Monday Thoughts 7.11.22 - Women for Sobriety

“It’s only possible to live happily ever after on a day-to-day basis.”

Margaret Bonnano

“My happiness grows in direct proportion to my acceptance, and inverse proportion to my expectations.”

Michael J. Fox

“The only thing that will make you happy is being happy with who you are, and not who people think you are.”

Goldie Hawn

#3 Happiness is a habit I am developing.

Happiness is created, not waited for.

Sobriety and Statement #3 in action go hand in hand like blue skies and sunshine. Both complement each other and when combined bring a sense of simple joy that may have been previously overlooked. Joyfully, early sobriety can be an extraordinary time of discovery, with unlimited opportunity for shifting perspectives and increasing happiness.

Newly sober, it was important for me to define what happiness is. In the past, happiness was defined by others in the form of expectations, traditions, and even family attitudes. Statement #3 provides a launching pad for discovering my inner joys and the commitment to create them.

In our WFS Program booklet, it states, “Happiness never came to me until I learned the secret of making it for myself, of finding an inner glow that somehow made all other things right.” What are the results of creating your own happiness? My experience in creating my own happiness has resulted in feeling a foundation of deep contentment within that enables connection. It is a bridge of stillness during rising tides and joyous moments of presence. What will you create today?

Hugzzz

Karen

Hi 4C Women,

Connectedness is the word I feel has created happiness in my life, to be with women who understand and support me without question or judgment but with compassion. There are times when I am almost grateful for my addiction which surprises people when I say it out loud. Yet, it has brought me a New Life, a purpose, and authentic joy. I’m not sure I would have found this joy without this encouraging, life-changing program of love, empowerment, and especially emotional growth. I believe my life would have remained troubled and stagnant. So, this is why I say I am grateful for acknowledging my addiction and finding WFS. This was truly a life-changer.

Happiness has been a bit of a challenge the past few years for many people and I am among them. During the first years of the pandemic, it was difficult for me to feel the connectedness that brings me so much happiness. I was grateful for Zoom and that if there was to be a bright spot in the isolation, technology proved that we can still be together, share our feelings, give virtual hugs and even have a virtual conference! Life lesson learned – if I could continue to feel and create joy during that somewhat lonely time, I have the tools to create it no matter what the circumstances if I am willing to explore the possibilities. I sometimes have added happiness is mine by a conscious effort (part of Statement #2) while I work on creating happiness. I realize I have to make a conscious effort to create a path to joy/happiness. The important thing I need to remember is that happiness comes in moments. This Statement does not mean that we are to be happy all of the time. That would be impossible, like being perfect is impossible. What I appreciate about WFS is that I can acknowledge all of my feelings. I can work on gaining insight into them rather than numb or run away from them. This is why Statement #3 guides me to have balance in my life, that among the hurt and sadness we all experience at times, we can also feel great joy. For me, the best part is that I also understand that what brings me happiness changes over time. I love that because it provides opportunities to try different things that I would not have considered before.

What have you tried recently in creating happiness/joy?

Are you open to exploring different avenues to achieve those moments of happiness?

How do you handle disappointment if happiness isn’t the outcome of your creation? This question is important as sometimes when our plans don’t work out as hoped, we might judge our decision/choice harshly believing we’ll never get it right. So, I encourage you to learn from that and start trying something else. It’s sort of like the plan for triggers. If disappointment is a trigger, what is your plan to cope with that?

What is the last happy moment you experienced?

I love decorating over the holidays and keep my tree up all year as well as nick-nacks. When I get up each morning, I walk around my family, dining and, living room to take in all the cute decorations that make me smile. My neighbor knocks on my door when there is a beautiful sunset and that moment of nature’s beauty is memorable. I used to love going to amusement parks but my physical health doesn’t fit in with that joy. This doesn’t mean there isn’t something else I can do. Reconnecting with friends or women in WFS that I haven’t seen or heard from, brings me phenomenal joy when they respond to a text or email. Again, for me, it is connecting to others who have crossed my path, loving friendships that have enhanced my life, and being a facilitator that has given me a purpose in this life.

Bonded in discovering our joy, creating moments of happiness, and being open to new opportunities for happiness, Dee