Kick the Habit

Are you one of those who grew up thinking they always had to put other people first? I’m one of those. I guess growing up in the hospitality industry, as I did, taught me to be like that. Or maybe its because I’m a second child. Or maybe I just lost my mind at an early age.

Anyway, whatever the reason, nurture, nature, or insanity, it’s not always the best philosophy to live by. Don’t get me wrong, there are times when it works well for both you and the person you are putting first. But it often means you are swallowing a stress pill for someone else’s sake. Do that too many times and you choke on all those pills.

I’m having to make a decision that will help my wife and I, but will negatively affect another person I love. I have two reasons for this decision: (1) Our financial future relies on it, and, (2) My health relies on it.

If you have leukemia, or any other serious ailment, and are struggling with a philosophy at odds with your health, please rethink it.

Changing our life philosophy is very difficult. Like an addictive habit, it fights back when you try to free yourself from it. Ask any long-time dry alcoholic and he’ll tell you overcoming his addition is an everyday struggle.

But he’ll also tell you it’s worth it.

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3 Responses

  1. Willie says:

    I’m glad you are addicted to doing good. Thank you for re-evaluating to see if you are harming yourself when you are doing good. I love you.

  2. Jan says:

    You are in my thoughts and prayers, as always. Changing thought patterns/philosophy/behavior is so hard. It’s like that poem I put on Facebook on Thursday–I’d rather carpet my rut, a much more comfortable place to be. Hey, send me your snail mail address again, and I’ll write you a letter,ok?

    • Jim says:

      Hi, Jan. I just now saw your comment. Yes, I’ll email you my address. I’d love a letter.