[Junrlaeh]

much, obviously, can be said in answer to this, a.j., although it may be helpful to consider: rather than breaking away from old habits, one may emphasize breaking into new ones, that one conceives of as being more helpful to one's goals in life.

as you contemplate that which you strive towards in life, rather than regretting current conditions, old patterns may lose some of their hold on you and thus be more amenable to change.

i personally have found it helpful to accept and bless these shadow issues in my self, as railing against issues such as addiction and other no longer useful patterns of behavior only lends them strength to persist. rather, i meditate with hopeful, optimistic heart on what i could be and accomplish if i were not bound by these things; this makes for a bridge across the fear of the emptiness of being without them.

-mark