To Be Abstinent is About Willingness, Not Struggle

If you are willing to be abstinent, this is a state of great humility.

If you are trying to be abstinent, this is a state of great confusion.

A willingness to be abstinent implies you do not know how to do it, but are willing to learn.

Trying to be abstinent implies you should be able to do it, but are struggling with it.

Willingness to be abstinent involves acceptance.

Trying to be abstinent involves condemnation.

If you are willing to be abstinent, you are open to receive.

If you are trying to be abstinent, you are closed to guidance.

If you have been trying to give up the old ways and have condemned yourself for failure to do so, simply be willing to learn how the old ways may be replaced with ways of peace.

If you are trying to be abstinent, you will fear failure.

If you are willing to be abstinent, even ‘failure’ may be used as a teaching device.

If you are trying to be abstinent, you will fear not being able to be abstinent. You will judge yourself a failure.

If you are willing to be abstinent, no setback becomes a problem, for you know you will be shown.

If you are trying, you are attempting to be abstinent by yourself.

If you are willing to be abstinent, you are asking for guidance.

Trying to be abstinent places the responsibility on you.

Being willing to be abstinent places the responsibility on God.

Willingness to be abstinent is, in a sense, a prayer.

Trying to be abstinent is an act of separation from your Higher Power.

When you try, there is resistance.

When you are willing, there is acceptance.

If you are trying to be abstinent, everything is an interference.

If you are willing to be abstinent, everything is of assistance.

The freely made choice to be abstinent is the most important decision you make each day because it speaks for your willingness to be abstinent each day.

Without the giver of the gift (of abstinence), there would be no gift. Which is more important, the giver of the gift or the gift itself? Bear in mind this particular gift is just for one day, or one meal at a time.