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Getting to the Root of It: A Healing Balm of Freedom

Sunday, February 16, 2025

Joyful Sunday!

Let’s start with something new—many of you received The Friday Rundown for the first time! This monthly newsletter goes out to over 1,000 people worldwide. As a participant of Getting to the Root of It you will automatically receive both emails. My apologies for not mentioning this sooner. If The Friday Rundown isn’t for you, feel free to delete it when it arrives. Just a heads-up—unsubscribing from one removes you from both.

Devotion

The struggle is real. Some of us are in our final stretch, while others are continuing from earlier weeks. No matter where you are in this journey, stay the course.

I’ll be honest—these past few weeks have felt like a roller coaster. The triggers? On a whole new level. My biggest battle has been in my mind, trying to balance everything life is throwing at me. I’ve had to shut out the noise—too many voices, too many opinions, too much distraction. Can you relate?

Imagine putting your hands over your ears and yelling, "Just stop!"

If you’ve been wondering why this study includes so many references to food, here’s why—everything is connected. The weight of life and the weight on our bodies. One doesn’t exist without the other.

I shared this with a coaching client recently:

Whenever we eat, there’s an emotional connection. It could be social, anxiety-driven, tied to oppression, or even a scarcity mentality. The weight we carry—physically, emotionally, spiritually—is all intertwined.

For example, while sitting in the hospital with my mom, I found myself reaching for potato chips. It wasn’t the food—it was the crunch. That crunch helped me process my frustration after conversations with one of her doctors. But why the crunch? What is at the root of that reaction?

Or coffee—I’ve noticed that when I’m overwhelmed with projects, I pour myself a cup in the middle of the day. But here’s the thing: I usually take one or two sips and then leave it. So, what’s really going on? What am I trying to satisfy?

This is the real work—digging deeper, recognizing patterns, and uncovering the truth behind our responses.

Weight is weight.

Some of you are focusing on body weight. Others are addressing the weight of life. But could they actually be the same?

Sit with that this week. And before you assume “body weight” only refers to too much weight, remember—it can also mean not enough weight. It’s about balance, health, and overall well-being. Even our mindset carries weight. Our burdens? Heavy. Our shoulders? Carrying more than they should.

This week, acknowledge the struggle. But more importantly, make the decision to stay in it. If you’re feeling the urge to walk away, ask yourself: Why? What is trying to pull you back from getting to the root of it?

Prayer:

Lord, help me to hold on.

~ Gail

Gail Dudley, The Audacious Advocate

www.GailDudley.com

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