I received this in an email, but would like it to be shared more widely so am posting it here. I saw myself in these descriptions.

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 that you do not know how to do it, but are willing to learn.
Trying to be abstinent implies that you should be able to do it, but are struggling with it.

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 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 not being able to be abstinent. You will judge yourself a failure.
If you are willing to be abstinent, no setback is a problem, for you know that you will be shown.

If you are trying, you are attempting to surrender by yourself.
If you are willing, you are asking for guidance.

Trying to be abstinent places 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 God

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.

Outside of the will of God, there is no such thing as success. Inside the will of God, there cannot be any failure."

-Copied by the email sender from Kay Shepperd's loop

Thanks for sharing this, Kelly!

Hi Kelly!
The reading that you posted by Kay "To be abstinent is about willingness, not struggle", really hit home for me, I realized once I ceased struggling and turned everything over to God as I understand Him, living a life of recovery became much easier.

Thank you, love it!

Thanks, Kelly —

This is just what happened to me. I got willing and stopped trying!