Monday 25 January 2016

Our Addiction To Patterns

We think of addiction as being associated with drugs, alcohol, sex, gambling and the other usual culprits...however, there is something just as damaging; if not more so in some cases and that's an addiction to patterns.

Of course I don't mean that you can't get enough William Morris, or that your nights are spent trawling through the history of Mary White's designs.  The pattern addiction I'm referring to is circling relentlessly in your head and it can be just as tough to break as any other dependency.

Whenever I hear phrases like,

"But the last time I felt like this it went on and on and on...."
"If you knew what happened to me 35 years ago you'd know why I can't possibly be free from this depression..."
"Whenever the day starts like this, I know exactly how the rest of my day is going to be!"
"It's always the same..."
"I've never been any other way .."
"I'm clumsy/stupid/lack confidence/shy"  etc etc..delete or add appropriate word!

Any of those types of phrases when re-visited again and again can become quite appealing.  They appeal because they enable the person to give themselves a label, and hang on to that label (belief) forever. Doing this keeps them in the addictive loop of being a slave to their thoughts.

This enslavement means they have to live a restricted life - because, well, "It's always been this way!"

Providing there is a commitment and desire to change, there is always an alternative to being stuck in an addictive pattern.

Imagine a life free from the need to listen to, and live your life by your old beliefs!

Really, can you imagine that?

Well it is possible.

It starts (ironically), with STOP!

The moment you hear yourself saying something that is derogatory or that restricts your ability to live your life the way you want to, simply think the word STOP!

Engage all your senses in this moment right now and look around you.

This moment right now is the only thing that's real - don't trawl through the past - it's gone.  What could you do today that would help you feel re-connected to that you that's been waiting for your arrival?

Enjoy becoming your own wonderfully dynamic and unique self!

With love,
Kathleen x

"The truth is, unless you let go, unless you forgive yourself, unless you forgive the situation, unless you realize that the situation is over, you cannot move forward." - Steve Maraboli















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