Have you ever tried to break a bad habit? Maybe it was stopping biting your nails or saying certain words… something that for whatever reason you started doing and now you want to stop. For those dealing with addiction… I mean really dealing with addiction there are so many bad habits or just plan habits that one gets into associated with the addiction. So it’s not just having the will and desire to no longer drink, smoke, eat, gamble… it’s also doing away with all the other stuff that goes a long with it. I know of someone who had to get rid of a favorite chair because in her desire to stop smoking she knew she could no longer keep it. Not only did the chair reek of smoke but more importantly it was where she did 80% of her smoking. To sit in the chair meant to light up. Or another friend who had to quit a whole group of associates because of his desire to remain sober. We have a desire to live a healthier life and that is wonderful but it isn’t enough. With every step we take we have to stop and look at what is dragging us down; what associated baggage are we carrying that keeps us from living the way we want or know we should.
Today begins the holy season of Advent for many Christian Churches. Advent is the period of time (identified by counting 
back four Sundays from Christmas Day) before Christmas and is meant for reflection and prayer on three ideas:
In the Church we look at all that has come before to prepare the way for the Christ Child to be born. Jesus came into the world but it was one ready and prepared to receive him. You might think that a bit off considering that same world, some 33 years later crucified him, but it was a world more ready to receive him then ever before. How do we know that? Here we are some two thousand years later and his name is still proclaimed. So, the Church gives thanks to all those men and women who lived their lives with Godly intention as best they could so that when Mary was conceived she could be done so without sin. And Joseph could be raised to be the man who could model for the child Jesus a man of compassion and deep prayer. Who were those people for you? Who were those men and women who helped you become the person that you are today? What did they do; how did they help you?
The second thing the Church reflects on is the future. Advent is a time that we remember that Christ is coming again. The world as we know it will end and all will be consumed into heaven. Regardless of whether that is tomorrow or two thousand more years, as believers we are to live as if it were tomorrow. Are we living that way, or do we act as if we have all eternity to win our way through the pearly gates? How would/should we be different if we knew we only had a few hours, days, weeks, months to live?
Finally, Advent is the time the Church asks its members to reflect on the place of Christ in our lives today. There are many wonderful souls who have done so much to help us become believers and we know that we don’t have forever to do something about it — so we ask ourselves: what bad habits have I gotten into that keeps me from living as fully the life in Christ as I am meant to live? To I not pray enough? Is my heart not generous enough? Do I value worldly possessions too highly or the praise of my family and friends too much?
Advent is, approximately, four weeks in which we try not to “do it all” but to take on one bad habit that keeps us from welcoming Christ into our lives as we should. One thing that consumes our time, attention and energy to the point of making us less of the person we know we should be. For Christians (who really believe) this is our New Years, not January 1st.
So, what are you going to do in these next few weeks to prepare, not just for Christmas 2010, but for a life lived with greater intention and joy? Me? I have a plan. Its to break one bad habit but its a habit that consumes my life in such a way that it makes me unhealthy in body and soul. I believe that this is the gift the Christ Child wishes me to bring to the manger on December 25th. Not the all empty prayers or empty actions.
I remain, your servant in Christ, Theresa
I feel that hypnosis is a wonderful way to stop smoking. However, it only helps very few. Many people don’t believe it works and enter the process with this mind-set is not helpful. They feel if its not a sugar pill or something then it won’t work.
Also, I am such a supporter of the e-cigarette. I think it is one of the greatest inventions ever. Not only is it cheaper than smoking regular cigarettes but also so so much healthier. So many benefits.
Find out more here.
I am sorry but I don’t know what “e-cigarettes” are. But I am glad you found help but it doesn’t replace the need to quit all together.