Monday Thoughts 11.11.24

“The stars began to burn through the sheets of clouds, and there was a new voice, which  you slowly recognized as your own.”  –Mary Oliver

“Learn who you are.  Unlearn who they told you to be.”  –Unknown

Life is a garden, not a road.  We enter and exit through the same gate.  Wandering, where we go matters less than what we notice.”  –Kurt Vonnegut

#8 The fundamental object of life is emotional and spiritual growth.

Daily I put my life into the proper order, knowing which are the priorities.

Karen’s Thoughts

Most of the ideas I held about growth before sobriety and recovery were related to required high school courses and a few interesting college semesters.  It was something to learn about, not actually do.  Yet Statement #8 and encouraging 4C women indicated otherwise. 

As a part of Level Six recovery, practicing Statement #8 provides the growth needed to maintain sobriety and recovery as well as the ability to appreciate and savor life experiences.  Through time, effort and WFS support, moving through trauma to finding value and acceptance has helped foster growth while increasing feelings of contentment.  While it can feel difficult to begin, it is a worthy investment.

Determining priorities was a new concept; alcohol had been in the driver seat for much of my life.  It felt exhilarating to make my own choices and decisions in sobriety but I was also fearful at times. The encouragement and support from 4C women overrode that fear and helped identify strengths and options.  We are WFS Strong! Our WFS Online forum contains a wealth of information and connection while WFS meetings (chat, zoom or in person) continue to support, encourage and provide a portal for continuing growth and development.  How far will you grow?

Hugzzz

Karen

Dee’s Thoughts

Dear 4C Women,

I needed emotional growth in order to move forward, to be the woman I yearned to be – one with a voice to be heard, confidence to be in charge of my life and learning from my past, not living in my past.  Quite a tall order for a woman using alcohol to escape all of these important emotional changes.  The beauty of WFS is that the Statements were a guide to those changes.  It was so much more than not drinking.  I needed to dig deep to uncover and discover the 4C woman within.  Since my daughter’s passing, my life has certainly put me in a place I never expected to be.  My priorities have shifted and I am still learning to figure out exactly which path to be on.  Another gift from WFS is that I do not judge my uncertainty and confusion at this point.  Before sobriety, I would have been using such negative self-talk that there would be no way to uncover my ever changing emotional and spiritual growth.  The important thing is to keep going.  I am fortunate to have the support of my WFS sisters and a grief program to keep me focused.  I remain sober because that is and has been my priority from the beginning.  Without sobriety, I would be lost.  This Statement has given me direction and most importantly, hope!  While I am still in deep grief, I am open to learning how to navigate this new journey. Sobriety has given me that freedom and ability to keep learning and never give up.   I’m hoping I can pass that on to my granddaughter.  She turned 28 on Nov. 7.  I am making her a priority as I also practice self-care in order to be present to give the love and support she needs and deserves.

What are your priorities in order of importance?  Category suggestions:

Friends/Family

Fitness/Health

Fun/Recreation

Career

Environment/Home

Relationships

Money/Financial Responsibilities

Personal and Spiritual Growth

When you list them in order of importance, think about how much time you devote to each one.  Are you spending your time and energy on your priorities?  Depending on your answer, this will be helpful in determining where you need to adjust your focus or that you’re right on target. 

I encourage you to be open to knowing your priorities through self-discovery.   Be vulnerable and learn what your needs are for emotional and spiritual growth.  Be fearless in this discovery for it will guide you to the positive changes that will enhance your life in a powerful way, Dee 

Want to make an impact at Women for Sobriety? Consider volunteering for the Volunteer Empowerment Team! Meeting on the first Monday of the month at 5 PM ET, the Volunteer Empowerment Team recruits, educates, and celebrates WFS volunteers. 

Some things you might take part in are:

• Bi-monthly orientation
• Annual events (parties!)
• Writing thank you letters

A small team full of passion, the Volunteer Empowerment Team does everything in its power to ensure that every WFS volunteer is listened to, understood, and appreciated for their time and effort. 

Interested but have questions? Contact [email protected] to speak with a member of the team.

Ready to join? Fill out the volunteer application and someone will be in touch with you soon.