THE SHORTEST SELF HELP BOOK EVER WRITTEN

                                   THE CANDLE

Written by: The Commander and Chief

Page 1

                NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE IF WE PUT OUR MIND TO IT

The candle is an imaginary/self-help tool that anyone can use whenever addictions, bad habits or temptations are overpowering them.

Self-preservation and it’s implementation is very simple. It is almost effortless on how easily we can take control of ourselves so we may live a long, healthy and productive life.  It is not how long  any person lives; it is how well they live!

There are various conditions and illnesses that unexpectedly happen upon us in our life that we have no control over. Under those circumstance we must accept them and do the best we can to cope with them.

Addictions, obsession  and bad habits come in many shapes and forms. Overeating – alcohol  – drugs – sexual – abuse, mental and physical – criminal; the list is pretty much endless. It is our personal responsibility to suppress and control them, not having them control us.

A person should carry an imaginary candle around with them in their subconscious at all times and utilize its imagery when any desire or temptation becomes overwhelming.

Generally speaking; people are lured into temptations because of their weaknesses  and will give into whatever addiction or bad habits they have developed. In fact there are only a couple of choices we can make in the matter and we do hold power to make the correct decision. Give in or don’t give in.

Page 2

Here is where the candle comes in.  First scenario; imagine holding your finger in the flame of a candle and burning the hell out of it by not having the sense to pull it back.

Second scenario and the most sensible choice; keep your finger out of the flame and don’t burn yourselves.  It is that easy. Burn it or don’t burn it.

Most temptations only last only a few seconds or minute.  We should learn how to condition ourselves to tough it out for that short period. Once we have achieved that level of discipline, we are home free. Now we are in control.

Initially; while attempting to kick a bad habit or addiction most people do not have the intestinal fortitude to achieve that self-control level on their very first attempt. It may take a dozen times or more to learn how to develop the willpower necessary to reject the powerful urges. When we ultimately have reached this plateau, the jubilation we will feel is like we have conquered Mt. Everest.

One of the main considerations in mountain climbing (a metaphor) never look at the summit  on your struggle up the mountain;  just concentrate on placing one foot in front of the other and continue the climb until we have reached our goal.

Life can be pretty simple if we chose it to be but many people like to complicate their lives and continually blame their shortcomings on everything and everyone, except themselves. I can’t stop smoking, I will gain weight; I can’t stop drinking; I will not fit in with the rest of the crowd if I don’t smoke a a few joints.

Page 3

I can’t quit smoking pot, all my friends do it.   The answer I have to this type of rebuttal; nonsense they are a weaklings!

If you happen to fall into that category of being a weakling or a quitter, continue to hold  your finger in the flame, keep destroying your health and life but quit  bitching about it.

We can achieve anything we want to in life if we truly have the desire to do so. First of all admit your shortcomings to yourself; secondly make a firm decision to do something about it.  Without having these two components under control, it is a waste of time trying to make a change.

In life we have to take responsibility for ourselves and our own actions either good or bad. No one is holding a gun to your head and making us do anything you don’t want to.

Here is where we have to make another critical decision. Do we want to be a follower or do we want to be leader?

Followers for the most part are weak people with low self-esteem that don’t have the fortitude to look the beast in the eye, stare them down and do not cave-in to their enticements.   The beast being the addiction or bad habit.

Leaders are people that take charge of their lives, take the bull by the horns, are able make unpopular decisions without being concerned about opinions or consequences and in the process can set a good example for the rest of their peers to follow.

Page 4

Followers are like a herd of sheep. If the lead sheep walks over the cliff; without any consideration, logic or hesitation, the rest of them follow. Be the shepherd not the sheep.

Through the years I have used this quote many times from one of the people in this world I really admired;  Dino Crocetti  AKA Dean Martin. He said; if I knew I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself!!!

Page 5

The FIRST thing anyone with a problem has to do is admit it to themselves.  SECOND, have the desire to want to change. THIRD, have the backbone to take whatever course of action necessary to overcome the addiction or bad habit.

FOURTH and most important; stick to it and see the mission through. If you happen to fall down while trying, get back up, dust yourself off and start all over again. A person is never too old or it is never too late to turn their life around.

If anyone really does not have the desire to make these lifesaving changes, save your money. Forget all of the shrinks, doctors, hypnosis, patches, e-cigarettes and other aids; they will not make any difference. Willpower and determination are the key words.

For some people with the determination but less will power and they need an additional boost, get some outside assistance but by all means do something, don’t just talk about it. If you are that type of person, don’t be ashamed, get the professional help you need but bear in mind, the doctors and other professionals can only show you the way, it is up to you to follow.

I was a teacher for many years. I was the director, the person that showed my students the right path to take in their lives. After I showed them  the way it was their responsibility to follow it and make the best choices in their lives.

Page 6

Smokey the Bear used to say, only you can prevent forest fires.  The life you save may be your own.

Unless someone has a physically or mentally impairment, there is absolutely no reason they cannot get your life in order.

We only go around once and it is up to each individual how  to make the best of each day.  We all have many directions we can take on how to lead a more productive and healthy life. Make the correct decision. Don’t stick your finger in the flame.

When people are younger, there is a certain amount of abuse their body can take. As we get older our resiliency takes a nose dive and we cannot bounce back as easily as we used to. Start taking control today not next year.

Make your short stay on Mother Nature’s earth as pleasant as possible for yourself and everyone you are connected to.

It goes without saying; there are lot of people that have suffered tremendously because of the bad habits or addictions other people close to them have had. Make their lives a little more pleasant; you owe it to them and to yourself.

PULL YOUR FINGER OUT OF THAT FLAME OR SHUT UP AND QUIT BITCHING

Commander and Chief

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Note: Signed copies by the Commander and Chief of the shortest self-help book ever written can be obtained through emailing

thegoombagazette@gmail.com