Howdy,

Do you identify as an addict?

Gabor Maté defines addiction as "any behavior that a person finds temporary pleasure or relief in and therefore craves but suffers negative consequences as a result of and cannot give up despite negative consequences".

Let me ask you again: do you identify as an addict?

If you are being remotely honest, you answered yes to at least one of those questions.

I struggle with many addictions.

But until I found Gabor Maté's work, I wasn't being very compassionate with myself and compassion, Gabor says, is how you treat addiction.

This week I'm sharing with you an interview of Gabor's that offers tremendous insight and tools into why you are addicted, why it's not your fault, and how you can deal with the root of your addiction.

And for this week's writing prompt (10/14): Make a list of any behaviors you currently engage with that you think MIGHT fall into the category of addiction. Pick one from the list and write about what your life would look like without it.

An example from my life: I developed the habit of always watching something when I eat. It's something I do unconsciously because eating in silence often brings up pain.

To deal with this, I have started doing two things: A 30 second minimum meditation before I eat the food in front of me and, when I can remember to, I will eat without any distractions.

Sounds scary, doesn't it?

See you next week,

Nick