Part 2: Relapse

The word relapse has really grown in its popularized definitions hasn't it? Twenty years ago when you heard the term it'd be synonymous with drug addicts. What I'm talking about is relapsing into bad habits.

Change is always a wonderful thing, don't let the comfort of stability fool you now. The intrinsic need to change reflects the fact that you want something different in your life because you feel unfulfilled in that aspect of living. It could be with regards to your job, your drug habits (alcohol, cigarettes, benzos, MJ, etc...), the people in your life, or in some situations, your whole life. Whatever it is, accept the fact that you should begin to pursue this feeling you have (there's a reason you feel it) and enact it.

Now lets say you know what you want to change and you've begun to do it, maybe a moth or two in. You're pretty much, in my eyes, the hardest part of the whole process. Personally, coming up with why, what, and how I wanted to make a change was the easy part; relapsing is the tough bit.

Relapsing into your old ways means going back on your change. It means not being honest with yourself, for the fact that you're not being true to the plan. It's not always your fault mind you, there could be physical factors that simply limit you from being able to do what you want to do. For these problems, put them in the long-term bank, always keeping in mind the way you'll address it eventually (it will help you stay motivated). But a lot of the times it's on you. Yes I know its difficult to keep with the plan, climbing up the mountain of success seems insurmountable but it's not --- you've done it all your life (e.g. simply growing up and getting through high school is an accomplishment in itself).

During times of most growth, you'll feel the greatest amount of instability. You'll feel like this new path you're pursuing may not be the right one because it's just so different from the usual. What's important to know is that the path you're taking may not be exact one you planned or the one that "seems right" but that's ok; you're still moving on the way to your goal. So enjoy the ride, because if you can't do that then what was the point of ending up where you want to be? Let the stimulation of the whole entire world in and introduce a new reality for yourself; if you keep at it in this way, someday your dream will be your reality (and your reality won't just be a simulated one).



Next time I'll discuss the Pursuit of Happiness and it's effects on your mental and physical health.

All the best until then.