Rolling some thoughts around in this brain of mine. When does a habit become an addiction? Is an addiction only attributed to those things that can harm us or others? Can too much of a good thing ever become an addiction? When does self care become its own form of addiction? How about obsession, when does it become addiction?
It may seem silly, but on my sister's farm, these goats will do almost ANYTHING for a saltine cracker. They come running! Climb walls! Bleat like crazy and push each other out of the way. Habit? or addiction? These goats are obsessed.
Yes the goats, by the way, their names are Happy and Pitiful, will eat carrots. But the cracker is always the favorite. And I mean can't get to cracker quick enough, over the top, get outta my way kind of treat.
Before I go any further with these thoughts, there is plenty of information out there, perspectives, and ideas about habits and addictions. If you feel you have some negative habits that need assistance or have come to the realization you may have an addiction, reach out, get help. It takes courage to face what may be staring at you or what you think is hidden. Here is a national hotline number: 1-800-862-HELP(4357). The hotline is open year round 24/7.
Keys to Whole Living is a business that strives towards holistic health. Sometimes, until the pain of staying the same is worse than the pain of change, we don't make a move. But once we start to make change, we can see better. It's like a fog lifts and we can see where we really are, at least in part.
For many of us, it starts by desperation with something physical such as obesity, a disease, fatigue, or age.
Go a step further, think about your soul (mind, will, emotions). Are any of these out of control? Do you worry? How's your anger? Does your mind race with thoughts of what you needs to get accomplished? How do these affect how you think or what you do?
Third is spirit man. The piece that connects with and has relationship with God. It's the same word that we get for pneuma or breath. Your spirit is the breath of God or that which gives life, including your purpose. While often the spirit of a man is the last thing we consider, it should be the first because it is the space given to the one who gives us life.
Here is my current (apt to evolve and change) definition:
Addiction is replacement therapy. Addiction is more than a habit. It is a stronghold, a compulsion. Addiction is selfish in motivation. Addiction is anything that holds you, controls you, provides an unhealthy escape, or supplies sole fulfillment. Addiction isn’t a cause, it’s a source.
As the team at KTWL prays for you, we want you to know, you are KNOWN by God. He can be trusted. He knows the causes and He is willing to work with you, by his arm that is never too short to save you from what has happened to you and in you.
Psalm 139:17-18
Every single moment you are thinking of me!
How precious and wonderful to consider
that you cherish me constantly in your every thought!
O God, your desires toward me are more
then the grains of sand on every shore!
When I awake each morning, you’re still with me.
What a place to start with the One who is always thinking of us and he is always there.
KTWL
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