Let’s start with, what is temptation?

1. the desire to do something, especially something wrong or unwise.
2. a thing or course of action that attracts or tempts someone.

Many times, in my life have I wished that I could have overcome temptations. This is one of the most powerful effects that we might face in our lives and yet so many of us fall victim to the overwhelming struggle.

Each of us has been faced with some sort of temptation. I feel that it’s safe to say that all of us have Been overcome by temptation whether it be by a simple sweet innocent treat such as a Tootsie Roll, when we should not eat a Tootsie Roll, however, that temptation overtakes us and we do what is bad for us anyway, or we have fallen victim to that much larger temptation that encompasses everything and everyone around you. No matter the size of the temptation, it is safe to say that it can very easily overcome us.

I found that when dealing with our temptations, Awareness must be one of the very first things to be mindful of as we face our transformation into that new lifestyle that we want for ourselves. To do this we must be willing to accept our weaknesses and our shortcomings. Remember, failure is the building block that we can use to build a stronger foundation.

I feel that it is harmful to avoid your temptations. It will give you so much more pleasure when you can learn to control your behaviors and overcome temptations. Learning what triggers the temptations, can be as simple as a smell, however, we must be actively aware of this trigger. Once you have practiced and can identify the trigger, then take an active role in challenging yourself to resist the triggered behaviors. After you do this a few times it gets easier, and you will find yourself growing in ways that you have not noticed before.

I know this might be a sore spot for most, but you will find yourself growing away from the interest and even the people that you have been subject to. This is the time to embrace the change and lean in on the discovery. Put yourself out there and find the type of people that will help you reach your goals. Don’t feel bad because you are growing at a faster rate than others you might measure yourself against. Now is the time to raise the expectations you have for yourself.

Setting healthy boundaries will take some time when we first start, it can make you feel like you should never try to overcome your temptations. I can almost guarantee you that you will be overcome by your temptations more than just a few times when you start this transformation into your ultimate lifestyle. But I can also guarantee that if you stand up for yourself and give yourself the love and care that you deserve, you will be saying in no time at all to yourself, what was stopping me?”

Temptation is that one thing that can make us feel so completely out of control and powerless over our compulsions. When we take on our temptations one at a time and learn to overcome them one at a time, it’s not long before we will find ourselves with a new sense of empowerment.

The faster we start facing the fear and taking on the things that hold us back and control us, the faster we can find ourselves living that ultimate lifestyle we are looking for.

Remember, you are in control of your own decisions.