Triggers...

Trigger points...finding them, realizing their affect on us, and doing something to combat them.  Today, I find myself, once again faced with those pesky little compulsions.  I realized a few years back what they were, then last year started trying to figure out how to combat them.  I know, that for me, there are 3 areas in my life, that when I am facing or dealing with issues in my life, I am provoked in these areas.  I've had to learn how to make myself aware.  Every time I seem to go through something, whether big or small, one of these 3 compulsions seem to rear their ugly head.  Today, has been no different.  There are some things I'm dealing with and because of the concerns I have, all of a sudden, POP!  There it is...those ugly compulsive triggers.  I'm learning, though, when they pop up...it's time to slow down, breathe, and face it!  The issues aren't going away, you've got to deal with it and if you add one of those compulsions to the mix then you'll be faced with another issue.  Is it worth it?  ABSOLUTELY NOT!  That's what I have to keep reminding myself.  What it feels like after giving in to them, how it only weakens me and not strengthens.  If I don't climb this mountain, I'll have to face it again.  Funny how time seems to stand still when these triggers occur.  Only making the day longer, but, the rewards of pressing on and not succumbing to these compulsions are innumerable!  


God's word says, "his mercies are new and fresh each day"...if I were to slip up, I do know God's Grace is there to catch me and comfort me.  But now, more than ever, I don't want to just frustrate His Grace.  I want to choose to press on in a positive way and bring Honor to His Name through my actions.  I view it similar to a Parent/Child relationship.  When a child makes the right decision about something they are battling and they don't do what they know is wrong then they feel so much better and their closeness to their parent becomes even more intimate and more special because of the Pride they feel and the Pride the Parent has in them for making the right decision.  I want HIM to be proud of me!  


I believe everyone has triggers.  Things that will set negative thoughts or actions into motion.  I encourage you during these overwhelming moments to slow down, breathe, be present with what you are feeling and thinking. Don't deny the feelings that come over you in those moments.  But make a conscious decision, NOT TO GIVE IN!  You have the power within you to walk away from it, whatever it is...conquer your compulsions by just being stronger than them.  God has given you everything you need, just use it!