Practicing Patience and Addiction

What a mysterious thing is this enemy of ours – as mysterious as life itself.

Addiction is sometimes without explanation. However, we are aware of its presence and how miserable it makes us feel. How little we like to speak of it, discuss it, or consider its importance! When cornered, we discuss the thought as quickly as possible. That being said, doesn’t it seem strange that we spend so much time feeding our addictions? Furthermore, when we have finally had enough, why do we not spend an equal amount of time and energy trying to recover from those same addictions.

Recovery takes time. It is a thing that cannot be hurried no matter how badly we desire it. The ugly larva in its cocoon spends much time in almost unnoticeable growth and change. But no matter how slow that growth may be, the moment comes when it passes through a crisis, and emerges a beautiful butterfly. The weeks of growth are over, left behind, and the new and the beautiful come into being.

One way to help bring about a change in yourself is to read. I’ve learned that reading about someone’s failures and accomplishments can jump start a need to change yourself; a change in the way you think; a change in the places you go; a change in the knowledge you seek; a change in your socializing.

Although professional counseling is an important element in most recovery programs, it is not a mandatory component. I feel that we don’t have to be directly told that we are wasting our lives. In all of us there exists an inner-self that is constantly reminding us what we should and should not be doing. We know instinctively what is right and what is wrong. That’s the way humans are built. And as a human being, you are already equipped with the components of change. So open you mind, heart & soul and allow your inner-self to do what God intended it to do – change your life and your destiny. I’m not saying that you should “do things your way”. Most individuals who have tried running on sheer willpower and defiant rebellion sooner or later discover they lack the internal strength to change. So be sure to practice patience – you’ll have a more harmonious outcome.