Post 80

Post 80 Hello again,

Thinking, or mental effort to modify behavior, functions on the principle of addition and substitution, rather than subtraction. As an experiment, in the next few moments, whatever you do, don’t picture in your mind’s eye a large pink elephant with blue spots or a blue elephant with pink spots …. Chances are, you envisioned some form of one or the other. It just so happens that whatever is resisted persists. Even the Apostle Paul wrote: “That which I would not, I do.”

Although many have tried not to be gay, it simply doesn’t work. It’s entirely the wrong approach. There are strategies far more effective. The productive way is replacement, to find a better trek and get and stay on the new path. Portia Nelson wrote,“ Autobiography In Five Short Chapters” It is illustrative and goes as follows:

Chapter I

                  I walk down the street.

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.

I fall in.

I am lost … I am helpless;

It isn't my fault;

It takes forever to find a way out.

Chapter II

I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.

I pretend I don't see it.

I fall in again.

I can't believe I'm in the same place.

But it isn't my fault.

It still takes a long time to get out.

Chapter III

I walk down the same street.4r5

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.

I see it is there.

I still fall in. It is a habit.

My eyes are open.

I know where I am. It is my fault. I get out immediately.

Chapter IV

 I walk down the same street.

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I walk around it.

Chapter V

I walk down another street .

This principle works for gays. They truly can forget the old life if they attend exclusively to building the new.