So, you might be wondering why I am asking about addiction to all of you, my healthy, happy readers? Don't get me wrong, while I do think you are all working on being your best self and getting healthy, I know that nobody is perfect and we all have our struggles each and every day. That is why I want to talk about addiction in a new way with you today.
Historically, addiction has been defined as physical and psychological dependence on psychoactive substances (for example alcohol, tobacco, heroin and other drugs) which cross the blood-brain barrier once ingested, temporarily altering the chemical milieu of the brain.
But.....addiction can also be viewed as a continued involvement with a substance or activity despite the negative consequences associated with it. Pleasure and enjoyment would have originally been sought; however, over a period of time involvement with the substance or activity is needed to feel normal.
Hmmmmmm....how does that sound to you? Let that sink in for a minute and think....what is my addiction?
I was thinking about this topic yesterday, and my own personal thought is that everyone has an addiction. Do you agree?
Let me start with myself, since I do believe that you have got to dig the plank out of your own eye, before you look at the speck in someone else's eye. After thinking about it awhile, I think that I am addicted to being perfect. I think I feel the need to be perfect in everything, and it really gets me down when I don't meet my high expectations. I will admit it, and I will admit that this behavior does have negative consequences. It is a screwed up way of living...always trying to be perfect in every little way. In fact, it has sort of led to other mini-addictions.(if such a thing exists)
When you think about what your own addiction(s) may be, also think about how they affect everything else you do. Maybe that explains many of your behaviors, moods, or patterns in your life.
The first step is identifying your addiction. I think that the next step is deciding what to do to get out of your addiction, and the third courageous step is taking the actions necessary to change your life! This is not an easy thing. Right now, I am thinking about what I need to do to step away from the perfectionism, and it is not easy.
Let me end this discussion with these words by Bill Blackman, "Great changes may not happen right away, but with effort, even the difficult may become easy."
Be inspired! Take some time to think about this and take action.
Have a great weekend!
Cara
The internet. that could well be my addiction. When I'm bored I wander back to it. I sacrifice what I believe is a better parenting style (less tv for kids) so I can have peace and quiet while I do nothing productive on the internet. I definitely need to let it go so I can be productive, and do other necessary things, and things I enjoy.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your share experience with us, I like this post, not only it has taught me a lot, but also let me continuous learning everyday. I will visit your new blog post every day, my dear friend.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your thoughts on this topic, Carrie. It is hard to admit to an addiction, and it is really hard to start making changes. I am still stuck on how to start getting myself out of my addiction to perfection. If anyone has any ideas, I will take them!
ReplyDeleteI missed this article over the weekend. But the strange thing is I was just thinking about addictions last night. Can procrastination be an addiction? Kristin
ReplyDeleteHi Kristin,
ReplyDeleteYes, I do believe procrastination can be an addiction. I think the first thing to ask yourself is "why do I procrastinate?" From there, you can start making changes in your thought processes and then actions. Wish you the best!
Cara
As a follow up on my internet addiction - I talked with my husband about this, and he has been concerned as well. With his help, we set up some restrictions on my computer, so I am limited as to how much time I can actually spend reading. It has been good, but unfortunately, I am finding ways around it (a clear sign I'm not in a good place with the internet) so we are looking for additional ways to encourage limiting my time spent of forums, facebook, and entering giveaways.
ReplyDeleteBravo to you, Carrie, for taking steps to fight your addiction. I was just talking to my hubby last night about my own addiction, and I am having a hard with it. I don't know what steps to take to fight my addiction to perfection. He said I should just go to counseling. :-)
ReplyDelete