We are addicted to our thoughts.
We cannot change anything if we cannot change our thinking.
In a recent blog entitled, “9 Addictions that 90% of Us Struggle With”, I was intrigued by how my addictive ways have transformed into other (non-obvious) areas of my life.
Almost every one of us is an addict. I know, you are probably saying I am not a drug addict or an alcoholic, right?
Here are a few addictions which resonated with me, what about you?
1. COMPARING and COMPETING WITH EVERYONE ELSE.
I will admit, this has been me for LONG time. Just when I think I let it go, it pops up in another way in my life. It used to be about “stuff”, then it was money and prestige, and when I started my own business, it was about whether or not I was “as good as” someone else in the company.
UGH! It is so foolish to compare ourselves to everyone else, I mean we don’t know what their story. When you stop comparing, you free yourself to accomplish what matters most to you. You may have to remind yourself time and again you don’t have to always be and do what everyone else is.
Instead of competing with others, how about competing with a previous version of yourself, so you become better. It’s as simple as that. You are not in competition with anybody except yourself; plan to outdo your past.
2. SECRETLY WISHING FOR EVERYONE’S STAMP OF APPROVAL.
WOW! I am a people pleaser – always was and work hard to not be one every day. The truth is you don’t need anyone’s affection or approval, to be good enough in your own eyes. When someone rejects or judges you, 99% of the time it isn’t actually about you. I know, hard to believe, right? It’s about their own insecurities, limitations, and needs and not their opinion of you.
Your worth is inherent. You are alive, and therefore you matter. You’re allowed to think things and feel things. You’re allowed to assert your needs and take up space. You’re allowed to hold on to the truth you are worthy. And you’re allowed to remove anyone from your life who insists on making you feel otherwise.
3. BEING MORE LOVING TO OTHERS THAN WE ARE TO OURSELVES.
Believe it or not, life gets easier when you are your own best friend. I LOVE this line! There’s absolutely nothing selfish about self-care. If you don’t take good care of yourself then you can’t take good care of anyone else. Because we can’t give what we don’t have. Treat yourself right and you’ll be life-giving to others.
4. BELIEVING WE DON’T HAVE ENOUGH TO GIVE BACK.
You may not have it all, but you have more than enough so don’t be scared to share.
Generosity isn’t just to help others, it’s also to liberate you. Which is why you cannot live abundantly until you have done something nice for someone who can never repay you. Know this and live graciously. There is no exercise better for your heart and mind than reaching down and lifting people up.
5. DREAMING OF WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN, OR SHOULD HAVE BEEN.
Before you can truly LIVE today, a part of you has to die first. You have to let go and bury the shoulda, coulda, woulda of your life. You can’t change a past experience, opinions of others, or outcomes from their choices or yours. Go ahead! Let go. Forgive. Be present and free.
If you are struggling with any of these things, you are not alone! Many of us are right there with you, working hard to feel better, think more clearly and leave a life free of ALL addictions. The bottom line is, it’s never too late to take a step in the right direction. It’s never too late to break free and become the person you are capable of being. Addictions of all kinds CAN be beaten!
Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!
Hope Wissel 