Humans seem governed by the “law” of push and pull. It is rare that we make significant changes in our lives without being pushed into it by the consequences of staying where we are.
It is certainly true in recovery, but it is also a factor in almost every other positive change we make in our life, like losing weight, changing jobs, stopping smoking, making new friends, or starting an exercise program. There has to be a reason to change. Either some consequence or serious threat of a consequence has to force us in a new direction. The fear of what will happen if we keep doing what we’re doing has to become greater than our fear of venturing into the unknown territory that change always requires. If it hasn’t, we generally will stick with the familiar, even if it isn’t quite working for us any more.
Once we do finally step out and start moving in a different direction it is usually very difficult at first. We have to keep looking over our shoulder and reminding ourselves of those dreaded consequences. It is fear that motivates us in the early stages of change. We are definitely being PUSHED.
But, as we keep pressing on, something incredible happens. We begin to see a few small victories. We sometimes catch brief glimpses of what it might be like in the “new world” we’re seeking. Our hope increases and we start to get a little excited. We want more of what we’re starting to experience.
It’s like someone just put a carrot out in front of us. Our focus turns toward that goal instead of what we’re leaving or why we left it. Our efforts take on a new momentum. We no longer need something pushing us. In fact it’s quite the opposite. We are actually being PULLED by the very real promise of something better. We are on our way to a better life!
“Forgetting what is behind and straining on toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 3:13b-14
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