Addiction in Reverse

Addiction: to devote or surrender (oneself) to something habitually or obsessively.

I can now say without absolutely cringing that I have in the past easily become addicted to various things that obviously did "something" for me, affected my brain chemistry in some seemingly pleasurable way. This however also links with neglecting what I was really in need of. I was addicted to cigarettes and in a small way still am as in I know "to take heed lest you shall stumble". I have quit twice once after smoking several years and the other a matter of months after going through some emotionally trying times I had relapsed and then quit again! Sometimes I catch myself saying "What is wrong with me? why did I do this? How could I be so dumb! I could have much better health if only.... and on and on" But then a good friend reminded me recently that I HAVE QUIT 2 TIMES!! which is more than many people can say ... unfortunately.  And that it is very hard to quit and I should be so excited for what I have accomplished!! I certainly can't take the credit though as I prayed and prayed to quit both times, God answered my prayers both times by giving me the circumstances I needed to quit! so thank you God, for you know what we really need! and can help us with anything in just the right way!!

I don't have  programmed television in my home because I know that I would become addicted to watching certain things and it would be a thief of my time! I do occasionally watch some shows and movies from time to time but I don't have them regularly streaming in. Not that I have anything against people who have it! I just know that it would be a problem for me. There have even been times I would get a season set of something from the library and I couldn't just watch one every couple of days.... I would be watching it any spare moment I could because I was tied into what was happening in the show.... so I think "why? do I have these things I am so drawn to that I know are thieves of my time and energy? magazines though I read good ones, I can get too caught up....foods particularly sweets like I am missing something vital if I don't get them! , thoughts such as draining or negative ones....etc....." Well!  I have come to the conclusion that we can all afford to give ourselves some compassion! and love! and respect! I am recently thinking what would I say to a friend who was telling me all these things? Would I say "What is wrong with you? why can't you get a hold of yourself and make these changes?....... hardly! I would offer encouragement, support and love, and thats just what I need to start giving myself in order to make healthy choices in my life. I think it's pretty universal from hearing people out~ we could all use more love, so why not start with the closest person to us? ourselves. I had heard one time that we can't love others if we don't love ourselves, and that is true on so many levels. I'm not talking about being self absorbed here but take care of ourselves so we can take care of others!

I had titled this Addiction in Reverse because as I work on mine, especially that of things that I take into my body, it is bringing up feelings that I haven't had in years! It even brings up cravings for things that I have been addicted to in the past!? It's really incredible to think that eating more raw foods can do such a thing but it's almost like I'm going backwards in time and reliving some of what I had gone through, only now I can take the time to process it all if I choose. I'm trying to the best I can, and it can be really hard at times. I read that you should have a support system when going through major changes in life, someone/'s who can be supportive of your goals and be there to help motivate you what the times get tough and you need some extra encouragement! I am working on trying to find that in my life, I do spend time in prayer with this and it really helps me stick with it! I know it's worth it, thats for sure!~ Sometimes it's like being in a dark grey turbulent storm while you can clearly see the on the other side is the most beautiful paradise you could ever imagine and all the while your getting closer and closer sometimes maybe getting turned around but things get worked out and you get back on track!! :)

Recipe for the day.. and as I'm sure you'll get to know that I love quick and easy!! I actually love to make fancy and sometimes elaborate dishes but... I do cook some food for my family as well as juice regularly and make raw meals and smoothies so.... I try to stick to what time will allow so I'm not rehydrating and dehydrating into the wee hours of the morn! ha ha

I really like this great and simple recipe I came across, for jicama fries:

• cut jicama into fry like strips, shoe string or thick and burly...
• drizzle with a little olive oil
• sprinkle on some sea salt
• dash on some chili powder

massage all over the sticks and ENJOY!!  they are a bit interesting at first, but after a couple, especially if you've gotten a good jicama that is sweet and juicy with NO mold, it is really delicious!