The Choice is Yours – part two

Let’s talk about the choice of addiction today.

First let me say addiction is a choice.  If you are addicted to alcohol, drugs, porn, tv, reading, shopping, food, etc you made a choice to become the addict that you are.

You don’t have to like that statement and I am totally cool with that but ultimately it comes down to personal responsibility and choices you have made.

I have heard many addicts blame their parents for their addiction.  We hear alcoholics say things like “my dad was an alcoholic so that is why I became one” or “my mom was addicted to food so now I have the same issue.”

I say look in the mirror and see who is responsible.  YOU yes YOU!  If your dad was an alcoholic and you saw that then you had the choice of picking up a bottle, placing it on your mouth, pouring the alcohol into your mouth and swallowing it or not sub-coming to the temptation. No one else just you.

That is a hard pill to swallow but ultimately the choice was yours.

My mom has smoked my entire life.  I don’t smoke. I made that choice not to smoke.  Have I ever smoked?  yes but never on a regular basis.  I knew that it was not in my best interest to buy a pack of cigarettes and smoke them.  I chose not to go down that path. Why because it is a nasty habit not to mention a freaking expensive habit.  Oh yeah by the way it is also a habit that can kill you.  That is not for me.

Some of you may say, yeah but science says that some people have addictive personalities or the addictive gene in their system.  I am not going to argue that point but I know that it still comes down to your choice to pick up that drink, that cigarette, visit that website, go to that store, or eat that ice cream at 2am.

Over the past several years I have had many choices to make including some of the ones above and I have chosen not to pursue those activities.  I am no angel and many of my friends can tell you that but I have made it a goal to make better choices.  I choose not to drink in front of my kids, not to smoke, lately I have chosen not to eat like a madman and get even fatter.  I do not always made the best choices but I have made better choices since I have strengthened my faith in Christ.  He continues to assist me in making the better choice but even with him in my corner the choice still comes down to me.

I hope this series of blogs challenges your thinking and I hope you think more about your choices each day.  Stay tuned tomorrow for part three…