For the past three weeks, I have been posting the prerequisites for living a life of fulfillment and satisfaction. I discussed GIVING IS LIFE, HAPPINESS IS A BIG DEAL and LIVE A LIFE OF PURPOSE. This is the fourth week and I am so glad that we are gradually making progress. Today's topic is very important to everyone who wants to live a life of fulfilment and satisfaction. It focuses on being mindful of why you feel and react the way you do. As a matter of fact, the world would be a better place if you are able to understand why you act the way you do, realise that you are wrong and make effort to change. You cannot wallow in negative addictions and wish for a good life. You need to first break free from these baggages to achieve a satisfying life.
The dictionary meaning of ADDICTION, is a habit or practise that damages or jeopardizes a person's life. Another meaning says a mood altering experience that has life damaging consequences.You can be addicted to positive things while you can also be addicted to negative things. Alot of people get addicted in life. Some to cigarette smoking, some to Indian hemp, some to success, some to failure, some to gossip, some to reading, some to working, some to sleeping, some to losing, some to winning. Whatever you are addicted to is what you have allowed yourself to get accustom to through constant practise.
However, if you have been a regular reader of this blog, you would know, that we are committed to shaping you to live the kind of life you deserve. A satisfying and fulfiling life. Therefore, I choose to discuss some of the common negative addictions that we pay little or no attention to. They are so common that you think they are cool, yet they are deadly to your life and the world. First on the list is...
ANGER: Anger is a common addiction in our society today. It is a usual habit that most people see as normal. Yes it is, until you are not able to control it. Then it becomes destructive and deadly. People who get angry easily usually have regrets in life. When you are angry and you are not able to control it, you are likely to say words that you don't mean in other to hurt the person who angered you. What you choose to correct while angry will only escalate to a bigger problem. When issues arise, being cool and calm solves it better. You will agree with me that most cases of domestic violence in our society today is easily traced to anger. If you are guilty of this, dont't forget to take a deep breath when you feel your anger burning up. Walk away from the scene to clear your head and then come back when you are less angry to dialogue calmly. Do this anytime you are caught up in an angry situation.
LIES: This is another common negative act that most people are addicted to. Lieing has become a norm for some people. They see nothing wrong when they lie through their teeth. Infact it has become part of them that hardly will a day go by without them telling a lie. They lie to save themselves from situations, to cover up and so on. But truth be told, whoever lies lacks integrity and can't be trusted. If you cannot be trusted, no one will be willing to do business with you. When you lie without thinking twice, it means your conscience has been compromised. some people even go as far as living a false life, claiming to be what they are not. If you don't see lieing as a problem, it means you are addicted. You need to seek an immediate counsel on how to stop lieing. You need to look for ways to re-write your story from being a liar to a honest person.
GREED: It is an insatiable desire to possess more than what you need. If you are not able to control your desires then you are addicted.The consequence of this is that you will not be able to sustain what you have accumulated through greed. Come to think of it, is greed not what birth most wickedness in the world today? Is it not why armed robbery attack is on the high side? why domestic staffs kill their bosses in order to get hold of their wealth? the reason why politicians steal and embezzle state funds? the reason why ritual killings are rampant?. Greed is the reason why most people cheat. Greedy people unknowingly burden themselves with things that are not necessary, and until they are able to realise that they don't need much to be satisfied in life, they might be far from breaking free from it. The only only cure for greed is being content. Start by appreciating little things.
JEALOUSY: This is a complex emotion that can generate into many other emotions like fear, anxiety, humilation, rage, betrayal, resentment e.t.c. It is very difficult for a jealous person to have peace or even experience happiness. When you get jealous of other people's growth, you jeopardise yours. Jealousy makes people commit unimaginable crimes. We have heard stories of jealous brothers who killed their siblings because of their success. Jealousy is the reason why friends betray each other. This act is particularly common among women today. They find it difficult to support each other, hence they resolve to gossip and betrayal, backbiting and bringing others down through negative rumor. If only you could express a mean opinion of yourself and admit that you are wrong. If only you are able to realise that you need to get help in order to break free from the shackles of negative addiction. Say no to jealousy today, It kills faster than the most deadly cancer. Pray for the grace to be genuinely happy for people when they are doing well even if you are not. You will be amazed at how God will elevate you more than your imagination.
PRIDE: Is referred to as a foolishly and irrationally corrupt sense of one's personal value, status or accomplishments. When some people attain a certain height, they flaunt it and demand to be respected. It becomes a normal routine for them to maltreat other people just so they can show how powerful they are. It is saddening that some people feed their ego off other people's emotion. Pride is the reason why respect is a rare commodity among the youths. Pride is the reason why people don't accept blame these days. Pride is the reason for misuse of power in the society today. Are you guilty of this? do you desire a change in the world? Then you have to start by breaking free from your usual character. Imbibe humility, respect everyone, be considerate about other people's feelings and honour them. Do this till it becomes a habit.
UNFORGIVENESS: It means not being able to forgive. it leads to hatred and distrust. It hinders healthy relationships and makes you angry .So many people find it very hard to forgive because it is not easy to. But you need to forgive if you want to be free from eternal bitterness and damage. I recently read a post online that says forgiveness is actually not for the person who wronged you, but for you. Unforgiveness has turned many people to what they are not because they tend to be vengeful. If you find it hard to forgive, this is for you. Pray often for the grace to forgive, forgive everyone in advance and set boundaries between you and those who often offend you to protect yourself from being offended repeatedly.
In conclusion, the above constitute the way we view the world today. How do you feel when you are lied to? how do you view people who lie? these and more are the reasons for unfairness and wickedness that we all complain about in the world. You need to live everyday of your life in constant consciousness of your actions. You need to influence others through your attitude so the world can be a better place. You need to break free from the things that held you down so that you can experience a life of peace, freedom and total satisfaction.
Thank you for your usual support, God bless you as you make a decision to break free today.
Please feel free to recommend this post to people you know.
Damilola Adebambi
