Monday Thoughts 7.10.23

“You deserve happiness even if you’re not used to it.”

Unknown

“Note to self: Keep going. You’re doing great. You might not be where you want to be yet, but that’s okay. Just take it one step at a time and keep believing in yourself. And remember: No matter what happens, you can still enjoy your life and be happy.”

Lori Deschene

“Maybe it’s not about the happy ending. Maybe it’s about the story.”

Unknown

#3 Happiness is a habit I am developing.

Happiness is created, not waited for.

Sobriety and Statement #3 paired together create a sturdy base for feelings of contentment, balance, and ease to flourish. Before finding WFS, I thought happiness belonged to other people. I felt confused and resentful towards those whose lives were laid out like a storybook. Try as I might, life felt overwhelming, unfair, and at times not worth it. Alcohol felt like a way out but it was only a way down.

Our founder, Jean Kirkpatrick Ph.D., understood from her observations and experiences in creating her New Life that happiness is “an inside job.” No one else knew what happiness meant for her, she needed to create it for herself. This discovery of hers led her to own joys and satisfaction which she wanted to share with the world. Putting together like-minded actions enabled her to develop our life-changing and lifesaving WFS New Life Program.

Today I understand that happiness comes from even the smallest of actions, and each stems from maintaining sobriety and recovery. Life is certainly not picking on me and while I can still feel overwhelmed at times, it no longer paralyzes me. Sometimes happiness ebbs and flows like the tides, but I know it is up to me to create a sense of contentment like Jean, “finding an inner glow that somehow made all other things right.”

Hugzzz

Karen

Dear 4C Women,

I love how Karen described that alcohol felt like a way out but it was only a way down. The same can certainly be said for drugs as well. WFS is all about change – changing our responses, our willingness to face what is challenging, to make healthier choices and most of all, to honor and respect ourselves exactly where we are in the moment. That person – you – deserves to create moments of happiness, joy, peace, and contentment. Just believing that is a powerful change. I read in a book that courage is the root of change. With courage in our hearts and minds, we can create change – positive change that supports our well-being, our sobriety. I have never experienced more authentic happiness than when I changed the way I saw happiness in my life, to know I was responsible for creating it. I do believe that people add joy and happiness to our lives as I have definitely experienced that. For me, that became important to recognize. There is joy in surrounding ourselves with people who add happiness to my life. I also find joy in helping others and they help me. It comes down to a balance in relationships.

I found a handout that might be helpful in thinking about what happiness means to you, and how you can create it.

Define happiness/joy as you understand it for yourself

Favorite Happy Quote or Positive Affirmation

Is there a hobby that brings you happiness

Is there a favorite pastime that brings you happiness

3 people who add to your happiness

3 places that make you happy

3 songs on your feel-good playlist

After answering these questions, can you uncover what is getting in the way of your happiness?

If you have, what are you willing to do to tear down that roadblock?

Bonded in creating happiness through the willingness to explore, change, and developing a habit that will bring many smiles and laughter to your New Life, Dee

The WFS Acceptance Statements are the recovering woman’s guide to everyday thinking and living. As the New Life Program evolved, participants began to request a more chronological guide for their recoveries. In response, founder Dr. Jean Kirkpatrick, Ph.D., defined the following Levels of Recovery.