Monday Thoughts 12.4.23

“Enthusiasm, when directed toward something healthy, gives you the power to imagine, create and enjoy, all rooted deep within your own sense of self, possibility, and passion. It’s an infectious feeling based on the beauty you see and nurture in the world.”

Lori Deschene

“Enthusiasm is contagious. Be a carrier.”

Susan Rabin

“Live your truth. Express your love. Share your enthusiasm. Take action towards your dreams. Walk your talk. Dance and sing to your music. Embrace your blessings. Make today worth remembering.”

Steve Maraboli

#11 Enthusiasm is my daily exercise.

I treasure the moments of my New Life.

Sobriety and Statement #11 in action are a part of Level Four of the WFS Levels of Recovery. This Statement, alongside #3 and #6 assists in creating and using new attitudes to implement new behavior patterns. Though I find Statement #11 to be difficult to practice at times, in my experience it presents opportunities to feel enthusiasm from others when my enthusiasm feels diminished. This was especially true when I first became involved with WFS. 

When was the last time you were around someone whose enthusiasm was on full display? It is energizing and captivating to be around them and the moments can feel quite vivid, almost electric. On the WFS Online Forum/meetings/f2f groups, women share their enthusiasm openly. Overcoming adversity, embracing change, or celebrating a milestone, 4C women are discovering what lights their inner joy, sharing their enthusiasm, while leaving behind what no longer fits. 

Sobriety and recovery do not have to be dull or without sparkle, which can be a common complaint. It can be as simple as inner contentment, such as being safely tucked into the knowledge that you will close your eyes tonight with a clear and sober mind. This week, share your enthusiasm, no matter the size, or if you need to, share in the enthusiasm of those around you and examine how it helps you to make a shift. 

Hugzzz

Karen

Dear 4C Women,

I thought I would never experience “authentic” enthusiasm but would have to keep up the burden of pretending. As it turned out, I discovered, much to my surprise, that I was clear-headed enough to experience the feeling of enthusiasm. One of my favorite joys is decorating for each holiday or season. This is why I keep my artificial tree up all year. Each ornament placed on the tree has a sentiment attached to it. I find myself smiling and feeling grateful for the memory. This year has been different as my circumstances have changed. However, I had a couple of friends over and started playing the musical snowmen and I had that feeling of joy and enthusiasm back. It felt wonderful. 

I recall my WFS retirement celebration at the in-person conference back in 2017. I treasure that memory and the love I felt being expressed. The whole week-end was an enthusiastic experience for me. 

I also feel enthusiasm when a new woman comes to a meeting. WFS has changed my life in such a beautiful and powerful way and the chance to support and encourage another woman to create her own New Life is such a gift.  

I encourage you to discover, uncover, and celebrate those enthusiastic moments as Karen suggested. 

Bonded in sharing your enthusiasm and treasuring the moments of your New Life, Dee

Meetings are vital in our recovery journey. We share, we learn, we connect. This wouldn’t be possible without the leadership and dedication of our beloved Certified Facilitators and Online Meeting Assistants. They share their time and wisdom, and we trust them with our challenges and wins, while creating a safe space for us to be vulnerable and grow.

WFS and our CFs and OMAs offer many meetings online and in person throughout the week. These connections are only possible thanks to the Facilitator Team who trains and supports the CF volunteers, as well as expands programming to meet our growing need.

Thanking you alone cannot express all the love, respect, and gratitude from our community. We are Stronger Together because you.

 You are the Sheroes Among Us!

Opportunities are available for women interested in becoming an Online Meeting Assistant (OMA). Complete the volunteer application to get started!