The following story illustrates the point that it is not possible to simply stop shoplifting. You have to replace the addiction with positive thoughts and activities in order to address the underlying emotional causes. In other words, you need a strong reason to stop stealing; a strong “why.”
Once upon a time, a woman stood at the entrance of a store, holding on to the door frame tightly with “white knuckles,” struggling to resist the urge to shoplift. For a long time, she had been grappling with the temptation to steal, knowing it was morally wrong but unable to stop.
As she tried to resist the urge, she realized that her willpower alone was insufficient to overcome her addiction to shoplifting. She understood that she needed to find other things that could replace the void left by the negative habit.
Instead of shoplifting, the woman thought about how much time she could save by not stealing. She considered how she could use this time to pursue activities that could bring about personal growth, such as learning new skills or taking up a hobby.
Additionally, she pondered on how shoplifting was affecting her relationships with family, friends, and society in general. By choosing not to steal, she could build better relationships, gain trust, and be a positive influence on the people around her.
The woman also considered her spiritual well-being and how it could be enhanced by abandoning the negative habit. She understood that true spiritual gain could only come from positive actions and thoughts.
Finally, she thought about the physical progress she could achieve if she were not spending her money on stolen goods. She could use the money saved to invest in her physical health, like purchasing a gym membership or taking a yoga class.
In the end, the woman let go of the door frame, understanding the work she needed to do and why she must do it. She embraced the idea of replacing her addiction to shoplifting with positive thoughts and actions and felt empowered by the knowledge that true change comes from within. With renewed strength and conviction, she walked away from the store, ready to start a new chapter in her life.