Chapter 13
THE DIVING BOARD
Now you’re feeling really pumped. You’re ready to eliminate all the destructive areas in your life. You realize that drugs and/or alcohol are in your way. You’re excited about the idea of attempting your first 30-day challenge. You realize that change is a good thing. You’re ready to take the plunge into a refreshing new way of living.
It’s time to approach the diving board.
You’re tired of the heat. The burning sensation on your skin has become unbearable. You’ve tried the sun block; it didn’t work. You’ve tried the umbrella; it only worked part of the time.
You’ve never touched the cool water before, but something inside you can sense how refreshing it would be. Or maybe you have touched it before, but it’s been a while, and you’ve forgotten what it’s like.
All you know is that you’re tired of the heat. You can’t remember it ever being this hot. The sweat that’s supposed to be cooling your skin has just become annoying. A voice inside you keeps shouting, Just jump in!
You hesitate.
Negative thoughts begin to flood your mind. You’re gonna drown; don’t be stupid. Just go back to your chair. It’s not that hot out here. What about your friends? Everybody’s gonna laugh at you. You’ll end up going back.
At this point, some people jump, and some people go sit back down. Instinctively, we know that the water will be refreshing. We know it’ll cool us off. But some folks just aren’t ready.
One group of friends discourages you from jumping. They’re the ones getting sun burnt, as they sit on the outside of the pool. It seems like sunburn is all they know. Another group is in the pool, encouraging you to be brave and jump. They shout things like, “You can do it!” or “It feels so good in here!” or “We believe in you!” or “Please come join us!”
As you read this, you have to determine where you are in your own life, as you stare down at the potential refreshment of the pool. Are you going to jump in, or are you going to continue burning? If you decide you’re ready to take the plunge, allow me to explain what will happen next: For starters, it helps to have a friend already in the pool. The more assistance you have, the easier it will be to get adjusted to your new environment.
After you take the initial dive, you’ll instantly feel relief. All the burning, sweat, and feelings of resistance will be washed away. You’ll be immersed in the wonderful sensation of the refreshing water. As you begin to surface, you’ll be reminded of the sun. Your face will feel the heat. Your eyes will notice the friends who are still on the outside. Your old friends will likely laugh, as you struggle to stay afloat in your new environment.