In the beginning, before door dash and microwaves, the human race had to hunt for food. They were highly motivated by the “if you don’t work you don’t eat” way of life. We’ve come a long way since then, but it comes at a cost. If so much can be obtained before hard work than what’s the point of getting off the couch today? The drug addict is similar to the humans from the ice age as he/she is highly motivated by the unbearable cravings to feed addiction. If life outside of drugs was this hard maybe, we would all have the motivation of our ancestors. In a time where a day is like a thousand years and a thousand years is like a day, we must rediscover what motivates us.
Start off with a personal mission statement. What is your purpose here on this Earth? If you have a clear understanding of your why, then it will be easier for you to stay on the righteous path. If you are married, having a marriage mission statement is the next goal. The only way two people can run the race of life together is if the finish line looks the same for them both. A family with children should adopt a family mission statement. Involve each individual to include everyone’s personal goals and aspirations. When trouble arises, a solution can quickly be found if everyone shares a common ground.
But what about the rebellious child? Since motivation can’t be forced onto others, what are we as parents supposed to do? Stop the enabling. This does not mean we cannot buy gifts for special occasions or pay for dinner when going out. It means we allow our adult children to be a week late on rent if responsibilities haven’t been met, have our teenagers work part time for gas money, and teach our little ones to pick up after themselves. It may seem unnatural to say no the next time your adult child asks to borrow money but long term, motivation is gained to prevent the situation from arising again.
No matter the life stage your child is in, be supportive with your presence by listening, encouraging, and maintaining interest in their daily lives. The fruit from these practices will naturally flow from generation to generation and our society will learn to hunt again.
Lori
9-16-18
Lori Youngblood is a recovering drug addict. Her mission is to help others gain knowledge about the disease of addiction.
