Monday Thoughts 10.21.24

“Her own thoughts and reflections were habitually her best companions.” —Jane Austen

“Mental clarity is not having an empty mind.  It’s seeing your thoughts as passing notes and realizing you don’t have to get caught up in them.  You have the power to let them go, turn them into actions, or just reflect on the insights they share.”  —Cory Allen

“I’ve learned that not knowing what we want isn’t a sign that something’s wrong.  It’s an invitation to walk the path of self-discovery.  The journey is not a straight line—there are twists and turns, and sometimes we find ourselves at a crossroads.  Remember that we are constantly in a state of becoming.” —Thomas Lai

#5 I am what I think.

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

Karen’s Thoughts

Statement #5, the center and well-spring of the WFS New Life program, encourages investigation and understanding into our thoughts.  Sobriety cleared up the fuzziness and set my brain on a healing path but why investigate my thoughts?  The answer came from our WFS Program booklet: “The way we experience our life is a result of our thoughts.  With our mind, we shape each day.”  Recovery is a daily exercise to evaluate, organize and manage thinking in order to make appropriate decisions based on our goals while guiding our behaviors.

On a biological level, thoughts are simply neurons being launched in our brains.  Working in tandem, our cells can create concepts, knowledge and even language which helps us to navigate the world.  Alcohol or other substances wreak havoc on our ability to think clearly; I was suffering from paranoia right before sobriety; it was debilitating and exhausting.  Many who suffer from OCD, depression or anxiety disorders come from excessive thinking. Sobriety and Statement #5 in action is like putting on the brakes, unveiling hurtful thinking while slowing down racing thoughts.

Our thoughts have important tasks such as safety, establishing connections and problem solving.  Finding that balance is a lifelong assignment which begins with awareness of our thinking.  Evaluating, organizing and releasing thoughts become easier as our abilities grow and evolve.  Writing thoughts in a journal is an effective way to give thoughts an outlet and can help identify patterns. Connection makes a difference as well since it eliminates the creation of an unhealthy echo chamber.  This week, examine your thinking before and after sobriety.  How is it different?  What is your go to method for evaluating and managing thoughts? 

Hugzzz

Karen

Dee’s Thoughts

Dear 4C Women,

Grateful for WFS and the lessons I have learned and continue to learn.  My definition of myself years ago was dreadful, hurtful and oh, so wrong.  I struggled at first with seeing myself as a competent or capable woman.  I did believe I was caring and compassionate. When I first started facilitating meetings, I remember that I handed out a sheet asking the women to write 50 positive things about themselves.  Everyone looked at me like I had to be kidding.  Some women said they could maybe list 2 or 3 but 50 was out of the question.  Quite honestly, I was thinking the same thing.  Why in the world would I expect others to be able to list 50 positive words when I, too, could probably list maybe 5 at that time.  After all, I had a whole year practicing the program while I gained my sobriety so this shouldn’t be such a challenge, right?  This is why I relate to Karen saying finding a balance is a lifelong assignment.  Just knowing that gave me confidence that I would always be open to change and learning – giving up was not an option.   I needed to discover that empowered woman within me. The question she posed about examining how our thinking is different before and after sobriety, is powerful. While there have been times along the way that I doubted my capabilities, this is why I believe such lists of our positive traits, behavior and core values are so important.  When I feel doubt, I can get out any one of those lists and realize I’m just having a challenging day.  I also date the lists as it’s wonderful to know the growth I have achieved in those doubtful moments. 

I found some questions I previously asked in relation to this Statement.  I hope that answering them will give you insight into how you define/describe yourself.  It will be a guide to how you value yourself and what areas need that balance assignment. 

Questions:

  I feel strong/empowered when:

  I accept myself for:

  A quality/characteristic I am proud of:

  I did my best to overcome:

  The most significant positive change I have made in describing myself:

  I am competent in:

  I am capable of: 

Date ______________

Bonded in knowing your worth, your value and all the positive qualities you possess, Dee

Don’t miss our Halloween Party and Talent Show this Saturday at 6:30 ET! Hosted by kayne and roo2, you’re sure to be in for a night of laughs, surprises, and caring, competent women.

Zoom Link: 
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84416647090?pwd=swQcsv01cMTd3YuaeuPpfUbIOYRk9x.1

The holidays are right around the corner. When considering your shopping needs, check out the Creative Crew Holiday Sale! It goes live on November 1, but you can check the catalog out now.

Already bought for loved ones? Then it’s the perfect time to treat yourself!