Because 10 Years is Enough

That is what he said to me when I asked him why he quit drinking. “Because 10 years is enough, don’t you think?” rnIt has been a long time since someone’s words struck a chord in me but these particular words shook my core. It was as though my life flashed before my very eyes. Every area of my life was suddenly set in front of me in blocks of time. It put everything in perspective and at that moment I understood why I stand still in specific areas of my life. I did not realize how much time I still invest in the unwanted until I looked at the time as a whole instead of a piece. When you think about the time you have invested, as a whole, in people or things that weigh you down or deplete you of your own true happiness it paints a much brighter, or should I say darker picture of why you are where you are and how you feel. In this particular case, this man did not just see himself as an excessive drinker from time to time, he saw himself as an excessive drinker for ten years. When you lay out the areas of your life into chunks of time versus days or weeks it has a greater impact on you. We all have the habit of referring to negative things in smaller amounts of time because it makes us feel better. We hide behind the truth because it is easier to face ourselves that way. It is no different then the guy who says he gets high once in a great while when the truth is, he is getting high every week. Before you know it those weeks have turned into years. Another good example of this is weight loss. How often do you tell yourself you did not do well on your “diet” this week when in fact you have not been doing well on your diet for the last 20 years! Or what about the unhealthy relationship you are in? Did you have another bad month or are you going on five years? Time slips away from us because we don’t want to face the reality of it all. We are afraid to leave that which we know and find comfort in. And yes, comfort can be found in the negative because we become accustom to it and after a certain amount of time, we don’t know any different. These chunks of time don’t have to be unhealthy behaviors or relationships; they could be things you have been putting off. How long have you wanted to start an exercise program or meditation practice? How long have you wanted to write a book or open your own business? How long have you wanted to travel throughout the U.S. or abroad? How long have you wanted to move, end your relationship, change your job, or go back to school? Take some time and break down your life. Be honest and see how much TIME you have given to the unwanted. Once you see all those blocks of time that are taking you away from You and your happiness, make a plan to break the cycle. Do one thing at a time, but do it, because if you don’t you are going to be looking back in another ten years saying “how did I get here”. rnLove & Light, Cindyrn