I’m so proud of Marianne Williamson for writing her powerful and moving new book A Course in Weight Loss. She takes a spiritual approach to a topic many of us and our family members struggle with—surrender and addiction.

Addictions suppress emotions so that we don’t feel. If we don’t want to deal with what’s in front of us, or if we don’t want to be where we are, we have a pattern that keeps us out of touch with our lives. It can be a food addiction, a chemical addiction, or an emotional addiction. Maybe we’re addicted to running up bills or to getting sick.

If you’re going to be addicted to anything, why not be addicted to loving yourself? You can also be addicted to doing something that is supportive of you, such as doing affirmations. Feel free to create your own or use those in the list below.

Affirmations

I lovingly take back my power. I release this old idea and let it go.

I give myself permission to change.

No person, place, or thing has any power over me. I am free.

I create a new life with new rules that totally support me.

The past is over. I choose to love and approve of myself in the now.

I easily and comfortably release that which I no longer need in life.

I am doing the best I can. I am wonderful. I am at peace.

I am willing to change and grow. I now create a safe, new future.

I refuse to limit myself. I am always willing to take the next step.

I choose to handle all my experiences with love, joy, and ease.

I move beyond past limitations into the freedom of the now.

I love and cherish myself. It is safe for me to care for myself.

I now choose to support myself in loving, joyous ways.

All desire for cigarettes [or alcohol or whatever it is you’re addicted to] has left me and I am free.