I’ve been trying to read more this year to better myself. I found this book, Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist. Have I mentioned already in my blogs how I really like everything to be perfect? So I thought this would be a great book to start and I have learned more from what I’m reading than I thought I would. One thing that has stuck out the most to me is she flat out asked “What’s your addiction?”
Now she’s not talking just about drugs or what comes to your mind when you hear the word addiction. She was asking what is your drug of choice. She went on to explain that for her in the past. Yes, it was closing down bars and things of that nature, but in the present, it’s picking up all the blankets and picking up toys. Her addiction is cleaning. I thought this was really strange because how can cleaning something you’re addicted to? She went on to say “you can make a drug, a way to anesthetize yourself, out of anything. Working out, binge-watching TV, working, having sex, shopping, volunteering, and dieting any of those things can keep you from feeling pain for while, that’s what drugs do. And used like a drug overtime shopping, TV or work, whatever it will make you less and less able to connect to the things that matter. Like your own heart and the people you love. That’s another thing drugs do they isolate you”
I have never thought about it that way. The reason most people that are addicted to actual drugs, do so because they are trying to not feel, trying to escape. Growing up I used to make a joke that I had a drug problem, I would say this to be funny because I was drug to church any time the doors were open. But when in reality by her definition I used to isolate myself, I would escape from reality by watching TV that was my addiction. This makes me rethink a lot of things in my life. A lot of times when I had really deep anxiety moments or became super overwhelmed, I would pull myself away from people. I struggle at times because I want everything to be perfect no matter what the cost. After reading this book, I can more easily recognize “drugs” in my life, the things that I go to when I’m trying to escape reality. Are you thinking of something that, by Shauna’s definition, you are addicted to?
This gives me a new perspective and it reminds me just to be present in the moment, not focusing on everything that needs to get done around the house or maybe even what is happening on social media. Be present with the people around you, your family, and friends. Imagine what conversations would be like if we all stopped checking our phones or consuming our thoughts with what needs to be done, but we actually took time to really be in the moment. Be present. How can you take steps to be more present today?
I pray that this blog today was an encouragement to you and can help in your daily life. Always know I am available to pray with you or just be someone to talk to when life gets hard. E-mail me at megan@churchanywhere.us if you need prayer!
Talk to you next Monday!