Women for Sobriety

Monday Thoughts 7.22.24

“Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again?”

Winnie the Pooh

“I’m so optimistic, I’d go after Moby Dick in a rowboat and take the tartar sauce with me.”

Zig Ziglar

“By watching the mind, we are developing a quality of attention that is generous and full. We can dive beneath our preconceived ideas. This quality of attention and presence offers us a wholesome and beneficial way of looking at life through fresh eyes with a sense of balance and meditation helps bring a wholesome neutrality to charged situations, a vibrant heart to meet the challenges of life without collapsing.”

Pascal Auclair

#5 I am what I think.

I am a capable, competent, caring, compassionate woman.

A favorite phrase that feels joyfully connected to Statement #5 is “Mind ya mind.” Seeing these words for the first time, covertly splattered on the side of a building with graffiti lettering, caught my attention when stopped at a light. The words struck a chord as I silently repeated them. It felt like a paradox of sorts; playful words put together that brought about deep contemplation, so similar to Statement #5.

Before sobriety and New Life, managing my thoughts was not within my abilities.  Unaware of inner dialogue, I was slowly learning to listen. It felt noisy and chaotic at first. Longing for stillness and silence, I refused to use alcohol to quiet the noise and instead found ways to achieve this by connecting with other women on the WFS Online Forum.

Writing in a journal and practicing short spots of meditation eased the noise. Finding what works takes effort, yet it is an act of self-care and love. One of my favorite joys is the

s p a c e

between thoughts, which comes about from the dedicated time each morning to go over the WFS Statements that our founder Jean Kirkpatrick, PhD asks of us. Here is what Jean writes about meditation; (found in the introduction of the WFS Reflections for Growth book)

“Time after time, it has been shown that as individuals who desire to function properly, we must find some time for ourselves to meditate, some time to be alone with our innermost self. Too frequently meditation is thought of as some mysterious function wherein the individual sits cross-legged on the floor facing east. Or, meditation is thought of as some ritual carried out in a strange setting peculiar to our environment. Meditation is merely a form of coming to terms with oneself about life. It can be carried out in any setting so long as the individual can set herself apart from the noise of life surrounding her. Naturally, meditation is usually more successful for the individual if it is done in a setting of absolute silence.”

This week, take time to be. To sit in silence, to recognize thoughts, yet not be attached to them. Find your space and mind ya mind.

Hugzzz

Karen

Dear 4C Women,

As you read this, I will be having infusion surgery for my severe stenosis. I kept telling myself that I am a 4C woman who, as the doctor said, is not in a fragile state for my age (79) so having surgery now seemed the best decision. I had to laugh to myself when the doctor said I wasn’t in a fragile state. Even though he meant physically, I wasn’t feeling it. I started thinking about how emotionally fragile I have felt this past year since my precious daughter passed away. I imagined her telling me, “You’ve got this, mom. You are courageous and strong.” This is how she saw me and I have to say, I am so grateful for that. When I was drinking, the image I had of myself wasn’t even close to being courageous. This is why Karen’s suggestion of pausing and sitting in silence to find your space, speaks volumes to me. I truly believe in retreating when my body and mind tell me I need to. Those quiet moments help me reconnect with my heart in understanding who I am, what I need, and how I can hopefully fulfill those needs. This is how I can focus on who I am and create a positive definition in that moment that uplifts me, forgives me, loves me, and encourages me. This is what I needed for so long and it wasn’t until I found WFS and started living the Statements that I was able to redefine who I was. No more looking at my reflection in the mirror saying I hated myself, was stupid, fat, and ugly. Now that’s an esteem builder! In reality, I felt those things yet I didn’t see a way to change those thoughts. It is the WFS Statements that changed my life, and my way of seeing myself in believing I was worthy and deserving of a positive description of me where I was at any given moment. 

What do you tell yourself each day? 

Is what you’re telling yourself building your self-esteem?

If not, start by courageously and lovingly listing 3 positive words that define you today.

These are questions I have posted previously in my message and I truly love them.

  I am capable of:

  I am competent in:

  I am caring about:

  I am compassionate about:      

Bonded in being your own best friend by describing yourself in the most positive 4C way possible, Dee

We are grateful to our sponsor, Opioid Response Network (ORN), for their generous support. Their financial contribution to our annual conference allowed us to share the talents of Meghann Perry with you over the entire weekend. They also supported the attendance and voice of Caroline Beidler being with us on Sunday. ORN relies on feedback to continue investing in these talented speakers to reach more people.

Please take a moment to complete their surveys. Yes, one survey for each session you attended. Your feedback is invaluable to them, and our relationship with them is valuable to us all.

Meghann Perry:

Caroline Beidler:

Thank you once again for your participation and support.

Take good care,

Kristina, Program Manager & WFS Conference Team