Monday Thoughts 2.26.24

“Love is the most important healing power there is.”

Louise Hay

“Just because someone isn’t willing or able to love us, it doesn’t mean that we are unlovable.”

Brené Brown

“I find the best way to love someone is not to change them, but instead, help them reveal the greatest version of themselves.”

Steve Maraboli

#10 All love given returns.

I am learning to know that I am loved.

In early recovery our attention and focus are streamlined into staying sober, understanding triggers and preventing relapse while the more intense work can be set aside for further development. In her book Goodbye Hangovers Hello Life, our founder, Jean Kirkpatrick writes, “Being able to love others and receiving their love are almost a second stage in our recovery process.” Fittingly, Statement #10 falls into Level 5 alongside Statement #7. 

Love can be a challenge simply because it is what makes us human beings and how powerful it is. From romantic love being (oftentimes unrealistically) shown in epic movies to the addition of love as a 4-letter word, love can feel confusing, vulnerable, and uncertain even for those not in recovery. Frequently there was a disconnect between words and actions which may have resulted in emotional or even physical wounds. With the past behind us, we acknowledge that each day sober is an act of love towards ourselves and begin to express love to those closest to us.

This week, find ways to expand love in your life. Begin where you are and reach out in widening circles. Not sure where to start? Connect with other 4C women on the WFS Online Forum/Zoom/F2F maybe find volunteer opportunities near you or plan to sign up this Friday when registration opens for our annual WFS Conference. Remember, you are worthy of love!

Hugzzz

Karen

Dear 4C Women,

The journey to loving myself was not such an easy path. Since I saw romantic love as the sole definition of love, I judged and labeled myself as unlovable. I learned a lot about the many diverse ways of loving and being loved. Jean always said we need to find a purpose and that will lead us to self-love, fulfillment, and the ability to give love and receive it. My purpose became WFS and sharing the gift of positive change and empowerment. 

When I retired from the WFS Board of Directors, I received a scrapbook filled with loving words from WFS women whom I was blessed to have met over the years. I can say that I felt every word of Statement #10 filling my heart. This would not have been the case at the beginning of my recovery. This is why I am so grateful to the WFS program for guiding me to give love and feel authentically loved. 

I especially love how Karen expressed that every day sober is an act of love towards ourselves. 

How do you know you are loved and what is the feeling you experience in knowing that? 

How comfortable are you receiving love and/or giving love?

What stops you from letting love into your life? Perhaps it is feeling vulnerable, fear of rejection or abandonment. 

How do you think you can learn to reduce those feelings and move forward accepting and/or giving love?

Start small as you learn to live Statement #10. As Jean said, recovery is not a contest, it is a way of living your New Life. 

Bonded in giving love and knowing you are loved, Dee

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