Imagine a cake sitting in front of you. It’s a gorgeous cake, covered with chocolate and filled with luscious raspberry jam. It took hours of standing in the kitchen, making sure every ingredient was beautifully combined. You patiently waited for it to rise in the oven, then waited even longer as it cooled on a rack. You gently placed each layer upon the other, checking to make sure it was perfectly level. You iced the cake meticulously until it was immaculately smooth, carefully piping the edges and placing the raspberries in a ring. You placed it in the center of your table and admired the masterpiece you created.
So beautiful, so perfect…you take a second to admire what your hands have made. You fear the first bite, scared of ruining what you’ve built. So, you place your fork at the back center—a place easy to conceal—and take a small nibble. The cake is delicious…exactly how you imagined. Every thought is consumed by the desire to finish it. What about just one slice? It’s just one slice. It’s all you need. So, you cut a small sliver and savor every second of each bite.
Still unsatisfied, you walk away from the table. The thought of the sweet, decadent chocolate won’t leave your mind. You distract yourself by cleaning up the mess you made in the kitchen, while the cake sits behind you in the fridge. The fridge is open now, and the cake stares back at you…begging to be eaten. You tell yourself you should leave it alone—once was enough. You walk away again, but temptation won’t leave your side.
Somehow, you find yourself right back where you started. The cake sits in front of you, fork in hand, no plate to be seen. Your mind races with every thought. Walk away. You don’t need it. The cake isn’t even for you. What about just one more bite? No, it’s not yours. You stand up, frustrated, but your feet only make it two steps before you immediately turn around. Eyes full of lust. You give in. Every bite brings you pure bliss. You can’t stop until it’s utterly devoured.
Your hands are now stained with red, face covered in chocolate. Your stomach is full to the brim and queasy as can be. Are you satisfied? The guilt creeps in as you walk to the sink, the water becoming murky as soon as you start to wash your hands. What did I just do? You place the cake dish and unused fork into the dishwasher, hoping it will wash away the pit you feel in your stomach.
I should’ve just walked away.