Earlier today, I found myself teetering between two choices: heading to a happy hour after work or staying home and ordering comfort food. I’ve been struggling lately with getting back on track with my healthy eating habits, and these temptations often creep in when I’m feeling low.
At first, I thought it was just about wanting to unwind or treat myself. But as I sat with the urge, I asked myself a deeper question:
“What is it that I’m really looking for right now?”
That question shifted everything.
The Real Need Behind the Craving
What I realized was that I wasn’t actually craving food or drinks. I was craving a feeling. I wanted to feel important. I wanted to feel seen, special—even if just for a moment.
Some part of me believed that going out, spending money, or getting attention at a bar would give me that temporary high. Maybe it would make me feel like I had it all together. Like I mattered.
But I’ve been down that road before. The drinks, the food, the buzz—they bring a momentary hit of pleasure. But afterwards? I almost always feel worse. Ashamed. Sluggish. Emotionally off-center.
Understanding Level 1 vs. Level 2 Happiness
This reminded me of something I once heard: the concept of Level 1 and Level 2 happiness.
- Level 1 happiness is instant but fleeting. It feels good right away, like sipping that drink or biting into your favorite takeout. But the feeling fades quickly—and often leaves guilt or regret in its place.
- Level 2 happiness is different. It may not feel great in the moment (like putting on workout clothes when you’re not in the mood), but it leaves you with a lasting sense of fulfillment. You feel proud of yourself. You feel aligned.
Even when I go for walks and don’t enjoy them in the moment—maybe the bugs are out, or it’s too hot—there’s always that moment after, when I’m back home, that I think: I’m so glad I did that.
Rewiring Old Patterns with New Habits
If you find yourself pulled toward something you know won’t serve you in the long run, pause. Ask yourself:
“What am I really hoping to gain by doing this?”
Chances are, the craving isn’t about the food or drink. It’s about a deeper emotional need—feeling loved, feeling valued, feeling significant.
And here’s the beautiful part: you’re not broken for wanting those things. You’ve just developed habits that no longer serve the version of you you’re becoming.
So now, it’s time to build new ones.
Habits that give you joy after the moment. Habits that help you wake up the next day feeling grounded, not guilty.
Final Thought: Choose What Nourishes You—Not Just What Distracts You
The next time you feel the urge to escape into a quick fix, remember this: you’re allowed to want to feel special. You’re allowed to want joy, celebration, connection.
But you can choose to meet those needs in a way that actually fills you—not drains you.
You don’t need to numb the craving. You just need to rewrite the response.
You’re building something better now—and that’s worth celebrating.
💬 Call to Action
Have you ever caught yourself reaching for a quick fix when what you really needed was something deeper?
Drop a comment below and share what you’ve learned about your own triggers and go-to habits. Let’s grow through this together.