The Power of Awareness: Overcoming Addiction and Unwanted Behaviors

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you are in autopilot mode, doing things without even being aware of them? It is common to go through life without being mindful of our actions, thoughts, feelings, and desires. However, when it comes to overcoming addiction or any destructive behavior, awareness becomes the key to success.

The Apostle Paul warns us in 1 Corinthians 10:12, "If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!" Therefore, developing awareness daily is essential to cultivate a healthy lifestyle promoting constructive diligence.

To become more aware, it is vital to take it one step at a time, moment to moment. One practical approach is to start your day off with an assessment of yourself. Take time to sit in a quiet place, put both of your feet on the ground, and ask God to give you clarity and focus. Start by asking yourself the following questions:

How do I feel right now? How do I feel physically now? What do I want to do versus what should I do? What emotion was I attempting to mask, conceal, or numb the last time I acted out? Have I experienced any triggers, whether sexual, non-sexual, environmental, or emotional, in the last seven days?

After completing your assessment, take a moment to pray and talk to God openly and honestly. Ask him for clarity, and then sit in a moment of silence. This simple exercise can set you on the path to cultivating self-awareness and developing an awareness of your environment.

Another essential step to developing self-awareness is identifying your triggers. These are the things that tempt you to engage in unwanted behaviors. When you become aware of your triggers, you can make conscious decisions to avoid them or develop strategies to overcome them. Moreover, you will be better equipped to deal with daily stressors that may lead to relapse.

The power of awareness cannot be overemphasized. It is the first step in overcoming addiction and any other unwanted behavior. By becoming conscious of our actions, thoughts, feelings, and desires, we can make decisions that will feed our soul, mind, and body and promote a healthy lifestyle that cultivates love, joy, and peace.

Therefore, take the time to develop an awareness each day, and you will be on your way to living a life free from addiction and destructive behaviors. Remember, God is always faithful and will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. So take heart, keep striving, and never give up.

For more information on recovery, visit www.geraldzgabay.com/books or email info@geraldzgabay.com for questions, concerns, or speaking engagements.

Reference: 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (NIV) "So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."