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Dealing With Adversity
May 08, 2009
Hi

You’re getting this because you downloaded my book Addiction Uncovered from my alcoholism-and-drug-addiction-help.com website – and I’ve got some important stuff I want to share with you.

Now I’ve been meaning to get in touch for ages – but like I’m sure happens to you (at least I hope I’m not the only one) – life has this funny habit of getting in the way sometimes :-)

So these are the main things I want to talk to you about today:-

Dealing with Adversity

• An exciting new feature I've added to my website that involves you


Dealing with Adversity

This past year has been tough. Personally I’m in the process of going through a divorce, which has been harder than I ever imagined it would be to deal with.

There are days I feel like an emotional wreck and wonder how I’m going to get through them ...

I’ve found myself go from the UK, via the Czech Republic, to where I now sit in Vietnam. I justify it as me being on a journey of self-discovery, but I often wonder how on earth I got here? Ever get that feeling, lol?

And I’m not even going to go into the just about unprecedented global economic and financial crisis we find ourselves in, which has made things pretty tough financially at times. Fact is, life at the best of times can be challenging and there are some things we just have no control over.

Can you relate at all? What are some of the challenges you’re facing at present?

But you know what I’m really proud of – despite this being a really tough time – going back to drugs or alcohol has never been an option. Because that is something I do have control over. No matter how bad things get, I choose not to pick up or use.

And in time, I know that things will get better again because that is simply part of the cycle of life. There will be good times and bad times as surely as the sun rises and sets every day.

But when you’re stuck in the middle of an addiction to alcohol or drugs – exercising that choice is easier said than done. Addiction is regarded as a disease for a reason after all.

If there is one thing however you get from this message – is that getting to that point is indeed possible – and how fast you get there is up to you.

Admitting to your problem, doing everything possible to get yourself clean or sober – and then doing absolutely everything you need to do to ensure you stay in recovery are the steps that’ll get you there.

It may seem like I’m over-simplifying things – but I assure you I’m not. We (especially alcoholics and addicts) try to make things more complicated than they need to be. "My situation is different." "But you don't understand ..."

The trick is to keep it simple and simply do what you need to do. And if you’re not sure what that is – go back and spend more time reading my website - or just ask. The information is all out there – but it will only really help you if you’re prepared to put it into practise.

Taking action is the key - because do nothing and nothing changes. But forget about how big the task ahead seems - just focus on taking that first step. Once you've done that, take the next one. Keep doing that - and as you know - you can climb the highest mountain and overcome the toughest challenges.

And then in time – no matter what life decides to throw at you – you’ll be able to get through tough times no matter how difficult they are, and using alcohol or drugs to help you will be the last thing on your mind.

None of this is ground-breaking stuff. But sometimes I think it's important we remind ourselves to focus on the basics. One step, one day at a time.

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Side note:

If you're reading this as the loved one of an alcoholic or drug addict - you have no control over what that person does. So focus on what you can control - and that's you.


Tell Your Story

I’ve recently added an exciting new feature to my website that allows you to tell your story – whether you’re suffering from your own addiction, are the loved one of an alcoholic or drug addict, or find yourself already in recovery.

By sharing what we’re going through – we tend to feel better – at least I know I did. There's something really therapeutic about talking or writing about what we're going through.

And I know struggling with alcoholism or drug addiction – or being close to someone who is – can be a terribly difficult and lonely place to be.

But by unburdening and sharing some of that load by telling your story, you’ll feel that some of that weight is lifted from your shoulders - and just as importantly someone reading your story may be able to identify with what you’ve shared and so may have helped them, even if it is in a small way.

So I’d like to ask your help to really get this new feature off the ground by sharing your story. The more stories there are – the more people will benefit. Writing your story is easy to do – just talk from the heart. There is no right or wrong way to do it. Once you start you'll be surprised at how easy it is.

To share your story simply click on the link. You'll also be able to read the stories other visitors have submitted already if you want extra ideas.


Toolbox

Getting to the point where you can effectively and effortlessly exercise that choice not to pick up that drink or use drugs – should like I touched on earlier, be your goal. And the sooner you get there – the better.

The secret to doing that is being able to let go of the negative self-sabotaging thoughts and emotions that keep you trapped in the cycle of addiction - and in developing sufficient self-awareness - where you begin to exercise conscious choice over your behaviour, rather than being stuck in unconscious self-destructive mental and behavioural patterns that cause things like alcoholism and drug addiction.

And in the last 10 years or so I have just about tried every possible tool and self-development resource out there. I'll admit I'm a sucker for trying anything that 'promises' the world and tells me I'll be able to change my life - usually in about 3 minutes.

Okay, I'm exaggerating, but they usually promise changes in no time at all - and I'm sure you've seen plenty of those. This of course has meant I have spent a ton of money on these things - yes, literally thousands of dollars, without unfortunately turning into this wonder person promised :-)

So having learned the hard way - I've become a bit more sceptical about these things and have become a lot more restrained before I try out any new 'wonder product or solution.'

In the last year or so I have however managed to stumble upon a couple of resources that were recommended to me - that have absolutely blown me away.

Now I don't say that lightly. They are without doubt the two most powerful personal development resources I've ever come across.

And one of their biggest benefits to you, is that they can not only can they help you break the cycle of addiction, they can with persistent use and application help you develop a life of peace, happiness and meaning that right now are probably way beyond anything you can possibly imagine.

These tools weren't created by just anyone either. Both tools were designed by teachers/experts featured on the movie, The Secret, so you know you’re dealing with amongst the best and most credible people in their fields.

Everyone I know who uses them certainly raves about them - but don't take my word for it - just read the testimonials that have been provided on their respective websites.

Now they're certainly not cheap - and I know times are tough - but if you're serious about affecting positive long-term changes for yourself, I urge you to check them out.

For more on the first tool click here - and for more on the next one check it out here


Recovery Coaching

Ever thought of using a recovery coach – someone who’s been there and done that – to help you get through your addiction? In this case - me.

There’s a reason coaching is one of the fastest growing professions in the world – because people realise that in all the various spheres of life – sports, business, personal, spiritual etc. – using the help of a coach can help you get where you want to be - faster.

Getting through a problem like addiction is no different. Someone who understands and knows what you’re going through – and who can support and advice you in what you need to do – can accelerate and enhance your recovery process.

So if this is something that may be of interest, to to find out more about it just click on the link. Or just e-mail me with any questions.


Comments/Questions/Feedback

It's always nice to hear what you think - good and bad. So please feel free to get in touch. In particular if there's anything you want to discuss or have me talk about in future e-mails, please don't hesitate to send through your suggestions.

Thanks for reading. And just a final quick reminder - please if you can - write your story in the section I spoke about earlier. That would really make my day :-)

Take Care

C-P


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