“if causing irratation - stop using”
Noticed on my new roll-on the other morning that it (rather helpfully) suggests that “if the product irritates skin, stop using”, or words to that effect – how sensible I thought, eyes rolling with no one to watch but in deference to my long term sarcastic undercurrent. I prepared myself to add it to the ever-increasing list of “statements of the bleedin’ obvious” (such as “warning hot!” on the side of takeaway coffees – I should hope it is – and considerate messages of “do not attempt to stop blade with hands or genitals” on the side of a chainsaw). However, thinking about it, it’s actually really quite sensible – stop doing that which harms you… but maybe it needs to be said.
I still smoke; whatever other *silly stuff* I’ve moved on from in the last year or so, I still have a few roll-ups every day. I know it’s bad for me, I genuinely mean to and want to quit. For ages I didn’t see the addiction; I smoked with friends as a teenager – I smoked because most of my boyfriends have – I smoked when I was recovering from something worse than tobacco…
I quit smoking (pretty much) when I was pregnant; I thought that it was my choice to do that to myself, but I couldn’t do that to her – she couldn’t say no. I valued her life far higher than my own… not difficult as a) I think most parents do, or I hope they do, and b) I wasn’t made to feel worth very much at the time….
Another thing hard to give up; even when someone in particular, or sometimes a whole social group is pulling you down, talking you down… it’s hard to quit that – out of loyalty – fear of loneliness – acceptance of “you’re not worth any better”… All tough things to face…
All things aside – is fear of ‘not knowing’ greater than our fear of anything else? To step out of addiction; whether that’s physical or mental faces the individual with the prospect of addiction free life… that’s stepping into the unknown!
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.
By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.”
- Hebrews 11:1-3 (NIV Bible)
The Bible boldly proclaims that this stepping into the unknown is the very essence of faith; it’s exciting whilst it is often daunting.
But speaking from experience – that kind of thrill, a faith driven lifestyle, is a far bigger, and more satisfying hit than any other!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwrcPhv3xMA
“More to Life” – Stacie Orrico
