Warning Signs Our Life is Unmanageable

Warning Signs Our Life is UnmanageableLife was smooth until addictions, habits, and unhealthy patterns came across our path. Then before we knew it, suddenly, the road became bumpy. We must be careful. As Proverbs 27:12 says, “A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.”

To divert disaster, here are the warning signs that our life has become unmanageable.

1. Denying We Have a Problem.
Denial keeps us from addressing the things we can change, causing us to think that our inability to change everything means we can’t change anything.”—Steve Arterburn

One of the biggest signs we have a problem is that we are living in denial. Yet, if we admit we have a problem and are willing to work through it, our admittance will propel us forward in recovery.

2. Blaming Others.
One way to see if our life is becoming unmanageable is whether we blame others. It’s easy for us to put responsibility for our problems onto other people, right? But there’s a better way: Admit that someone else’s huge, enormous, too-big-to-be-missed problems does not eradicate our need to deal with our issues. (more…)

7 Warning Signs of Gaslighting

7 Warning Signs of GaslightingWhat is gaslighting? It’s a form of emotional abuse where the perpetrator makes the victim feel as if they are losing touch with reality. The term originated in 1938 from the British play, Gaslight; and then with the film adaptation in 1944, which portrayed the story of a woman whose husband manipulated her into believing she was slowly going insane.

Gaslighting is subtle; a gaslighter uses their words to control. After all, words are powerful. Proverbs 18:21 says, “The tongue can bring death or life.”

Most people, however, don’t know they are victims of gaslighting. What about you? Would you know if someone were gaslighting you? Here are 7 warning signs: (more…)

Facing the Truth

Facing the TruthHave you taken an inventory of your life? The purpose of taking an inventory of your life is to face the truth about yourself. Truth is the opposite of denial. By putting the truth in writing, you demonstrate that you are ready to break free from the patterns and behaviors of denial.

But taking an inventory isn’t easy. Facing the truth is painful because you must also face the reality of what you have lost in your life due to your shortcomings. It’s never easy to look at your deceits, abuses, shame, and disappointments. But even though this is a time of discomfort, know that the steps of recovery will lead you to humility and to live a life full of happiness. It may not feel that way as you work on your inventory, but those who have made the journey before you will testify to that truth.

When Jesus came to earth, He brought with Him “grace and truth” (John 1:14, ESV). Here’s how the New Living Translation puts it: (more…)

Why Admission Without Change is Meaningless

Why Admission Without Change is MeaninglessWhen it comes to making changes in our lives, some of us act as if we’ve got our heads buried in the sand. For example, after years of struggling with addiction, we finally admitted we had a problem. But that was several months ago. We probably even looked into going through treatment, seeing a counselor, and attending a Life Recovery group.

However, we still haven’t made any changes in our lives.

If this sounds like you and you’re struggling to make changes in your life, the truth is, admission without change is meaningless. While you needed to admit you have a problem with addiction, recovery doesn’t stop there. That’s just the first step on your journey! (more…)

The Power of Acceptance in Recovery

Acceptance is the answer to all of my problems today.” – Alcoholics Anonymous

Has reality sunk in?

If not, you might be out of touch. Are you wondering why your spouse has left and filed for a divorce? You tell yourself you don’t have a problem and so, you continue to drink.

If this sounds familiar, you are out of touch with reality. Acceptance of reality, after all, is the key to recovery from an addiction. What’s the opposite of acceptance? Denial. In denial, you’re unwilling to acknowledge the truth. In spite of many consequences, you continue to turn to your addiction. (more…)