Always a Window of Opportunity

I have observed that in life, there are many paths although we can only follow just one at a time. I also see these paths as being parallel to each other but to the most part, secluded from each other. However, there are gaps between these paths through which one may cross over from one path to the next. These gaps are what I like to call windows of opportunity.

You may be wondering why the Layman today is waxing philosophical and acting all knowledgeable. Well, wonder no more. I have been on a quest to answer the question why we as people always seem to be hopelessly stuck in one bad habit or another. I am trying to find out why even the wisest or most knowledgeable among us seem to be struggling with some form of bondage. In my efforts to seek the answers to these problems, I have used myself and some (anonymous) friends as a case study.

No Bigger Temptation

In the book of 1 Corinthians 10:13, the bible tells us that God will not allow us to suffer any temptation that is above what we are able to overcome. While these words are comforting in themselves, most people never remember them during the temptation itself. They are words that are usually quoted either before or after but rarely during the actual temptation.

Conscience is still Alive

When we see those people who are deeply entrenched in what we consider to be extremely evil vices such as robbery and prostitution, we conclude that their consciences are dead. We permanently assign them to their fates. Judging from some turn-around stories however, it is safe to conclude that even the most evil among us have some traces of conscience still alive in them. This means that anybody (alive – not dead) can turn his or her life around. All they need to do is take advantage of that window of opportunity that will, inevitably, at some point, come their way.

What is your Favourite Addiction?

Whenever most of us talk about addictions, the things that come to mind are drugs and alcohol. Narcotic drugs in particular, have become synonymous with addiction. In common language therefore, an addict is a person who cannot control their intake of drugs. It has however come to my attention that there are many other forms of addiction apart from drugs. In fact, all of us are struggling, either knowingly or unknowingly, with either one or other type of addiction.

It is at this point that some readers are turning off the blog claiming that the Layman is accusing them of being addicts. Before you go, let me explain why I think you and I are addicts. The dictionary defines an addict as a person who habituates or abandons himself (or herself) to something, compulsively or obsessively. I know you might still not be convinced and so please look at the examples below to determine whether, like me, you need help.

Gambling

Whenever gambling is mentioned, most people think of casinos. It is true that a lot of gambling happens in casinos. However, there are many subtle forms of gambling that many ‘ordinary’ people unthinkingly indulge in. If part of your monthly budget is dedicated to the purchase of raffle tickets or airtime for subscribing to bonyeza ushinde (and such other forms of online raffles), you are a gambler. If a significant part of your retirement plans will utilize the expected winnings from a competition, then you are a compulsively obsessive gambler and you definitely need help.

Sex

Anybody who has had sex at least once is a candidate for sex addiction. It relates closely to the story given by recovering alcoholics that they can trace their problems to the first sip of alcohol they ever took. Sex is a bigger addiction problem than most people (including experts) would care to admit. The media and Hollywood do not help matters much either, as they keep our fantasies and lusts well-nourished.

Food

If the level of obesity today is anything to go by, food addiction has reached endemic levels. In my view, it ranks closely with terrorism as a disaster judging from the number of unavoidable deaths it causes. Most food addicts console themselves in the fact that, at least they don’t use drugs. They consider food to be harmless fun but forget that harm is not in the food itself; it is in the (unhealthy) quantities and quality (or lack thereof) taken.

The Lull before the Storm

I could go on and on talking about how different things can be addictive but I think you get my point. I will not get into talking about shopping, social media, and internet browsing as addictions. My aim is to share what I think constitutes an effective escape plan in the majority of compulsive behaviour cases.

It has been observed that before any storm hits, there is a moment of eerie silence where even the wind stops. This short time allows for those who know the storm is coming to take cover. The same lull occurs before someone does something compulsive. It is like a brief moment of reflection where one is unusually sober and able to ask himself whether he wants to proceed or not. This is the window of opportunity that people who overcome all sorts of bondages utilise in order to overcome their unhealthy habits. It is the reason why the wise tell us to think before we act.

Disclaimer: This article is non-academic and although it offers practical advice, it should not be taken as an alternative to visiting your favourite shrink.