Do You REALLY Want That?

I was talking to someone today (who I am very proud of) who has not drank alcohol in over 2 years, and has not smoked a cigarette in over a year and a half. This person has done both of these things since he was a teenager and no one believed he would ever not do them. It's not that people meant to have little to no faith he would give them up, or that they did not hope he would, but after so many years of his abuse of them, you just tried to be...well... realistic. But, never say never; look at him now!!!

During our conversation, the length of time that it has been since he stopped drinking and smoking came up. He told me something very interesting and I just knew I had to share it. He said that when he was considering giving up his habits he asked his Dr if there was something he could give him that would help him do that (a patch, a pill, etc). His Dr asked him, "do you really want to stop doing those things?". His answer of course was yes. The Dr then promptly told him that if he really wanted to stop, then he didn't need any help (patches, pills) to do it. If he wanted it bad enough, HE would do it! Well, I must say...that didn't set well with the patient!! He went home and fumed over what the Dr had told him. I don't remember if he said or not, but knowing him, he likely had a few choice words for the Dr before he left his office! Anyway, after fuming for awhile, he gave some serious thought as to why the Dr would say that to him. Surprisingly (to me, and I'm sure to himself) he said he realized that the Dr was right. If he REALLY wanted this, he could do it...and ultimately it was UP TO HIM, and only him to do it!!!

WOW!!! What a revelation huh?!! YOU and ONLY YOU are responsible for your actions! This is not to say that you can't ask for help (someone to talk to when the going gets tough, accounts of people who've been there and succeeded, counsel on conquering addictions/bad habits, please don't bring that food in the house; even medical help: patches, pills, surgery), but to stress that if we REALLY want to change a behavior....WE CAN DO IT....and the TRUE CHANGE COMES FROM WITHIN!! It may not be easy, but how many GREAT ACCOMPLISHMENTS are?!