learnt how to do that in recovery too. It's so important.

[@Brightlineeating]

Very important! 💞

[@otterkhaos]

I'd like to echo everyone else's concern and well-wishes for your family

[@Brightlineeating]

😊💞

[@mollygarcia3]

I hope your loved ones heal soon.

[@kimberlyarbuthnot9656]

Loved your description of self care!

[@Brightlineeating]

🧡😊

[@jackielove00]

Great vlog! Thank you. Such useful points and so authentically delivered. I hope everyone gets well soon and, yes, A Gentleman in Moscow is a great book. Sending love

[@RobinYucht]

Praying for complete healing for your loved ones.

[@Brightlineeating]

🧡🧡

[@810Jafa]

Praying for your fam

[@Brightlineeating]

Thank you 🧡

[@suzannegmirek1520]

Thank you for your vlog. You are very inspiring, even in hard times. Sending smiles your way :-)

[@Brightlineeating]

We love smiles 😊🙂😊

[@dawncaro6902]

Thank you for sharing such intimate situations with so many. My prayers are with you and your family . Such emotion roller-coasters. You definitely need to take care of yourself. So glad you did just that. You faced both situations magnanimously. May God Bless you and all involved. Life does become Life occasionally. Great job hanging in there in the midst of turmoil. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Brightlineeating]

We appreciate your kind words 🧡🫂🙏💗

[@dawncaro6902]

@Brightlineeating and I will keep praying for strength and courage as you travel this path. I gotta say... I MUCH prefer this platform to the regular vlog one. I can never get into it no matter what I have done and following the directions to a T in order to leave comments. This is mu h, much easier. Regardless, be unstoppable this week in your intentions of what works best for everyone, including yourself. Godbless you and hugs.

[@cheryljohnston7095]

A Gentleman in Moscow is one of my favorite books! Enjoy!

[@diandenmark]

Brava!

[@ashleybankscoaching]

The dragons and dragon flies video changed my life. I took the susceptibility test, and I'm so sad that I'm a 10. I thought there was hope for me 😢

[@Brightlineeating]

We are happy that vlog resonated with you. Way to go taking the step to learn how susceptible you are to the pull of addictive foods. There is hope! Our community is filled with 10's flourishing in their Bright lives. We're curious what other steps you're taking on this journey. Have you taken our free Masterclass? 🧡

[@ashleybankscoaching]

@Brightlineeating I just listened to the whole Audio book. I'm starting bright today. Luckily I quit flour and sugar 12 days ago so I have a head start. I'm in dragon fly territory, but I know how to shoo them off.

[@Brightlineeating]

WOOT! Taking those steps! Well done 🫂💞

[@dawncaro6902]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Brightlineeating]

💗

[@veredshoval]

Thank you for sharing...wish health to everybody.. Just to say that I am in this situation for a whole one year because we live under war now..bombs everyday..and I try to stick to ble...and it's so hard...

[@Brightlineeating]

Oh gosh, that sounds so hard. We're sendingyou lots of love right now. 🫂

[@janebirkenielsen937]

❤❤❤

[@Brightlineeating]

🧡

[@sandyschoonover9051]

What's a portable type of grain? Which grain were you able to grab going out the door to the ER?

[@Brightlineeating]

Some options include Triscuit crackers, puffed cereals, rice cakes, and shredded wheat cereal. Hope this helps! 🥰

[@eileenlass7748]

I hope your loved ones recover well and swiftly. What's the difference between the "Scout Leader" and your highest self?

[@Brightlineeating]

Hi there, The Highest Self is the us that’s really us. It’s our true self. As such, it’s not limited to any specific role. The Scout Leader, on the other hand, is a part (the highest self is not a “part” it’s the real us), but indeed a part that has a lot of so-called “self energy” because it operates very similarly to our highest self. But what makes it a part is that it’s role-specific. It’s a part that kicks into gear in an emergency, managing and navigating to make sure everything goes smoothly and that we, and everyone else, are taken care of. MANAGER parts are one of the big categories of protective parts. And the Scout Leader is, in many ways, similar to a “Caretaker” part….many people have found that caretaking is a good way to protect against being hurt, because we stay in people’s good graces that way. But the Scout Leader is different in that she prioritizes self-care equally, and Bright Lines above all, so she’s very helpful. But still a part. Because she has such a specific role and function, and what she mainly does is manages things. We hope this helps 🧡

[@ric-carol]

❤

[@Brightlineeating]

🧡