It doesn't happen overnight, but it does happen! It may not happen the way you want it to or as fast as you want it to, but don't give up! I've been seeing the benefits of the "positive" changes and choices I've been making in my life after years of "other" choices, and how they are now having a "positive" affect on my children. Yay!!!..I received confirmation of that again today :)
So don't ever get stuck thinking, "This is just the way it is. This is just the way I am. Things will never change!" God is greater than our circumstances and He can turn situations around and change the things you've been working so hard to change! Ask Him for His help. I am living proof that change does happen. That you don't have to stay the same...(And yes, I am still a work in progress ;))
Here
are 5 steps to help get you started:
- Surrender your situation over to God and allow Him to do His part while you do your part. For example, tell Him, “God, I need your help in this (be specific) situation or habit I have. I want to change, but I need your help. I’ve tried so hard to change (this) on my own and it hasn’t worked. I surrender this (be specific) over to You."
- Look up scripture verses on the specific area you want to change and write them on index cards and read them daily. (I know I've mentioned this one in a past blog, but it is an important one :)
- Don’t beat yourself up if you find yourself falling back into old patterns and/or habits. The first thing is to recognize what you are doing when you are doing it which will allow you to begin the process of changing it.
- Replace the old habit or negative pattern with a new habit or positive pattern. You’ve heard it said it takes 21-30 days just to start forming a new habit, but to really make a life change you have to stick with it much, much, longer than that (I've learned it can take up to 3 years for your brain to complete the process of a new behavior pattern - but don't let that discourage you!).
- Have someone you know hold you accountable and help encourage you on your journey to change. Make up some type of “sign” between you two, so when they notice an old behavior coming out they can help "redirect" you and get you back on track! I did this, and it was helpful. It can be a simple word, a hand signal, just something that will help to catch you and redirect you...Be creative!
- I highly encourage getting involved in a Life Skills program. Yes, it is a time commitment, but well worth it! If you start today you are one day closer to reaching your goals of change.
**REMEMBER – You are forming a LIFELONG change!**
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| Photo credit: R.O Mania♥ / Foter.com / CC BY-NC-SA |