The holidays are coming!
That means there will be many changes to our routines.
Get togethers, meals and overnights with family and friends, time-off from work, staying up later and waking up later. The list goes on…
For those of us who struggle with addictive habits – of any kind – including those who struggle with porn, changes in our routines can be challenging to navigate.
The best way to deal with these changes in routines is to come up with a plan.
Seriously, having a plan will help guide your habits away from simply executing scripts.
No. 1 – Don’t leave your established patterns behind
What are the things that you’ve been doing that have been helping you throughout your day?
Come up with a strategy to include them in your plans. Don’t cop out here. Spending some time figuring out how you’re going to remain strong is a must.
Here some ideas – be open to what will work or wont work for you:
- Take advantage of bathroom time – even if you don’t need to go
- Take extra time before getting out of your bed to offer yourself to God, to read and to pray.
- Add some of your Victory Playlist music to the holiday music list
- Bring a headset and good stuff to listen to on your phone
- Be creative – it is important that you care for yourself
No. 2 – Identify and pre-plan for encounters
Being outside of your normal routines creates opportunities for unforeseen triggers.
You are used to the people you run into regularly; however, running into new people can create a sense of novelty and trigger greater desires.
Eventually these will fade, but it will become important not to let those thoughts get carried away – nip them in the bud.
If you’re having trouble with controlling your thoughts, take a physical break – get a drink or a snack (the tastier the better as it will release endorphins) or a quick stop to the bathroom. Even a “I’m feeling hot and going to step outside for a minute” is a great idea.
When you return resituate yourself – join a different group for conversation, or if it is a small crowd, reposition yourself within the group.
Oh and don’t stay up too late; being tired lowers your inhibitions.
Think of a few scenarios that you might run into.
Come up with a plan and have some options in your back pocket.
It is easier thinking of them in advance than while in the midst of a struggle.
No. 3 – Who is your mate (aka wingman)?
Before you rush off for the holiday venues, find someone you can reach out to.
It will be better if they already know about your struggles, but it is not required.
You can simply say, “Hey man. I kinda struggle with all of this holiday fanfare. Do you mind if I text or call you just to check in?” or “Do you mind just checking in with me every once in a while?”
Knowing there is someone that is for you is very powerful.
If the person does know your struggles, be open with how it is going; ask for prayer or say you could really use some encouragement. It might even be cool if they could text you some Bible verses while you’re out.
Wrapping things up.
Changing your routines requires greater attention and diligence.
Do not go in unprepared.
Know what you need; think about how you can fit them in to your plans.
Come up with some strategies for possible situations.
And connect with someone while you’re away.
You got this brother.
Have not I commanded you? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be dismayed: for the Lord your God is with you whithersoever thou go. – Joshua 1:9
Thanks for taking time to read. If you liked it please share on Facebook or Twitter. Feel free to use #shackleroad, or tag me at @JayOnShackleRoad on Facebook and @ShackleRoad on Twitter.
It’s time to break free!
All content on Shackle Road is copyrighted unless otherwise indicated
©2022 – Shackle Road – All Rights Reserved
Pingback: 2022 is Upon Us; What's Your Plan? - Shackle Road