the one about the addiction recovery program
Most people know about Alcoholics Anonymous and other such addiction recovery groups. Those programs typically have 12 steps to overcoming your addictions. In my church, there is a similar program with similar steps, only there is a lot more focus on bringing God into the process.
Several months ago, instead of the normal third hour meetings, we had some people come talk about this Addiction Recovery Program.
I thought the program was just for addicts--of alcohol, drugs, pornography, or other such things.
i was so wrong.
The speakers helped me realize that pretty much all people are addicts--of something or another. Because we're all addicted to our "favorite sins" or even just our favorite bad habits.
I have at least some level of addiction to things like TV, food, and trying to control everything in my life.
Now these aren't horrible things that will get me kicked out of the running for heaven, but they're definitely things I could be working on if my goal is to eventually become perfect, as the Savior has commanded. And they're definitely things that the 12 steps can help me overcome.
I know that if I take these steps to work on each of my weaknesses, I will be able to improve little by little, day by day, and as I improve, I'll also be happier. And who doesn't want to be happier? :)
No need to comment about this (I mean you can if you want, but no pressure!), but how could you use the 12 steps to improve your life? I encourage you to look at the manual online (or pick up a copy at the Distribution Center) and see how you can use it to change your life for the better :)
**ashleynicole
Nice food for thought. I know that in order for me to overcome bad habits and sins, It helps me if I have a very honest conversation with myself about what I really want most. And then I have to ask myself what would motivate me to enact real, life long change. For me, waking up in the morning and saying something like, "today I'm not going to.... " doesn't work. I can tell myself a million times, but throughout the day things happen, I get stressed, tired and usually find myself doing the thing I said I wasn't going to do. So, I think and try to analyze why I do ... And then ask myself what I want more than that bad behavior. It's usually help or guidance for someone I love. Then, I take it to the lord. I ask him to send extra help to my person in exchange for my bad habit, sin etc.. Interestingly, when I consider the person I want to trade my sin in for, I usually feel inspired on who to choose and In what way I should ask the lord to help them. It is something that has really strengthened my faith in our father in heaven and how he Truely is involved in the details of our lives.
ReplyDeleteThat's really awesome! Sounds almost like a fast--fasting the habits you want to overcome in order to receive the blessings you desire. It's a cool idea, and cool that it's something you practice :)
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