God's Will Vs. Self Will: Addiction Recovery

A recovery debate that is heard often is the battle of wills, when one is following god's will or self-will. The difference is the feeling that accompanies the choice. god's will is defined as a higher order, being of service to others and living selfless. Where self-will is the determination to have one's way, to get what is most desired and at times no matter the cost.

Self-will is the undisciplined need to achieve desires, running after the next get rich quick scheme, perhaps seeking out the next person to become romantically involved with or a new job. Self-will decides what is required to feel good again, much the same as using drugs, alcohol, gambling or other risky behaviors to feel that rush, to feel good. Self-will says that you are not good enough the way you are, there is lack in your life and it is your goal to achieve it no matter what. Selfishness is the primary role in self-will, bringing discontent and disdain to the person who lives this path. The dictates of self-will must be followed at all costs, the goal is to attain the object of desire, because once this is attained you will feel great again, a sense of wholeness and accomplishment. You will be cured, fixed and acceptable, finally.

The problem with self-will is that it is never enough, the goal is never accomplished, and you never keep that good feeling. The same behaviors that keep a person addicted to the substance or behaviors drive the self-will. When you begin the actions it does feel great, you have forgotten everything that bothered you, no problems or worries exist, at least for a short time. When the high wears off you are back at ground zero again with a need to feel that high again. The high gives you confidence, security and a sense of accomplishment, if only for a short time. It is illusive and self-defeating behavior, the more it is practiced the worse you feel, banged up, beat up and defeated.

God's will is defined as serving a higher purpose, not at your expense either. You are still allowed to want and work for achievement, but with god's will you will keep that high and continue to feel good with a sense of accomplishment. It is not elusive, nor does it require self-sacrifice, denial of self or starvation. When you practice god's will you are convenient to those in need of assistance, you carry a message of self-love that others are drawn to. God's will is about you caring about yourself, your goals, as well as those who share in this journey of life. This is the path less traveled as many do not understand the process. The feeling is a high, energized and content, not one of depression and feeling beaten. There is nothing you cannot accomplish, everything happens and your goals are met as you live a life based upon god's will, love.

Defining god's will is another article entirely, but in essence it can be as simple as what god wants for you is to live in love, be happy and achieve all you desire. Nothing more complicated than that, or devastatingly dramatic as living in suffering or poverty, it is a personal matter and one you may wish to consider, look within to how you feel about it, not without for other's judgments and criticisms.

(God is not capitalized because we are not equal in our beliefs, thus it is left to you to define the word god according to your belief. As a writer it is not my position to impose my beliefs into my writing, you as the reader must find your own definition.)