The word ‘ habit ‘ is sometimes a kinder terminology than ‘ addiction ‘. However, in my case, saying that I have habits is a form of denial because what I actually have is an addiction. This was never more apparent to me than this morning. I had already started to fret about my daily routine/ritual/call it what you will , last night. The tussle began whilst I was eating my dinner. I ‘ over-did ‘ it and ate, horrors of horrors, TWO poached eggs with my 4 brussel sprouts, 2 florets of broccoli, spoonful of corn and slice of butternut. Its…
habit
NEW HORIZONS
Its obvious that in order to elicit change, one has to make an effort to step out of one’s comfort zone. No-one is denying this. Quite often the measures that one needs to take are so simple, so obvious and ordinary and yet, they become this unattainable quest and seemingly impossible. It is only when one takes that first step that one can look back and realise that it only requires a simple decision. However, just stepping out once doesn’t effect any lasting changes or benefits. The key is to continue along this new route until it becomes commonplace and…
THE WHEELS OF THE BUS
Sometimes the pool is empty and there is nothing inside. This leads to some dangerous and destructive behaviour in the life of an addict because it is invariably accompanied by a plethora of negative, guilt-ridden, self-doubting inner conversations that only serve to exacerbate and escalate an already unhealthy situation. Yesterday was the same and tomorrow will invariably follow suite. If I know all this, then why don’t/can’t I jolly well do something about it? If I look at it objectively, I get so irritated with myself for this indulgent and useless behaviour and the fact that I haven’t the gumption…
KINDNESS
I love it when signs point towards a specific theme or issue that I have already been open to. My desire to make contact with someone in need for 7 days was further endorsed and enforced when I came across The Thirty Day Kindness Challenge .The challenge is to be kind in words and actions to someone or several people you know for an entire 30 days. The hope is that like all habits that form when there is consistency and repeated behaviour, one can also train oneself to develop good and positive habits. The benefits are huge, not only…
THE HORSE OR THE CART?
I’m struggling to know where to start. Do I need to deal with what I do first or do I start with why I do it before I can move on to how to fix it? How can one process exist in isolation from the other? They are all intertwined afterall. An immediate vision springs to mind: I think of the magnificent Ebony trees that I have encountered over the years when on safari in South Africa. I draw parallels between the tree and myself. I see the solid trunk that I aliken to my central core, my soul, that…
WHEN DOES THE PENNY DROP?
What does it take to finally elicit change? How many warnings, negative incidents, anxiety fuelled moments of panic and despair do we need to experience before we let go of unhealthy practices? Why do we self-sabotage our lives until we reach a point of desperation? Do we have to reach that point before we are ready to implement radical measures to undo past behaviour? These are all questions that lie unanswered because I think it’s different for all people. Just as a conversion to faith may be instantaneous and dramatic for some, it can be more subtle and gradual…