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Monday Thoughts 5.15.23

“It wasn’t the trauma that made you strong, kinder, and more compassionate. It’s how you handled it. That credit is yours.”

Unknown

“As we grow older and wiser, we begin to realize what we need and what we need to leave behind. Sometimes there are things in our lives that aren’t meant to stay. Sometimes the changes we don’t want are the changes we need to grow. And sometimes walking away is a step forward.”

Unknown

“Be like a tree. Stay grounded. Connect with your roots. Turn over a new leaf. Bend before you break. Enjoy your unique natural beauty. Keep growing.”

Joanne Raptis

#8 The fundamental object of life is emotional and spiritual growth.

Daily I put my life into a proper order, knowing which are the priorities.

Sobriety and Statement #8 offer a continuing path toward growth, whether it be emotionally, spiritually or physically, or even mentally. Some very wise 4C women have shared the difference between emotional and mental health; while both are very important in recovery, emotional health refers to the ability to cope with and manage emotions and have positive relationships. Mental health refers to the ability to think clearly (think Statement #5) and make good decisions. Putting actions into Statement #8 can address these areas.

When I first began using this Statement, it felt like a weight had been lifted off of my shoulders. Before sobriety and recovery, I had felt utterly defeated. Having been taught a certain dogma for how life was supposed to be, I felt like an absolute failure and carried a ‘why bother’ attitude. Alcohol easily fit into this line of thinking and any emotional or spiritual growth stopped altogether.

Today Statement #8 helps identify priorities and find greater balance with an aim toward simple growth. No longer attached to long-standing doctrines or traditions, I am able to evaluate, create and grow into my own core beliefs and stretch outward. This growth tends to ebb and flow as well as have periods of stillness much like the seasons. I am so grateful for WFS and Statement #8, it feels incredibly freeing and connecting.

Hugzzz

Karen

Hugzzz
Karen

Dear 4C Women,

I love the quotes and I love Karen’s message, especially sharing the differences between emotional and mental health. I had not thought of those differences in such a way and it provides clarity which is something I need right now. I’ve written Monday Thoughts for years writing from my life experiences.  These past few weeks, I have been focusing on gratefulness and this is due in large part to Statement #8. I have been able to grow both emotionally and spiritually in such a powerful way these many years. It is that growth that is giving me the strength to cope with my daughter’s passing. Healing will take a much longer time yet I am coping in a way that I won’t drink to numb my feelings. In fact, I have found that releasing my pain with tears at any given moment, shouting out loud to no one, and accepting the love I have been shown, is part of knowing my priorities. How freeing to feel safe in expressing my feelings authentically, to set priorities from both love and pain. I never thought these two feelings could survive together yet they are.

For me, spiritual growth has been my faith. It is the path I chose which is what I also love about the WFS program. It is an individual choice, one that supports whichever spiritual path you choose.

As I go through the grieving and healing process, I think back to the beginning of my recovery when I grieved the loss of my coping mechanism, my supposed friend – alcohol. I didn’t think anything could replace it. I am glad to say I was wrong in that assumption. It was replaced by my belief in myself and the loving friendships I developed in WFS.

Questions to consider:

What has your priority been this week?

What has made you feel full/complete?

Who has supported you this week?

Whom have you supported this week?

How has your spiritual path supported you?

What changes have you made in your emotional growth?

Bonded in setting healthy priorities, and seeking emotional and spiritual growth that you have chosen for yourself, Dee

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