There is a saying:
If you always do what you've always done,
You will
always get what you've always got
I know a man that was diagnosed with diabetes type 2, and felt
the doom and gloom of being labeled with an illness. Worrying about his future, guess what he did? He listened
to his doctor's advice, began a healthier diet, began exercising, and lost over 40 pounds. When he returned to his doctor
a few months later, his doctor was amazed that he no longer needed his medicine.
This man conquered quite
a mountain!!! He saw the need, learned what he needed to do, gained ground, and conquered!
We
are all capable of change in different areas of our lives, but there are at least two important factors that determine change,
and maybe more:
1. It is okay to say "I don't know how".
Pride
is an issue when it comes to our weaknesses, shortcomings, and things that we just haven't learned. We feel the need
to show everyone that we have everything under control, that we don't need any help, and that we have all the answers we need.
If
we were meant to be completely self-sufficient, it seems to me that we would all be our own God. It's okay to say that
we don't know how to do something. If we deny that we ever need help, we are not being honest with ourselves.
2. The other, of course, is the willingness to change.
That willingness can be put into
motion by learning from someone who already knows what needs to be done.
How many times can you think of a friend
that has been in need? If you had what they needed, I can imagine that you were probably very willing, and even excited,
to help them with their delimma!
Why then, is it so hard for us to admit that we don't know how
to do something? And why is it so hard to let someone help us? The real shame is letting the opportunity go by,
and living another week, another month, another year, with the same problems.
Give this
some thought:
If your dear friend was travelling five hundred miles across the country to visit you, and you get
a phone call that they are now a thousand miles away, I am confident that I know what you would say.
"Why didn't
you call sooner? I could have saved you a lot of headache and heartache if you would have let me know you didn't know
how to get to where I am! I know exactly how to get here!!!"
People need help on all
levels, and in all areas of life. That is why we teach our children how to dress, how to show respect, how to be courteous,
how to cook meals, how to clean their rooms, etc. That is why there are programs in our cities to help people overcome
addictions, how to manage anger, how to manage finances, how to cook, etc. You get the idea.
Don't
let pride get between you and a better life for yourself. Don't let it hinder peace in your mind. Don't let another
year go by with no positive results, because of pride. The years go by quickly, and when we refuse to let go of pride,
we allow the evil monster of Regret to keep us company for many, many years.
If you always do what
you've always done,
You will always get what you've always got
Are you ready for change?
