Monday Thoughts 3.27.23

“Letting go may sound so simple, but rarely is it a one-time thing. Just keep letting go, until one day it’s gone for good.”

Eleanor Brownn

“Don’t rush something you want to last forever. It takes time to build proper foundations, relationships, careers, creative pursuits. Things take time and it’s okay if you don’t have everything figured out just yet. Keep going.

Tim Stuh

“Sit with it. Sit with it. Sit with it. Sit with it. Even though you want to run. Even when it’s heavy and difficult. Even though you’re not quite sure of the way through. Healing happens by feeling.”

Dr. Rebecca Ray

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Dear 4C Women,

I keep hearing myself say, if not now, then when? That was the thought that finally broke down my denial, fear, and uncertainty that I could do this. Mostly, it answered the question of why and what was I waiting for. What would it take to begin this journey of the unknown? As it turns out, the unknown became the precious realization that I matter and regaining all that self-esteem and self-empowerment Jean talked about in Turnabout. What a beautiful gift she gave to thousands of women who doubted their worth. Grateful is too small a word to acknowledge this courageous woman who understood the needs of women in recovery. Such an empowering way to see ourselves rather than continuing the path of believing we will never be good enough, feeling unlovable, and believing we cannot be forgiven by ourselves or others.

It was challenging to face my authentic feelings, and even harder to believe that I could heal from my hidden pain and start to blossom with joy and peace. I wanted so much to experience the peace of growing emotionally stronger, being available no matter what time of day, and having in-depth conversations with women who understood and encouraged me and I could do the same in return. Taking charge of my life seemed impossible yet I saw others doing it and I wanted the same for myself. I realized that I was holding on to false promises of being comforted when drinking– which while true for the moment, was not an inside life-changing promise that Statement #1 held.  A temporary solution that led me back to emptiness and regret. I said this Statement so much in the beginning and I felt my thoughts change from hopeless to hopeful, from fearful to strong, from feeling lost to having a purpose, and from being reactive to being responsive in a positive way.

If you are struggling with getting started (sober curious), think about answering the question of “if not now, then when?” Hopefully, that answer will help you uncover what is holding you back, and what fears are standing in the way and leading you on an inspiring new path of healing and recovery.

Be kind to yourself while working on recovery. It is truly a journey with twists and turns. However, I believe those twists and turns are life lessons for us to dig deeper, create a better understanding of what our triggers are, and find new coping tools to help us respond to those triggers in a healthier, balanced way. Uncover the triggers, develop new coping tools, and create a New Life. Most of all, know that it is possible and for those who have grown and created a New Life for yourselves, please share, encourage, and support those who are just beginning. It makes a difference.

Bonded in believing we can do this by being in charge and healing on our recovery journey, Dee

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