Sunday, June 04, 2006

The Old New into The New You

"Often, when you are on the spritual path, there is a war that goes on between the person you once were and the person you are becoming. Some call it "thought patterns." Others call it "habit." My experience was that there were two distinct personalities who need to be integrated...You may believe strongly, you may want deeply to change, and for your new found identity to emerge. But the new you is not quite sure it will work. It is there, in that glimmer of doubt, that the old you begins to work. It nags at you. It challenges you. It is called self doubt and lame excuses. It looks like not having to pray, to meditate, and not being able to figure out how praying and meditating are gonna put food on the table. The new you views problems as challenges, knowing that with every problem comes the solution, the escape, the way out. The new you is willing to confront challenges and wants to do so in a spiritually grounded way. When however, the new you is backed up to the wall, it will, out of habit, borrow from the old you. The instant borrowing occurs, the new you is rendered dead - even if it is only for a moment. The challenge is that when the new you is brought back into focus, there is probably a pile of old-you crap that needs to be cleaned up.....I had to learn the hard way that you must be disciplined, vigilant, and obedient about the practices that will build your spiritual muscles and put the old you to rest."

Taken from Yesterday I Cried: Celebrating the Lessons of Living and Loving by Iyanla Vanzant

This is a perfect description of what I'm going through right now. I am catching glimpses of a new me and I really want to be that person. I seem to be finding myself backed in the corner and borrowing from the old a lot these days. I know it will take time and plenty of spiritual muscle to get through this. The big difference between the old me and the new me is that the new me is filled with hope that there is a way out of the corner that works much better than the way the old me does it. If I work hard at this, keep admitting when I do it wrong, follow the suggestions given me and remain honest, open and willing I will get there over time. Thanks to those who have gone before me and blazed a clear path to follow. Your support and guidance has been a huge blessing. Thanks especially to Mable, your the bestest!

8 comments:

Networkchic said...

I think the hardest task in life is integrating both the old and new you. I believe that even in our old self there are things worth salvaging...we just have to dig deep to reveal them.

Scott M. Frey said...

you're in a really exciting (and no doubt, scary) place right now! There is sooo much goodness (and a lil pain, struggle) in front of you. It's just so awesome to "witness" someone growing in recovery! We often came here just to get sober, or to get someone on our back. But, when we finally realize we can grow as a person, and really, turly change our lvies, well, there's the miracle of AA and lasting recovery a day at a time. Enjoy the ride!

Gooey Munster said...

WOW! I always enjoy reading your posts, you collect and share some wonderful inspiration. The quote gives light to an ill perception -- it is ok that we are not perfect working our program, and mess up a little here and there. There is a vast difference today between then and now, now being in recovery.

You seek deep within yourself discovering the exactness of what brings to the old you. "Spiritual muscle" -- yah, you give me hope.

Trudging said...

Good job

Phyllis said...

I call it 'the committee in my head'. The little devil and the little angel, or spiritual warfare. Whatever we call it, just think before you do, and choose not to drink and you have made the right decision. There will be some very difficult days ahead but if I can do it, so can you!. Yes, you are a trailblazer also!

Sunshine said...

Keep on keepin' on!!!! The 'old' will be washed away by the new. Sounds like awesome progress! You go girl!!!

madameplushbottom said...

Rex - you seem to find some amazing writing and books for inspiration. I would like to visit your library.

I write of the NEWME and OLDME. I am pleased to find you experiencing this as well.

personally, I don't think you're doing things "wrong." You're doing things how you know how to and you will take the leap and have faith to do things the new way. Step by step - that's how it's done. Be kind to yourself and keep putting yourself out there.

You can do it.

Anna said...

I read today that we don't need to be backed into a corner in order to do this stuff... great idea isn't it lol