The A Word – A More Empowering Perspective
Many people struggle with the A word. Prospective clients will call me and tell me about their compulsive behaviours and how they cannot control themselves when it comes to drinking, cocaine binges, gambling, eating, and shopping. This confession is often followed very quickly with a declaration of “I don’t think it’s an addiction…. I’m not an addict!”
Some people are avoiding owning their behaviours, or admitting there’s a problem because the world is telling them it’s not ok to be an addict!
When you think about the word ‘Addict’ what is it that comes to mind? Some picture of a down and out, sitting on a park bench with a can of Special Brew? Who wants to be in that camp? Not many of us, that’s for sure!
If you are struggling with the A word, then it’s probably time to relieve yourself of the stigma around it and create space for a more empowering perspective. In some schools of thought, the addict is an archetype, a part of us that can definitely be a problem, but can also be absolutely integral to our reason for being alive – a part of us that holds the keys to unlocking our purpose in life!
It’s time to get real here. It’s time to stop disowning addiction simply because we don’t want to be associated with the social stigma of the A word. In doing so, we keep it in the shadows where it thrives.
A More Empowering Perspective
“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” – James Baldwin
It’s time to actually listen to addiction, to feel it, to get to know it intimately. In doing so, we can access the hidden lessons that underpin addiction whilst at the same time healing ourselves. As we deepen in awareness, our old beliefs lose their charge, and we become sober and clear in our thinking. Eventually, we may come to the realisation that, it is impossible to find anything within ourselves that could be called an addict, at least nothing solid and real. All of this is only possible if we stop disowning our addictions.
Nathanial Brandon says, “You can’t leave a place you’ve never been”. With this in mind, if you are seeking a more meaningful life, perhaps it’s time to turn and face addiction. You don’t have to call your compulsive behaviour by the A word, but you do need to admit the problem if it’s running out of control and having a negative impact on yourself and others.
If you are not sure how to do this then give me a call, or email me. I can help you take the first steps towards reclaiming your life.