Monday Thoughts 7.1.24

“It’s only a thought and a thought can be changed.”

Louise Hay

“Nothing will cost you more in life than a predetermined belief that things aren’t going to work out.”

Donald Miller

“The most difficult times for many of us are the ones we give ourselves.”

Pema Chödrön

#2 Negative thoughts destroy only myself.

My first conscious sober act is to reduce negativity in my life.

Today, applying Statement #2 to daily life begins with reading each of the WFS Statements.  I then jot down my thoughts in a journal, focusing on the emotions or feelings instead of getting lost in documenting details. This simple activity has set the pace in recovery and helped me grow through life. Sobriety didn’t begin this way though, it started out quite loud.

It felt like the volume dial had been turned all the way up when I first started to grasp these uncovered thoughts. Incessant noise bombarded my mind; the babbling was confusing and downright annoying. I yearned for silence. Where was all this noise coming from? It came from a clear and newly sober mind. I just needed time and practice learning to acknowledge, adapt, and soothe my mind.

The WFS Online Forum and Face to Face meetings provide connection, along with tools/examples to accomplish this challenge while the WFS Statements provide an outline to live by. Happy to fit in, I learned how to manage the barrage of thoughts instead of trying to smother them with alcohol. One of my favorite tools after identifying a negative thought is to imagine gently placing it like a newly fallen leaf in a winding creek and watching it float on by until it gets smaller and smaller, disappearing out of sight and out of mind. A few leaves may be stubborn and take a bit more effort, but the release is so satisfying. This helps create feelings of balance and solitude while promoting well-being. This week, identify a few of your favorite tools and share them with some 4C women!

Hugzzz

Karen

Dear 4C Women,

One of my favorite tools is the 3×5 index card I keep with me when negative thoughts start to surface. I wrote STOP on one side and listed my changes, accomplishments, and core values on the other side. When a negative thought arises, I take out the card to remind myself that this thought is temporary. Acknowledging the work I have done and continue to do helps me to recognize who I am today! I have also learned to reflect on that negative thought, to question if it is a sign that I need to consider what is going on at that moment. Why am I judging myself? Is there something I need to pay attention to? Am I reacting to a feeling from the past and bringing it into the present, only hurting myself? Because WFS has taught me to be authentic, I am open to examining my feelings and that includes negative thoughts. My feelings no longer put up a wall that keeps me trapped or makes me want to run away. In my grief work, I have learned to tell myself this is how I am feeling now – not forever!  I keep reminding myself that I must continue to learn to “reduce” negativity rather than believing I have to eliminate it. Negative thoughts are part of human nature. For me, those thoughts relate to my past. It sneaks up so unexpectedly at times. Yet I am prepared to support my well-being by letting those thoughts visit but send them on their way once I have given them a chance to help me understand why they are even visiting! Those glimpses into why have helped me grow because they no longer create the fear that I am back at day one. Jean Kirkpatrick always said that we don’t count the days, we acknowledge the changes we have made in those days. That is why I created the STOP card and what has kept me and keeps me going when doubts creep in. Even at the WFS conference, I felt a slight lack of confidence in facilitating the meeting on Saturday night. I really needed to look at that! I finally acknowledged that the low attendance at my meetings has made me question my abilities. I was nervous when I looked around and there were 26 women. I reminded myself that I have been facilitating for 35 years and that lack of attendance is for many reasons. I wanted to share this to let you know and understand that because of WFS and this Statement, I was able to take a hard look at my feelings and uncover the why. The response I received at and after the meeting was so supportive and deeply appreciated. The standing ovation I received at the conference closing touched my heart. It was that sisterhood of love, compassion, and caring that lifted me up at that moment and the negative thoughts left the building. I hope when those negative thoughts pay you a visit, that you will consider the questions I shared that helped and help me to understand the why and know that you will experience emotional growth with the answers you figure out. 

Bonded in being open to letting negative thoughts visit and knowing you are the keeper of your profound worth, Dee

As former Mrs. Corpus Christi International, I am delighted to share a wonderful collaboration with Kendra Scott! Kendra Scott generously provided all the jewelry for my pageant, demonstrating their commitment to supporting women in every way possible. When they learned about my platform, Women for Sobriety, Inc., they enthusiastically joined forces to make a significant impact.

We are thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity to support Women for Sobriety. Thanks to the generosity of Kendra Scott, who is graciously partnering with us, we are hosting a special fundraising event. On July 20th, between 1:00 and 3:00 PM Central Time in Corpus Christi, at The Shops at La Palmera, or through a special online link, 20% of all proceeds from jewelry sales will be donated directly to Women for Sobriety, Inc. Browse the jewelry!

Your participation in this event will help us continue our mission to uplift and empower women through Women for Sobriety. Please watch for a post on wfsonline.org, the private Facebook New Life Connection group, and an email notice with the shopping link, on Friday afternoon, July 19.

Let’s join Kendra Scott! Shine Bright, Do Good, and support WFS!

Marissa
WFS Advancement Team