“Enthusiasm is energy.” ~~Lailah Gifty Akita
“Live your truth. Express your love. Share your enthusiasm. Take actions towards your dreams. Walk your talk. Dance and sing to your music. Embrace your blessings. Make today worth remembering.” ~~Steve Maraboli
“Enthusiasm is a supernatural serenity.” ~~Henry David Thoreau
______________________________
#11 Enthusiasm is my daily exercise.
I treasure the moments of my New Life.
______________________________
The WFS New Life Program and especially Statement #11 have inspired me to live in enthusiasm and to be myself while doing it. For years, I tried to be like everyone else. From my thoughts, and ideas, to how I decorated my house, I tried to either please others or be like someone else. Over time, I had smothered my authentic self and emptiness overwhelmed me. I then tried to fill that void with alcohol.
With a clean slate, recovery is an invitation to unleash wholeness and embrace life. Statement #11 encourages self-evaluation and restores authenticity when practiced daily. Initially, my feelings felt flat, but it became easier over time to identify even the briefest feelings of gratitude. It began when I felt the excitement and enthusiasm of staying sober each day.
It is comforting to know that this Statement does not mean jumping off the wall enthusiasm. It can be as simple as a nod of gratitude for the moment, or the hour. Today, I feel enthusiastic whenever I draw or create, or am deeply connected to the moment. Our founder, Jean Kirkpatrick, Ph. D, was deliberate in her use of the word ‘treasure’ in Statement #11. This week take some time to reflect on your journey of enthusiasm and authenticity. Do you see a connection between the two? When was the last time you felt gentle enthusiasm? When was the last time you felt overwhelming enthusiasm? What do you treasure today?
Hugzzz
Karen
______________________________
Hi 4C Women,
The last time I felt enthusiastic was on Friday when I opened the mail and there was my ticket to the Reba McEntire concert. I was so excited as I had waited online for a couple of hours in anticipation of buying a ticket. Finally, the moment arrived and there were over 700 people ahead of me, but I was enthusiastically patient. A lifelong desire realized! I have also been enthusiastic decorating for Christmas. Each snowman brings joy to my heart and a big smile. Less enthusiastic is the fall I took on Tuesday, hitting the cement driveway while trying to open the flap of my hand truck so I could put a slightly heavy snowman onto my porch. I went to the ER and while I still have a headache and toothache, I did not suffer a concussion, brain bleed or fractured skull. So, for that, I am slightly enthusiastic and grateful. Being grateful is a form of enthusiasm that I encourage everyone to embrace. It can be, as Karen said, a smile, a nod or practicing/doing something that brings authentic joy. Sometimes it is just getting back to the basics. We’ve done an exercise in our f2f group that always makes me think of my sensory delights and to be in the moment when I experience them.
I love the taste of:
I love the sight of:
I love the feel of:
I love the smell of:
I love the sound of:
Answering these sensory questions may be just the spark needed to discover what brings a smile to your face, where you feel most creative, and how to achieve the joy of enthusiasm, meaning and living a balanced life on this recovery journey. Bonded in learning to treasure the moments of your New Life, your 4C Sister