01/05/2022
Behaviors we can't seem to stop are often fueled by a fear of uncertainty. Whether it is drinking at a tailgating party, taking smoke breaks during work, or stopping for a Dr Pepper every time we pass our favorite gas station, we keep doing it - and will keep doing it - until we decide upfront that we are going to actively accept the feelings we aren't sure we can handle if we don't do it. We already know it might be worth it. That's not the battle we need to fight. Otherwise, we wouldn't be thinking about a change. Even if we know it's going to be worth it, our fear of not knowing if we can handle the emotional fall out will rise as King and keep us from embracing choices our very life depends on! So stop trying to convince yourself it will be worth it - you probably already know it will be - and zero in on the real problem. Anticipate what you will feel by not doing what you usually do, connect with social and spiritual support, and walk into the darkness trusting that new strength will only be found as you exercise wholehearted faith. You may find a way you never believed was there.
