Life detox

Oxford dictionary defines detoxification as:

1. "The process of removing toxic substances."

2. "Medical treatment of an alcoholic or drug addict involving abstention from drink or drugs until the bloodstream is free of toxins."

In order to gain relief or make progress, there are moments where some form of detoxification is necessary.  Detoxification is all about abstaining from the dependencies that hold people back.  The biggest downside is that it brings to the forefront unresolved physical and emotional factors which bought about this dependency in the first place.  It's such a conflicting process for some because the feelings of hurt, anger, embarrassment and shame come out in it's true form; and to face that in a 'naked' state can be quite daunting!  

Over the last 20 months, I have been undergoing a process called 'life detoxification'.  Life detoxification is a process where you start to recognise dependency patterns that occur, and abstain from them in order to flourish as a person.  This could be abstaining from particular individuals, environments, behaviours, and substances.  Some aspects of the process are quite easy and really don't bring about any issues, but others are quite difficult and bring about issues which seemed very well-hidden.  I'm not going to go into what I've done through my own process, as the background issues are quite private.  I can say that there were plenty of tears, anger, hurt and embarrassment.  But in reliving those issues, I am addressing them and trying to work towards become emotionally stronger!  

I strongly suggest you give it a try.  It's one of the most difficult things you'll ever go through, and it takes a lot of time, reflection, anger and tears.  But it's so worth it when you overcome and grow! It's so worth it when negative addictions aren't ruling your life.  The reward of reflecting back on the incredibly strong person you have become through this process is one of the greatest rewards you can experience. In order to start the process try this:

Take the time to be honest with yourself and your habits.  Next time you do something that's habitual, start to TRUTHFULLY take note of the behaviours centred around that habit.  How are you feeling? Is there a consistent activity that prompts that action? What is it about the activity that gives you relief?

It seems like such a mechanical thing to do, but you'd be surprised that when you go through the process, what starts to unfold.  You start to get to know yourself on a much deeper level.  You start to acknowledge the weeds that need to pulled from your life.  You find that you have talents that you never knew you had.  

It's such an emotional process to go through as well because you have to revisit those hidden issues again.  Re-experience those feelings of hurt, anger, shame, and embarrassment.  Take the time to deal with those issues.  

But I want to assure you of one thing.  You don't have to do this alone. Keep a journal, talk to a social worker, talk to someone you trust, pray to God for guidance.  Putting your issues out in the open is one of the hardest, yet most liberating steps towards detoxing your life. Remember that life detox will 'hurt' for a little while, but once you've overcome that hurdle, the long term remedy will be even better than keeping it hidden under a negative and weighing habit!

Enjoy your night and stay strong!