Once upon a time in the year 1519, a Spanish expedition led by the courageous explorer Hernán Cortés set sail to the unknown lands of Mexico. The journey was filled with excitement, anticipation, and a sense of adventure as the crew embarked on a mission that would change the course of history.
As the ships reached the shores of Mexico, Cortés and his men stood on the sandy beach, gazing at the vast and unfamiliar land before them. The Spanish ships that had carried them across the treacherous seas now stood anchored, a symbol of safety and familiarity.
But Cortés had a different vision in mind. He understood that true commitment required sacrifice and unwavering determination. He looked at his crew, their eyes filled with a mix of uncertainty and anticipation, and made a bold decision.
"Men," Cortés declared, his voice echoing with conviction, "we have come too far to turn back now. Our mission is clear, and our resolve must be unwavering. Today, we will burn our ships."
Gasps filled the air as the crew processed the magnitude of Cortés' words. Burning their ships meant there would be no turning back, no escape route if things grew difficult. It was a moment of truth, a test of their commitment to their mission.
Without hesitation, the crew rallied together, gathering wood, kindling, and any flammable materials they could find. As the fires were set ablaze, the flames danced in the night sky, casting an eerie glow upon the faces of the determined men.
The crackling of the fire was both a symbol of finality and a catalyst for their unwavering focus. Cortés knew that by eliminating the possibility of retreat, he would ignite a fire within each member of his crew. They had no choice but to move forward, to conquer and claim the unknown land as their own.
Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. Cortés and his men faced countless challenges, battling indigenous tribes, navigating treacherous terrain, and enduring harsh conditions. The burning of the ships had forged a bond among them, a shared understanding that they were in this together, come what may.
With each passing obstacle, their determination grew stronger. The absence of the ships served as a constant reminder that failure was not an option. They had burned their safety nets, and their only path was forward.
Finally, after years of struggle, Cortés and his men achieved their mission. They conquered the lands of Mexico, paving the way for Spanish colonization and leaving an indelible mark on history. The burning of the ships had been a defining moment, a symbol of their unwavering commitment and determination.
Starting back when I was just a teenager. I would feel guilty and throw away my "stash" I would later go get more. As a young adult, I would delete the files, but it wouldn't take long for me to have a whole new hidden folder. I have had a lifetime of abandoning the ship, but I was always leaving a proverbial rowboat to row my way back when I felt the need.
Since joining recovery, I have had to separate myself from many things, some people, lots of my own selfish flaws, and a ton of bad habits. Burning the ships meant a lot changes, most of them may seem small but they were huge.
Rigorous Honesty
Rigorous Accountability
Rigorous Transparency
Commitment and Faithfulness to the process
Much like Cortés and his men had to make the drastic decision that I was not going back, I had to burn some ships. Going back is not an option. Burn the ships boys, burn the ships!
My name is Dean I’m a grateful believer in Jesus Christ striving for moral and sexual purity.
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BURN THE SHIPS BOYS