The Love Test

There are needs integral to loving and feeling loved. Therefore, we all have need for:

A sense of belonging—within the comradery there is a role(s) for you to fill

A sense of significance—you matter to us and your contributions are essential

A sense of security—you understand the general dynamics and as specific aspects shift we’ve got your back and you’ve got ours

 

A sense of accomplishment—satisfaction in fulfilling your role(s) well

On a scale of 1-10, 1 being the worst and 10 being the best, how are each of these needs being met in your life currently?

Transitions to Healthy Change

Avoidance~ At this point a person may have some hints, even strong notions, that there is a pressing issue yet do not feel the need or flatly avoid deeper consideration 

·         Most important issues will not change for the better without purposeful attention

 Contemplation~ Alertness to the issue rises to the point that the person begins evaluating the degree of the issue’s effects 

·         This is the beginning of progress

 

Determination~ degree of effects is determined to warrant change, avenues for such are researched, evaluated, and grown into a plan of action 

·         Approach to the pursuit of healthy change along with date/time to begin are committed to

·         Without determined effort, most important issues will not resolve in the healthiest possible outcome

 Application~ Personal transformation toward healthy change is actually begun as healthy influence begets new healthy choices that are followed through with personal effort

·         During application the person begins modifying perspective, which affects behavior, bringing healthier experiences within healthier spheres of influence

·         We all live according to our own perspectives 100% of the time, even when their faulty

·         Truth is the only good and right perspective corrective

Continuation~ Over the course of time the transformative, persistent practice, and ongoing, honest communication delivers the person in a new living nature amid ever changing circumstances

 

·         New perspectives do not take root over night

·         Without continued attention to growth in healthy living, life deteriorates





Corridor to Freedom



1. Become Whole-istically Mindful of Yourself

·         Human beings are God-designed pneuma-psycho-socio-somatic creatures

o   The spiritual, psychological, social, somatic elements make up the whole person

o   When a person is affected by anything, the whole person is affected in every aspect of the whole being. Therefore, addressing every aspect of the person is necessary to healthy living.

·         Admit that you have (or are headed toward) a problem.

·         If you do not recognize your need and want to change, the problem will deepen.

o   How is ________ affecting your life?

o   What would you like your life to be like?

2. Christ-Centered Soul Care

·         Truth gives the best opportunity to make the healthiest possible choices.

·         CCSC will help you recognize the truth and mold your perspective accordingly.

·         Change can be difficult, complex, and scary.

·         When you realize that you actually need and want to change, it becomes easier to make a commitment to a plan.

·         Decide to Change.

3. Medical Help

·         Your body may have adapted and developed strong tolerance and/or dependence. A thorough physical exam and consultation may be indicated.

·         Sudden abstinence may result in life-threatening symptoms. A doctor should be consulted to determine if medically supervised detoxification (detox) withdrawal symptoms need to be carefully monitored.

4. Realize Pneuma-Psycho-Socio-Somatic Obstacles

·         Advantages of healthy living are great. Meanwhile, spiritual strongholds, emotional pain, self-deception, social environment, cultural pressures, neurobiological factors, and physical pain can present extended challenges.

o   We all need help. Not only is there no shame in admitting it, it is a blessing to pursue participation.

5. Plan and Take Action

·         The best plans come to nothing if not followed through.

·         Plans should be specific, detailing the old behaviors that need to be extinguished and the new behaviors to adopt.

·         CCSC will help you establish obtainable goals, develop a plan for change, and you navigate the path in a productive way.

·         Your SCP will help you implement the plan and assist you in taking each step toward change.

·         Since, old habits and behaviors take strategy and effort to change, your SCP will also help you review and address the plan as necessary.

6. Sticking to the Plan

·         Perspectives founded in the truth must be developed and pursued to implement new behaviors.

·         Each new action is important—investigation, implementation, and practice.

·         Consistency—healthy choices with follow-through over time—reinforces healthy perspective and sustains healthy growth.

7. Accountability

·         Change is a process, and old habits die hard.

·         Day to day personal accountability in supportive healthy loving relationships will help sustain your growth.

o   God created human beings strong enough to adapt, yet fragile enough to need Him and one another to implement and sustain healthy living