“The Road Not Taken

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.”

Contrary to what is often claimed, the source of addictions is not to be found in genes, but the early childhood environment where the neurology of the brain’s reward pathways develops and the where the emotional patterns that lead to addiction are wired into the unconscious. Stress, both then and later in life, creates the predisposition for addictions, whether to drugs, alcohol, nicotine, or to behavioural addictions such as shopping or sex.

Helping the addicted individual requires that we appreciate the function of the addiction in his or her life. More than a disease, the addiction is a response to a distressing life history and life situation. Once we recognize the roots of addiction and the lack it strives (in vain) to fill, we can develop a compassionate approach toward the addict, one that stands the best chance of restoring him or her to wholeness and health.

Surround yourself with positive energy, positive conversations and positive people in your day to day and work on your darkness in a mediative, creative or therapeutic setting. You must make and use times set aside to feel and work through the darkness, however often works for you, but spend your day to day having uplighting connections and with whatever brings pure joy to your soul.

Nothing cuts as quickly to contentment as taking a step back and reflecting on your inner journey.

We have to take responsibility and become aware that no matter what happened in our past, we are capable of rewriting our story, of building healthy self-esteem. The best is:
There are no secrets to it. It’s changing the opinion that you have of yourself by modifying the beliefs you have about yourself, your life, your abilities, and your intrinsic value and the book you hold in your hands will help you with it. It will help you get rid of damaging beliefs like “I’m a helpless victim and have no power over what happens in my life,” “I’m not good enough,” “I don’t deserve good things in my life,” “There is something bad in all of us.”
If you make the effort and time to work on your self-esteem, the rewards will be awesome:
Higher self-confidence, better social relationships, better work relationships and just making peace with your life are some of them. Criticism from others won’t bother you anymore. You will be able to freely express your thoughts, feelings, values, and opinions because your self-worth no longer comes from the acceptance of others. You’ll be better able to deal with difficulties, anxiety, depression, and the inevitable hardships that arise. You’ll simply experience more happiness and enjoyment in all areas of your life.

Coming to accept who you are involves loving yourself because of your flaws, not in spite of them.

I often ask my clients to visualize their highest and best self that lies deep within them. I ask them to imagine that highest self stepping outside of them and looking at them in their current life circumstance or situation. I ask the client to imagine what this highest or best self advises them to do.
This process of visualizing a separation or detachment from the current [or] suffering self often helps clients tap into the wisdom that already lies within them — their highest self — to promote healing.
This exercise teaches clients how to be their own best parent and demonstrate empathy, compassion and love towards the self. I advise clients to take a few minutes to meditate and practice this visualization whenever they are in crisis [or] need some direction or some self-soothing.

Always go with your passions. Never ask yourself if it’s realistic or not.

The only hope for healing is to offer a better form of ecstasy, to upgrade so the addict will give up the stupid one.