habits

I found myself somewhere today, and wondered, "How did I get here?" Oh, I was where I was supposed to be but I really had no recollection of getting there. I was on my way home from the coffee shop I frequent, and my mind was elsewhere. Suddenly I realized I was half-way through my journey, but had not been aware of the trip. My feet had just taken me there automatically.

It was a little shocking, I must admit. I have experienced something like this before, long ago in the US. After a few years working at the same place, I would sometimes end up at the office and wonder, "How did I get here?" What's worse is, I was driving a car then! I do so prefer to be mindlessly walking than mindlessly driving.

I spent a lot of time today talking with people about bad habits. Especially negative thought patterns. And it strikes me that they are experiencing something very similar to what happened to me today. Their train of thought follows the same track time and again, becoming so worn into their brain after years and years of practice, that they often wind up in that old, unhealthy place before they even realize they're heading there.

I don't have answers about how to fix it. I suppose I could suggest some, but would probably end up sounding trite, trivializing their very real struggle. Anyway, I suspect it will be a very unique process for every individual. What I do appreciate is how committed these friends of mine are to changing. They are being proactive and looking for support and accountability. It takes a lot of courage to face old, ingrained habits head on and stare them down. I feel honored to be included in their journey.