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Saturday, February 1, 2014

Addictions that Drive us -- the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

"Lucky Lady" 11 x 14 acrylic in red box frame http://etsy.com/shop/anfinsenart 
We hear a lot about addiction these days. Marijuana is being legalized in many states. Drugs are now consumed by more young people including children, much to their detriment. Despicable people are lacing those drugs with exceedingly harmful substitutes in order to make more money; the most recent a varnish derivative that rots you from the inside out.
Because of that, the word addiction conjures up thoughts of poison, destruction, and a world swirling out of control. Under the right circumstances, food can become an addiction. Obesity destroys health and sometimes relationships. Self-indulgence, sexual addictions and any number of habits that become all consuming may lead to disease, crime, and lack of self-control.
"And all that Jazz" 11 x 14 acrylic in red box frame  http://etsy.com/shop/anfinsenart
But not all addictions are bad. Forming good habits protects us from the bad ones. Habitual routines that keep us on track can protect us from destructive diversions. Goals, structure, and a plan can help us overcome bad influences that keep us from fulfilling our dreams.
Choice plays a vital role. With the goal of learning, we can add educational experiences that keep us involved and interested in life and living. Instead of watching porn which sucks us down into a dark hole, we can select films that highlight our highest aspirations with heroes and heroines we want to emulate.
"Shimmy Shake" 11 x 14 acrylic in black box frame  http://etsy.com/shop/anfinsenart
Life spirals downward when we indulge in self-pity and self-gratification. The only way to yank ourselves from this trap is to turn our attention outward, away from ourselves. Not only do we end up helping others, but we help ourselves.
For fine artists the adage to “paint every day” occupies thought and action. But once you get in a “bad patch” it’s hard to be creative. Going it alone as many creative’s do only exacerbates the problem. Reaching out for help or reaching up to a power source greater than your own is the only answer. 
Once you get past the demons, you can start over. Plan your days and set your goals. Be determined. Don’t let anything, especially your own pity party get in the way of your dreams. Even if you don’t become “King of the Hill,” you’ll at least derive great satisfaction from doing what you love.
Retro paintings afeatured are available in prints or framed originals
"Yes, Sir, that's my Baby!" 11 x 14 acrylic in black box frame  http://etsy.com/shop/anfinsenart

2 comments:

  1. What goes on in America usually comes to fruition in England at some point or another. Not sure whether to laugh, cry or comment about the marijuana.

    I know what you mean about forming good habits and also getting help when you need it. It's no fun trying to dig yourself out of a deep pit covered in mud, slipping and sliding everywhere for days, weeks or months, when you could have got someone to just drop you a rope.

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    1. Loved the visualization of a rope! Great comments. Yes, we have a lot more in common than we do differences. Thanks for stopping by!

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