Monday Thoughts 8.19.24

“Move toward the next thing, not away from the last thing.”
James Clear

“You healed your wounds instead of spreading the pain. That’s strength.”
Case Kenny

“Trying to hold people accountable who do not want to be accountable can sometimes be more damaging and re-wounding for you.”
Vienna Pharaon

#9 The past is gone forever.

No longer am I victimized by the past. I am a new woman.

Sobriety and Statement #9 in action have changed life from living wounded into healing balance and well-being. In the past, I turned to alcohol for relief from uncomfortable emotions such as grief and fear. This solved nothing. In fact, it made everything I was attempting to flee from even more intense while clouding my perception.

Reading Statement #9, I felt the words light up my being. It felt like freedom! It felt exhilarating and there was a newness and excitement. Until sobriety and recovery, I was unaware of the pull of the past. While it is true that I was a victim of traumatic experiences; I did not know how to move into healing. I was stuck. The WFS Program and Statement #9 in action changed that. 

The WFS community of strong women from face-to-face meetings to WFS Online, encourages and supports women while moving through past pains into today’s thriving. As our frequent and loved WFS Conference presenter “O” states; “It is hard work but it is also heart work.” Tackling bite-sized pieces, I moved through the dark, winding tunnels of the past into the warmth and comfort of today. Remnants of yesterday occasionally pop back up but with the tools I’ve learned along the way, I am no longer stuck, the shift comes with greater ease. This week, examine difficult situations that you have been able to move through. Name the emotions you experienced from past to present. How did letting this go change your life?

Here are additional thoughts and questions from Sandra Silva, MSc

“Growing pains can be real. Getting away from the things you’ve felt and thought about for a long time may be uncomfortable. But healing, joy, and peace of mind may be on the other side of letting go.

It may not be the case for everyone, but if you ask yourself “why can’t I let go?” these questions may help you start releasing your past:

Are there any secondary gains from keeping yourself focused on what hurts?
Is thinking about the past keeping you from trying new relationships or situations?
Do you avoid resolving emotional pain because this would mean facing it first?
How would your life be if you left the past in the past?
What would happen if you adopted a different role in the situation?”

Hugzzz, bonded together with Dee, (who continues her healing journey from recent surgery) and 4C women everywhere in stating I am a new woman!

Karen

Dear Women for Sobriety Community,

As we approach September, I am filled with immense excitement and gratitude to share in the celebrations of National Recovery Month with all of you. This month is a pivotal time for us to reflect on our journeys, honor our progress, and acknowledge the incredible strength and resilience within our community.

National Recovery Month is a significant period dedicated to celebrating the achievements of those in recovery, raising awareness about mental health and substance use disorders, and promoting the critical message that recovery in all its forms is possible. It is a time to come together, to support each other, and to advocate for the importance of recovery in our lives and communities.

To kick off this celebratory month, I will lead a special event on Friday, August 30th, at 8:00 PM Eastern Time. This event will set the tone for the month ahead and provide an opportunity for us to unite as a community and inspire one another.

Furthermore, I am thrilled to announce that we will be hosting a webinar during September focused on the crucial topic of sleep and overcoming interruptions in your sleep patterns. Sleep is an essential component of our overall well-being and recovery journey. This webinar will provide valuable insights and practical tips to help us all prioritize and improve our sleep health.

In addition to these events, I am personally looking forward to attending the Walk for Recovery on Thursday, September 5th, from 2:00 – 5:00 PM Eastern Time. This walk is a beautiful opportunity to celebrate the millions of Americans in recovery and to recognize the contributions and accomplishments of people in recovery, their loved ones, and allies. The walk will commence at Freedom Plaza (14th St. & Pennsylvania Ave. NW) and continue to the Washington Monument in Washington, DC.

There are countless ways to show your support for National Recovery Month, whether through participating in events, sharing your stories, or simply spreading awareness within your circles. It is undoubtedly a time to celebrate and take pride in the progress we have made, both individually and collectively.

Thank you for being a part of this incredible community. Your strength, courage, and dedication to recovery are truly inspiring. I am excited to share in this celebratory month with all of you and look forward to the meaningful connections and memories we will create together.

With warm regards,
Michelle Shaivitz, Ed.D.
Executive Director of Women for Sobriety