Like you, my addiction journey has been filled with a great deal of hurt and frustration. There were, and still are, emotional moments when I reflect on where my son could be if he would simply embrace recovery, as opposed to where he is.
I have evolved through all these experiences and am amazed at how far I have traveled on this journey. I share this not to boast, but because I know how much is actually possible in your life. I have moved beyond simply surviving and getting through the trauma. Today, I am thriving; there is peace, passion, purpose and joy in my life! It is not pain free; but, there is little struggle in the difficulties.
You can get there, too!
“Change merely alters a known reality; transformation radically redefines that reality.” – George Barna , “Maximum Faith”
When I first ventured out on the one hundred day challenge that eventually became the foundation for 100Pedals, my goal was simply to find peace and clarity in my life. I desired to create a change in my life relative to the addiction issues in my world. That challenge started me on a journey of powerful and inspiring change. Eventually, it has taken me to a place where every single aspect of my life has been completely transformed for the better.
None of this would have been possible had I not made a commitment that my life had to change; and, successful change was not dependent upon or inclusive of someone else making corresponding changes in their life. Transformation occurred because of my desire to embrace and maintain the momentum created by the initial change. I knew more was possible and I sought it out. With every breakthrough, the quest for continuous improvement took over. With every successful positive step I moved closer to peace. And, I keep moving forward, even if I am only falling forward at times.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.“ (2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV)
We ask a lot of our addicted loved one. We encourage them to let go of their addiction, to submit to the teaching and encouragement of those in recovery, and hopefully move closer to God in a quest to find a lasting recovery. We ask that they do everything they can to create a new identity for themselves so they may be transformed from their addiction based identity to something wonderful and new that enables them to live and celebrate the wonderful gifts they were born with.
I encourage you consider the same for your lives. While you may not suffer from a “drug addiction”, you likely have areas in your life that are causing you distress, pain and a loss of joy and peace. There is an opportunity to find peace in your life. In striking similarity, its rests on changing your identity and trusting in God’s plan for your life instead of your plan for your life. Most importantly, it involves submitting control to God’s guidance, bringing Christ into your life, while following his example of love in your everyday activities.
If you aren’t clear on what that first step looks like, let me help you. Contact me and let’s talk about the change you desire for your life. Go for it! You will be amazed at the peace that follows.
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Is your child addicted to drugs or alcohol? Are you trapped on the emotional rollercoaster of addiction? Dave Cooke can help. He’s an internationally recognized speaker who has made it his commitment to minister to parents struggling with addiction in their families. Let him share with you how to create an action plan that will move you, your family, and your addicted child in a healthier direction. Contact Dave today to book him to speak at your church, parent’s group, business organization, or neighborhood association. Go to https://www.100pedals.com/speaker-dave-cooke/ for more information or email dave@100Pedals.com.
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