Day 26
Sometimes when we break a habit or addiction we find ourselves missing it like a dear friend
Over a year ago I took to loosing some weight and dropped forty five pounds. I am still holding to my new weight goals. Recently I took three months off from drinking any alcohol. I made it through a couple of months, but found myself back to it before the three months were up.
Whenever we make the effort to free ourselves of an addiction or a habit we no longer need or want we often find ourselves missing the old pattern as we would a familiar friend. This sounds counterintuitive, because we think we should instinctively gravitate toward that which is good for us. And yet, it makes a lot of sense when you consider that we are creatures of habit. This is why we gravitate to people and places–and patterns of behavior–that make us feel comfortable. Therefore, many of the habits we form are not conscious and are based instead on learned behavior from role models who were not always making the healthiest decisions.
Most addictions in my opinion begin as a way of avoiding feelings that are uncomfortable, so it makes sense that stopping the addiction means, for a time, a fair amount of discomfort. The same, of course, is true of habits that we have developed over time that we are ready to release. Just knowing that this is hard, and having compassion for ourselves as we work through this process, can help us to stay the course. It’s also helpful to remember that in time we can establish new, healthier patterns, and the yearning for the old ones will hopefully disappear. Ten years ago I gave up cigarettes and to this day do not have any urge to smoke. My eating habits are different today then in the past, but I’m finding comfort in the fact I’m eating better foods. Although I gave up drinking for a time, I realize I still miss the social and relaxation components of it today.
The only way to get to this new place is to endure a time of difficulty, which is a challenge we can confidently handle, if we remember that it will lead to the change we seek in our lives. Our bodies, hearts, and minds always need time to adjust to a new way of doing things, but they will adapt, and even become our allies, if we remain true to our vision of a new way. I think I’ll try with the alcohol again come January! Maybe even try exercising!!
“Blessings on your journey”
Hope and Love on life's journey 
Very touching, Mark and so well put. Thank you, my friend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very good post today. The addictions just act like dear old friends. They really aren’t. They pull you down from your ascent to the light. But rather than hating your dear old friends, we somehow need to make them into our pets. They must be appreciated for propeling us forward. But that’s all. For recovery from an addiction we have to be clear that that friendship is over forever…. there are much better friends waiting!!
LikeLike
So insightful Mark and so on point. We are all addicted to something. Thank you for sharing of your own personal challenges, for your authenticity and vulnerability. It gives me permission to acknowledge my own struggles.
LikeLiked by 1 person