I told myself I would quit……tomorrow. Not sure how many times I told myself this, but it was tons of times. I even sorta made good on it a few times, but I always came up with a reason to reset the clock back to “I’ll do it tomorrow.” You may have had this conversation with yourself, trust me I know it’s a scary deal. There are many reasons why you may have said this, health reason, yet another blowout argument with spouse or significant other, something happen with the law, or with work, or the voice in head is saying something has to change. You’re killing yourself, and the ones around you in the process. There are many reasons why you have told yourself tomorrow and yet you have not started your “tomorrow.” I started my “tomorrow” twenty some years ago and you know what, best tomorrow thing I’ve done. Was it a scary deal? You bet it was it took a lot of work, sole searching, help and support, understanding myself, acceptance, and learning new ways. I know the fears that you may face on way to your “tomorrow.” Here are a few reasons that I came up with, what can you add? Send them to me.
- Social and peer pressures – this can be a huge obstacle. What will my friends think? Is a sign of weakness or lack of control? What will they think of me? You can’t expect me to go to the ballgame and drink a soda!
- Poor information and not understanding – Not understanding what a problem might look like, or not knowing ways to overcome, available resources or that it may have control over you. Not understanding what alcoholism is, and that it is a disease.
- Shame or stigma – after all you wouldn’t want to be “one those people” there is a stigma out there that it means you’re weak and can’t control yourself, and that alcoholics are people that don’t have jobs, families, sleep in shelters, you know the stereotype. We all know this is not the case, yet this idea lives on. There should be no shame in being honest, and in taking steps to better oneself.
- Ambivalence – is a state of having simultaneous conflicting reactions, beliefs, or feelings towards some object. This is a basic, common definition. It’s like the love – hate relationship that one has with alcohol. You may know that drinking is tearing things apart but yet it’s what your goal may be for the day and every day.
- Denial – As long you say there isn’t a problem there will be no problem. Meanwhile your world may continue to implode all around you, and then it’s too late. Make the change before this happens. This is what happens all too often, listen to what people are saying, listen to yourself.
- Coping skills – The “How will I?” questions. This is where the learning new ways comes in. This is why we are here. It’s not always as hard as you may think. You just might be surprised what you learn about yourself.
- Nutrition and supplements – In order to feel good you have to eat well. Getting your body rebalanced and “hitting on 8” again is a key factor. However you may decide to quit do not discount the importance of this. We have many ways to help you rebalance, and it doesn’t always mean doing the salad bar. (hint protein & sugar, are just a couple ways, we can explore the details and it’s not what you think)
- Fear – This is a biggie! It may part of all these rolled up into one huge “tomorrow.” Instead of saying fear let’s call it courage. It takes a lot to stand to up to yourself and admit there is a problem. This why your quitting tomorrow, right? Let’s turn your “tomorrow” into today! BE COURAGOUS!
- Access to help – There are many different ways out there to get help. It’s OK to seek it, really, it’s a good thing to seek help because without it your chances of achieving successful “tomorrow” are very slim. That’s why we are here.
- Motivation – whatever the motivation may be or where it’s coming from, as long the end result will get you to your tomorrow, let’s get started today.
I’m sure that there may be many other reasons that you can think of for not quitting. Turn it around. What are some of your reasons for quitting? Be honest. If you have said those words “I’m going to quit tomorrow” you’re not alone and you don’t need to be. Have you tried “tomorrow” many times? I did. Is that voice in head trying to tell you something, is your family trying to tell you something? I know the thoughts that you may be dealing with, and the feelings that go along with them. Yes it maybe a fearful idea of coming to grips of having a problem, but make that courageous first step. This is a journey, and as with just about all journeys there are good times and tough times along way. Don’t let fear deter you, after all each journey starts with some fear and that single step, yet the rewards can be so great! Let’s get started today on your road to recovery. Those same words I said over twenty years ago.” I’ll quit tomorrow.” Why wait till tomorrow, today is the day! Give me a call, drop me an email don’t wait till “tomorrow.”
Steve
steve@cadinalpointwi.com Or Schedule your FREE Consultation HERE
Steve Practices at Cardinal Point. He Can See clients in person or nationwide.
