One of the most “beautiful” things about living this oxymoron lifestyle is that it doesn’t discriminate. It welcomes all genders, all races, all religions and all ethnicities. It creates purpose, focus and unyielding commitment by the individual. It leads to the development of community support which adds security to the individual’s life knowing an answer to the most important problem in life can easily be answered by another caring person. How many of us can say we have people in our lives we can turn to for this type of caring support?
We, as a society, worry about jobs, children, families, financial obligations and so many other responsibilities that create stress in our lives. The oxymoron lifestyle this article discusses removes ALL of these problems. It is a lifestyle that has created a discipline to SILENCE THE NOISE of the world. Each waking day provides a driven purpose for existence. There is a mission and relentless pursuit for achievement. This is a goal driven, focused lifestyle. It organizes all of life’s responsibilities in such a manner that it removes the typical stress responses they produce.
With all the attributes associated with this lifestyle it should not be surprising that the number of people pursuing this path is growing by leaps and bounds. How many of us are currently thinking to ourselves, “how can I jump on this bandwagon?” As close to a heavenly lifestyle as this may sound, one may be surprised to find out those living this lifestyle may disagree.
Can you imagine being free everyday to wake when you choose; to live in multiple places we call “home” without fear of interest rates and adjustable rate mortgages? Can you imagine everyday living a lifestyle where the only decision that needs to be made is based on when and how your personal needs shall be met?
If this lifestyle sounds like one you would be interested in, please let me know. But, before you decide to pursue this path let me provide you with the formal name of this lifestyle: It’s called:
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ADDICTION
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Addiction is a PROCESS that leads to a loss of self identity in favor of satisfying a PHYSICAL and/or EMOTIONAL NEED(s.) Whether it’s drugs, alcohol, food, work or some other compulsive disorder, we, as a society, need to become more tolerant and show greater compassion for those suffering addiction. It’s ironic how we judge those suffering addiction harshly for avoiding accepting responsibility for their “behavior” and then follow their pattern of avoidance by denying responsibility for helping them get the support they need.
All About Healthy Choices 
Wonderful post, Jonathan! Addiction is a disease like any other disease. Mental illness is illness. These things don’t just impact the individuals who suffer from them. They impact families, friends and communities. The costs are enormous.
Thanks for drawing the problem into the light…
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It would be nice to see our schools incorporate this topic into their curriculum. It is a very real condition that few know how to identify early on and even fewer know how to address.
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Addiction is single-minded and self-centered at its core, with many finding themselves it’s unwitting victims. Having compassion for those caught in addiction won’t cure it, but it sure doesn’t hurt!
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For me, it’s seems your comment about compassion would have been more accurate if you used the phrase “having empathy.” I believe the DEMONSTRATION of compassion adds a quality to life that potentially plays an important component when seeking solutions to addiction.
I appreciate you sharing your viewpoint and hope it creates some discussion on this subject.
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Loving the food for thought provided here Doctor J 😊
Empathy is a gift in itself…opening us to see from another’s viewpoint/reasoning/logic or seemingly lack thereof…it opens us up to their reality. In doing so we can form compassion and perhaps do more to help others without simply judging them based purely on our own life experiences to date. We are certainly not all the same; even when we appear to share or have at one time shared the same overall reality of such an addiction. I dare say, that we all need help in varying ways to maintain self love and in doing so are able to extend ourselves to helping others in whatever way we can. Some of us were not afforded a strong sense of a healthy self during oir development and struggle to maintain adequate self care and healthy choices within their lifestyle. Such choices may include association with others that worsen their self love deficit. It is a compex issue and rarely ever about the “simple” addiction of choice that is presented.
I love the awareness you raise. I love that you care to do so…I hope this reaches the minds and hearts of many on a way that helps us all grow to support each other healthily. Empathy can and should be given without true detriment to one’s own healthy boundaries…or another form of “addiction” is yet again created and carried out; effectively helping no one ❤
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I hope the readers take their time to read your comment. It is filled with words and meaning that people need to be exposed to and experience. Thank you for sharing such a meaningful expression of sentiment.
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I simply feel and speak from the heart, as it is all I know. 😊
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[…] A LIFESTYLE OXYMORON […]
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Addiction is a horrible disease, and one that is so misunderstood in this society. YES, if only our students were taught about addiction, its horrors, how it can be ‘caught,’ and how to avoid addiction. But then again, we wish empathy and compassion could be taught in our schools also. Awareness helps – thanks for a great post.
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Thank you for sharing your comment. Maybe it’s time we go to school board meetings and make suggestions to include these subjects in our school curriculum. If we don’t ask, they are unlikely voluntarily going to make the effort.
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Mental illness and addiction need to be addressed and seen for what they are, not swept under the carpet and denied.
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It’s interesting that most people feel this way, yet we have made little headway into achieving this goal. It seems all institutions including the educational system have political obstacles difficult to maneuver. Parents need to apply pressure by attending board and PTA meetings and setting new priorities for their agendas.
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So true
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Love the Melody Beattie Meme. Yes, I want to live free…of all addictions. I think our schools aren;t teaching many of the life subjectsthat they should be teaching. Additicionto food can be as harmful as drugs or alcohol.
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I agree with you completely.
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This might be taught in School, especially in our county. You possess all the brilliant ideas on your blog post. Very well written and interesting.
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I hope schools become more transparent and share truthful findings on controversial topics. Challenging science and research only strengthens our understanding and helps guide us to discovering better solutions.
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I really enjoy your posts Doc!
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Thank you so much for letting me know. Sharing ideas on health, personal responsibility and happiness can change people’s mindsets and help them find better paths to follow. In general, people are good. I would like to think my small contributions help influence their ability to feel greater self empowerment and ultimately self value.
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I truly believe that I was addicted to my own self indulgence because since the weight loss the changes in me have been wholesale. I consider others first and prefer to give that receive in all elements of my life. One day I know this will be reciprocated and that is when I will know that the world is finally becoming a better place.
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It has already begun. People give you there time, their well wishes, their emotional responses to your inspiration and so much more. In time you will also receive the more tangible things you desire as well.
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Nice thought Doc. I shall hold on to it and look forward to the future. Thanks Jonathan 🙂
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another great post….sharing it!!! xxkat
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Thank you, Kat
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Addictions take on many forms. I think if we all analyze our lives closely, we may see that we were addicted to something at some point in our lives to some degree. Its easy to throw blame and to judge others without looking at ourselves first. It’s interesting how the term ‘workaholic’ which can be considered an addiction is not taken in the same negative context, or its even encouraged in our society, but alcoholism is shunned. Both destroy lives and marriages if left unchecked, but one is accepted while the other is not.
Another great post Jonathan!! Thanks for sharing your insight with us.
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You make a valid point. Seeking balance helps overcome ALL of the “isms.”
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This is so powerfully-poignant given the compassionate context and highly-engaging way you introduced the topic…I didn’t see the addiction angle coming…but, it was crystal clear once you revealed the “plot twist”….awesome post….and, I really appreciate the social justice/responsibility mandate as well….just beautiful…thank you 🙂
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You are the first person to state the surprise of the addiction angle. I was hoping it would elicit an emotional response, but until your comment, the twist seemed to go unnoticed.
I realize that reading about topics of health can be boring to the average person. I try to provide an aspect of health often left unspoken and unnoticed. Hopefully, people find this interesting because I would hate to think my writing becomes the solution for insomnia! 🙂
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Far from boring, your novel approach grabbed me and pulled me in an unexpected direction….you must know how much I loved that…very creative…wonderful approach.. 🙂
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Thank you again. Your kindness is truly appreciated.
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So does this mean we all are addicted? I guess to an extent…as I think about my life, I know I am addicted to having a healthy lifestyle. And with that addiction, it brings me a type of stress. I grow a garden and cook for my family because it is how I show I care. I want them to be healthy too. I read labels and teach them things I’ve learned. Ask my family and they will tell you, not a day goes by that I don’t say something to do with health. Even though my “addiction” is health oriented, the constant reading and learning and doing can be overwhelming. I strive for a longer life for me, my loved ones, and my pets! If “loss of self identity” happened in order to “satisfy (someone else’s) a PHYSICAL and/or EMOTIONAL NEED(s.)” Does that mean I am addicted? I can see where I have lost some of myself as I give to others. I make sure everyones needs are met, what can I do to bring happiness into their lives…(pets included). It’s only been in the last year that I’ve realized that I have given everything and wonder after all is said and done, did it make a difference? I suppose in one way or another we can all say we are addicted to something.
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Extreme attitudes whether healthful or harmful are still stressful. Seeking balance to life provides a compromise that achieves healthy living both physically and emotionally. Seeking to improve rather than being perfect; seeking to learn a new idea rather than attempting to “know it all; seeking to give of oneself without sacrificing one’s own existence becomes a healthier more meaningful approach to discovering a happier and more fulfilling life.
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I am keeping these words you write to remind me! So glad to have found your blog. I believe no matter how strong, intelligent, loving (insert more adjectives here*), one is never all knowing and it really is wonderful to have someone to bounce things off of. I thank your parents for having you, I thank you for taking your own precious time you give to putting out article after article. Know that your words are never wasted! In good health, Koko:)
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I appreciate your very kind words. All of us grow and benefit from sharing ideas.
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Love this!!
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Thank you so much.
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very interesting reading. loving it 🙂
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Thank you for taking your time to read my post. I’m glad it had an impact. Stay healthy and happy.
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