July 17, 2013
/We are all addicts
Ad-dict (adikt) To be or cause to be, a devotee, to do or use something habitually.
Ad-dict-ed (a-dik-tid) Doing or using something as a habit or compulsively.
Do you know anyone who is an obsessive thinker, over exercises, worries continuously, always gossips, or talk’s non-stop? We are addicted to constant drama, compulsive organizing, negative thinking, perpetual ailments, and habitual daily use of everything from diet soda to a pack of cigarettes. All accomplish the same outcome. Self-avoidance.
Some behaviors can be more harmful, like addiction to alcohol, tobacco, food, shopping, and gambling. We practice every kind of drug addiction, from prescription to the street variety. Some addictions result in starving ourselves of food, goods or even love. As far as I can tell, there are no shortages of habitual behaviors.
All of these actions help us escape living in the moment and experiencing fully. We cleverly disguise our deeds by not addressing them for what they are.
Affairs are another addiction. We become involved outside of our partnership and overcome with a feeling that we must be with this other person no matter what. We tell ourselves, “I need to see him or her so I’ll feel better.” And for a moment, we do. Then desperation sets in and we will risk everything for just “one more time.”
Why do we do it? What’s the answer? I’m not a shrink but, I’m familiar with addictions and creating behaviors that don’t serve us. One reason for these addictive activities is to keep us from feeling pain, fear, disappointment, grief, sadness or discovering that we are unhappy. We do it because we are afraid to look at our lives and admit that we need change because we might have to do something outside of our comfort zone.
Recognizing our patterns can be a positive catalyst for change that brings us closer to the truth of just who we are, and of who we want to be. Addictions are a note to self- to take a closer look.
