Surrender and Sacrifice

        An affliction that does not discriminate, addiction can take many forms, and can even be disguised as what we often think of as our “healthier” habits. Based on my personal experiences, I don’t believe there is any room in one’s wellness plan for something that has control over them or holds power in their life. 

That coffee may help you get going in the morning, but downing your 5th cup by noon, loading each one with sugar and sweet creamers, isn’t helping your body achieve anything beneficial. How about a good exercise routine, running a few times a week to get your heart rate up and stay toned. Sure, as long as you are not killing yourself on extreme regimens and surviving on protein bars; ignoring the fact your body is malnourished, not sexy. Even that seemingly blissful relationship can turn toxic, if you find yourself obsessing over that person more than the amount of time you actually spend together. Any habit or routine, good or bad, can become addicting if it takes control of your life. One must know their limits. If you find that you don’t have any… establish some.

When an addict is ready to take that drastic leap of faith into the arms of recovery, the jump can definitely feel more like falling into failure than flying to freedom. This life altering decision often feels emotionally more treacherous than the self-torture of ingesting poison regularly and destroying our bodies to the point of a sometimes disgusting and painful detox process.

        Giving up something we have come to accept as a part of who we are, will more than likely leave us with a void. There is no person, place, or thing that can fill that emptiness apart from a deep spiritual awakening. Unless we are able to pull our focus away from the pain and sadness of worldly obstacles, we will remain unable to grasp hold of a life with meaning, direction, and substance. If we are incapable of seeing a bigger picture, something greater than ourselves, we will surely struggle to be content and simply tolerate the rest of our days.

Mindful Minute:

• What is destroying your life? (Habit, relationship, environment)
• What / who has control over most of your life? Why?
• Do you want to change this?
• If you could be rid of what controls you, would you? Why or why not?