Monday Thoughts 9.18.23

“Ask yourself if what you are doing today is getting you closer to where you want to be tomorrow.”

Unknown

“Maturity is learning to walk away from the people and situations that threaten your peace of mind, self-respect, values and self-worth.” 

Buddha

“I was a late bloomer. But anyone who blooms at all, ever, is very lucky.”

Sharon Olds

#13 I am responsible for myself and for my actions.

I am in charge of my mind, my thoughts, and my life.

What is a WFS New Life? Sobriety is the foundation while recovery is the growth and maintenance of a capable, competent, caring, and compassionate woman. It is a feeling of living responsibly while being in charge of who we are and where we are going. It is no longer allowing alcohol or drugs to rule the mind. It is the culmination of all of the Statements at work and Statement #13 in action is our empowering insurance policy protecting this valuable asset.

As the final part of Level 6, action into this Statement ensures a continuation of recovery and stays guarding against relapse. When I first began to practice Statement #13, it opened my eyes to the loss of independence and how that had affected where I was in life. Beginning to explore this whole New Life had me learning who I was and where I wanted to go. Many times, there were no answers for the future but I definitely knew going backwards was not an option. I had created that boundary and refuse to budge.

Today I get to bloom in a garden of beautiful and vibrant recovery. It is because of the WFS Statements in action, practicing, growing, and discovering the unlimited capacity to experience life, it is impossible to fully describe its depth. I am incredibly grateful that our founder, Jean Kirkpatrick, PhD created this life-saving program and shared her love with the world so that we can do the same.

Hugzzz

Karen

Dear 4C Women,

At the beginning of my sobriety, this Statement was the most fearful one. Not only did I have to quit drinking, but now I was supposed to be responsible and in charge of my life! I was so used to depending on others to tell me what I needed to do. I didn’t trust my ability – capability and competence – to take on this challenging Statement. Going through a separation and divorce was an eye-opener. I knew I had to face the fear of being on my own and being in charge. It wasn’t enough to just stop drinking. Slowly I began to take risks. I made mistakes but, wow, I survived and learned. No more judging myself so harshly, unforgiving, and feeling ignorant. WFS was truly a life-changer with the Statements. I needed to learn self-respect, be aware of my responses to situations, and learn healthier ways to react.  I was learning to navigate my life in a whole new way. I became thirsty for learning. I saw myself as a seeker of information, transformation, and emotional growth. I no longer wanted to be a spectator in my life. 

Since my daughter passed a little over 4 months ago, I am learning a whole new way of coping. The tears flow each day. Yet, among those tears are moments of joy, laughter, and connection to the women I have met through WFS, my former job at the YWCA, my church, and my neighborhood. It was difficult at first to accept help, yet I know I need it just as I did at the beginning of my sobriety. One of my favorite mantras is “Life is change, Growth is Possible, Choose Wisely.” This is the biggest and most painful change I have ever faced. I am so grateful for the WFS program that has kept me stable enough to know I will remain sober. I hope that my sharing this helps those who are struggling. My greatest purpose has been to help others and to provide support and encouragement. That has not changed. However, I also know I need that very much for myself and I am receiving it. I am proactive in seeking help because I cannot do this alone. Any woman reading this, I hope you know that you don’t have to take this journey of recovery alone. Although you are responsible and in charge of your thoughts, your mind, and your life, reach out and hold on tight. 

What does responsibility feel like in your New Life?

Are you confident in being in charge of your life? If not, are you aware of why?

What is your reaction to change? This took a lot of personal introspection in order to gain insight as to how I reacted to change.

What new coping skills have you put into practice? One way to think about this is to consider what options you have. This really helped me when I was unsure, and facing a new challenge. 

Bonded in becoming the leader of your life, learning to seek help, and growing through the changes, Dee

A Note From WFS in the Community

Last week a few women from our local Minnesota groups volunteered to run an informational table for Women for Sobriety at the annual Minnesota Recovery Connection’s Walk for Recovery. The weather was beautiful and the event was a great time to connect with women in our community seeking recovery resources! We spoke to and handed out information about WFS and our meetings to well over 100 women! We hope this outreach will encourage new women to join WFS!  With continued support and volunteers from our local meetings, this event could become an annual opportunity!


**We’d like to extend a big thank you to the Minnesota CFs and team that took the initiative to join this local event & share the results! Are you interested in sharing WFS with your local community reach out to Kristina [email protected] to connect with volunteer orientation and training opportunities**