Turning Points

Occasionally in life, we encounter a turning point. Sometimes we realize we are facing a turning point , but other times we don’t realize it.
Turning points can be either positive or negative. Taking the first hit of drugs is probably a turning point for a drug addict. Committing a crime could be another obvious example of a negative turning point. Being offended by someone and reacting to that offense that changes the course of your life is another negative turning point.
A positive turning point could be the alcoholic’s first step to recovery. It could be a spiritual awakening for another person, or it can be the realization that changes have to be made in your life to better oneself and move forward.
So, turning points can either be good or bad. Like I mentioned above, sometimes we don’t realize we are facing a turning point, such as someone doing drugs may not feel his first experience with drugs is a turning point in their life at the time or meeting someone for the first time can even be a turning point.
I think everyone’s life has turning points, but sometimes the person doesn’t realize the importance of the choice at the time.
One important point I would like to make is this: No one faces a turning point with the intent on making themselves worse off. When the alcoholic takes his/her first drink, they don’t do it with the intent on becoming an alcoholic! When a smoker takes his/her first puff, they don't have the intention of becoming addicted. No one intentionally seeks negative turning points. Everyone tries to make themselves better off, but obviously we all make mistakes.
How do we know if we are making a good or bad decision at a turning point?
Well, sometimes it’s tough to tell. Laws, morals, religion, values, etc. are put in place to help guide us through the turning points of life. We may not know or accept we made a bad decision until a significant period down the road. It may take the drug addict years to realize the first hit was a turning point, the smoker the first puff as the turning point or the alcoholic the first drink.

I try to apply these thoughts to my personal life. We all make mistakes in life, but I think the key to success in anything is to not make the BIG mistakes. I try to make sure that if I make a mistake, that error won’t lead to something worse and become a negative turning point. I want to avoid negative turning points, and though I don't always succeed, I try to recognize them. I use my values, morals, beliefs, etc. to help me out. This concept can apply to all areas of life: School, career, being single, family, marriage, friendships, money etc.
As I have continued to turn to the Lord during my negative turning points, I believe I have been blessed. I have gained a stronger understanding about how I—along with my trials, temptations, poor decisions, challenges and desires—fit into the Plan of Salvation. Taking a small leap of faith by continuing to practice my religion has allowed me to receive additional guidance and strength in my life.

My life is still full of uncertainty and challenges. But I know God will continue to support me and strengthen me. I will continue to grow and receive more and more of the true peace I desire. I simply offer insights I have learned through the choices I’ve made. Everyone has to make their own choices and accept the turning points in their lives. Just as I hope to make good decisions with guidance that will ultimately lead to good turning points in my life, I also hope everyone that reads this blog will remember and do the same.
I really wish everyone good turning points in your lives!!