Those who are negatively addicted embrace a reality in their darkness that “this is a good at it gets.” In that mindset they lose hope and settle in to the situation they are in rather than move out of it. (Positive Addiction, Willam Glasser)
Those who are positively addicted look at their life and say “there has got to be an answer.” They spend their lives doing things that move them forward in pursuit of the answer. (Positive Addiction, Willam Glasser)
Last night I was reflecting on this journey, Cycling for Recovery and how it all evolved. Five years ago my bicycle became the mechanism that moved me to a complete transformation in my life. It began with a bike riding challenge because I knew that my life wasn’t going to be as it was, I knew there had to be an answer and something had to change. I got on my bike, rode it for one hundred consecutive days, and now I am riding it across the country because I know how powerful this approach is.
This transformational journey was prompted by a quest to find peace and clarity through the darkness and pain of my son’s heroin addiction. For a while, the parallel path of his addiction battles and my evolution as parent of a child with an addiction was the story. Now, his addiction is not the story. The story is of this journey I am on as I continue to move out of that dark place that was in control of everything. My life or my story is not about my children and their successes, failings, or struggles; my story is about the transformational journey that comes from a pursuit to embrace a life that celebrates and embraces all the gifts that have been placed in it.
As I look back on the last five years, so much has happened. I am developing a profound and awesome relationship with my heavenly Father, my relationship with my wife has improved tremendously, my children all comment on how much I have changed, I am tackling projects that scare me with a commitment that doesn’t deter me, and I have found peace and joy, even though life isn’t perfect or comfortable.
Stuck is that place where a loss of hope prevents someone from moving forward to the point they accept the situation for what it is and surrender to its power.
Don’t get stuck. Wherever you are tell yourself there is an answer and make a commitment to seek it out. Find an activity that mentally, physically, emotionally allows your mind to move away from the chaos to a quieter place where you can think, listen, and recharge. Follow your heart when you are called into action and block the fear, doubt and worry that often accompanies the call to action. Finally, trust and believe that God loves you, cares for you, and has a wonderful plan for you and your life. When you are actively taking care of yourself, moving forward in courage, and embracing authentic love in your daily routine, you are moving forward in very powerful ways. It will change your life!
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Please donate to Cycling for Recovery. If you have ever received any benefit from these blogs or articles, please help pay it forward with a contribution. Cycling for Recovery is a 100Pedals ministry. The mission of this 3600 mile, cross country bike ride is to bring a message of hope and love to family members who have been struggling with the addiction of a loved one while providing education and awareness to others regarding the issue of addiction in our families and communities. Click here to donate.
