When To Walk Away

How do you abstain from something that's destroying your life?

I'm gladdened by one of my more advanced counselees, Victor, with his plan to abstain from his former "drugs of choice." Many times, he'd just walk away.

For example, whenever he is tempted to look at a woman with lust, he bounces his eyes. And then, just walk away for a time rather than be tempted to advance his gaze.

Days when he'd meet with former friends who'd somehow force him to go to the nightclub with them.  These friends would "order" lots of alcoholic beers plus women. Victor, who formerly struggled with booze and women in the past, resolved that he is better off without them. So, after drinking coffee or juice, when the heat is on, he'd simply stand up, say his goodbye, and leave the gathering of his old friends for another day and place.

When your life has been damaged by addiction, you rightfully desire to have a new life. Yet temptation will still often knock at your door. Sometimes, it comes from your own internal fleshly desires. Other times, it comes from people you encounter or situations you find yourself in. The way out is to remove yourself from the object or situation of temptation, to flee from them.

The best strategy or action plan may simply be to walk away.

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