UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL

The word 'bondage' is not a word that brings a smile to our face. When we think of that word, usually we think of slavery, involuntary servitude or imprisonment of some kind. We cringe when we think of someone's freedom being taken away. But bondage can be self inflicted and is by many people. Another definition of bondage is: restraint of a person's liberty by compulsion, compulsion meaning a strong, irresistible impulse to carry out an act. Perhaps you see now where this is leading.

There is more bondage around us and in us than we see at first glance. All bondages are not illegal. We only have to recognize the person addicted to smoking, to food, to sex, to spending, to alcohol, etc., to realize there are personal bondages all around us. Some people need professional help to overcome their bondage. Then there are those that only require a change of mind and a change of direction.

When you replace the word 'bondage' with the words 'bad habit', you can see it is more doable to think of correcting what has gone wrong. There is a good possibility that what you have come to detest, is just something you have done so long that it has a hold on you. But the fact remains that our life is a choice. Each thing we do, good or bad is because of choices we make everyday. When we finally decide that we are bigger than our 'feelings', we can pick ourself up and start in another direction.

I am not saying it is easy to change a lifestyle that has consumed us for a while. It would be nice to think a miracle is on the way to help us out. But it won't happen. It takes work on our part. We took the time to form the habit and it will take time to change it. The good news is, it can happen. Millions have gone before you making the decision to be their own boss, kicking their puny 'feelings' out the door.

If you have a problem area in your life that you want to change, don't wait for the 'right time' to make the change. If you have been convicted in your heart of hearts that you need to take charge of this particular thing, then do it! Bite the bullet and say to yourself, "That's enough! No more for me! I'm bigger than this thing!"

When you've made up your mind, it will be important that you don't hang around people that could pull you back down. Unfortunately there will be those that want you to fail in your new choices. Stay away from them. They are toxic to your new choices. If possible, select someone that you can be accountable to, as far as your time, your money, your diet, etc.

If your habit is handing out that credit card for things just because they are on sale, stay out of the mall or stores you normally frequent. Stay away from places that cause problems. Find other interests. You can do it!

It's important that you remember that it was your repetitive action of doing the bad thing that made it a habit. Now, it will take your new action over and over to create the good life habit. It can be done! Your self talk will be very important. A positive attitude, feeling good about your new choices, will be your best friend.

In my own life, my Christian faith has brought me through bad choices and bad habits that I wanted desperately to change. I wanted the change more than I wanted the 'thing'. I changed! You are no different, you have what it takes! Change your mind and change your life!

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"In every single thing you do, you are choosing a direction.
Your life is a product of choices."
Dr. Kathleen Hall,
from Alter Your Life