Sunday, November 29, 2015

Addictions are real.

We feel a triggered, act out (feel pleasure and numb out), come back real world, feel guilty (or a negative emotion) about what we did and on and on the cycle goes. We want to stop. We try with everything in our power to stop.  Our brains go so fast. Within an instant we find ourselves doing the one thing we hate the most, it gives us momentary pleasure and then we hit the ground, hard. We are miserable. We feel completely out of control. 

Addictions are real. They’re hard. 

If you don’t know how pornography or any addiction affects our brains read here

So what now?

The LDS Addiction Recovery Program manual puts it best, “If you suspect you are addicted and if you feel even the smallest desire to break free, we invite you to join us in studying and applying the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ as they are taught in this guide. We assure you that if you follow this path with a sincere heart, you will find the power you need to recover from addiction. As you apply each of these twelve principles faithfully, the Savior will strengthen you and you will come to “know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).”

To find a meeting click here.  (Everyone can go and they are free!)

To buy the manual click here. (only one dollar!!) 

You’re not alone in your addiction(s). There is help and best of all there is hope. Real hope, not just momentary pleasure. I testify that the Lord loves you. You can break free of any addiction(s). Yes, your addictions. I am talking to you. I know it’s hard; I’ve been there. I’m so thankful for the help and support I’ve received from 12 step meetings. It has helped me stop that destructive cycle. I pray that as you read this you can be filled with courage to try again. I know the addiction cycle is brutal and feels hopeless. You can do it, right now. Today’s your day to feel hope.

Much love, 

Rachel

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Stop and Smell the Roses

Quotes_Simplicity.jpg

I have had so many wonderful people urging me to start writing on here again. I really have missed it. So happy to be back.

I have read and re-read the book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing. I know there has been a lot of hype about this book and rightly so. We have so much in our lives that we do not need.

In her book she asks you to pick up each item in your house and ask yourself, "Does this item bring me joy?" It sounds a bit wacky, but it works! Due to this book, simplifying has been on my mind a lot.

If you haven't listen to this talk by Elder Uchtdorf, you really need to! I will tell you some of it. He explains that a sister is preparing for her a church lesson. She got busy with children, helping sick husband, etc. The day of the lesson was near and she had a lot to do for her lesson. She hardly slept the night before her lesson because she was trying to finish sewing a quilt, which would be the back drop of her lesson. She was exhausted that next day, but the quilt was finish and looked amazing! "And at the center of it all was a single word that triumphantly echoed the theme of her lesson, Simplify!"

Of course we all laugh at the story, but haven't we all been guilty of doing something similar?
Here are some things that have been on my mind about simplifying.


  1. Simplify your negative thoughts:  The first way to simplify your mind is to accept them and not judge them. We all have them! Try to continue on during the day without letting them control your life. It's just a thought that can change in an instant. 
  2. Simplify your words: Avoid Gossip. Mean what you say. Be kind.
  3. Simplify your commitments: learn to say no. Make time for people, things and food that really bring you joy!
  4. Simplify being busy: This goes along with #3.  Stop being so busy. Take time for you. You need it. You deserve it. Enjoy your surroundings. Don't take the little things for granted. 
“That’s been one of my mantras – focus and simplicity. Simple can be harder than complex: You have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple. But it’s worth it in the end because once you get there, you can move mountains.” – Steve Jobs 

    Have a lovely week!