Recovery Connections Network

Tuesday, May 2, 2017

“A single footstep will not make a path on the earth, so a single thought will not make a pathway in the mind. To make a deep physical path, we walk again, and again. To make a deep mental path, we must think over and over the kind of thoughts we wish to dominate our lives.” -Henry David Thoreau

“Change your thoughts and you change the world.”

-Norman Vincent Peale

“We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.”

-Buddha

My ability to think and respond clearly was lost in my alcohol use. Often, I just reacted instead of thinking something through. I had been so immersed in thinking about alcohol, for example; when I would drink, with whom, etc. that most of my thoughts were measured against an alcohol yardstick. Drama, negativity and pain quickly became a lifestyle.

WFS and Statement #5, (which Jean hailed as the “crux of the Program”) provide the anchor for living a new life without alcohol. Choosing my thoughts was a new concept for me, one that began with the practice of simply being aware of my thinking. Initially it felt frightening with so many thoughts flooding my mind that I wished for the quiet to return, but I wanted sobriety more than silencing my mind.

Statement #5 takes daily practice. Before sobriety I had crafted a deep, alcohol flood in my mind. I needed to build a bridge over this great expanse to maintain sobriety and enrich my life. Realizing that this would take time, I began to search my thoughts. Each redirection of thought, each time I stopped myself from taking a drink, I added another plank over the raging flood waters. Soon I had a sturdy structure forming a path in my New Life. As for that old yardstick, well it makes for a great walking stick on an exciting journey. Hugzzz, Karen

I love this statement. It takes a lot of hard work to change your thoughts about who you are if your self-esteem, self-worth is blocking you from self-love. I disliked myself for such a long time, believed I was unlovable and not deserving of receiving love.

Today I presented two brief presentations on WFS in our church services as I have been moderating a WFS group there for 10 years (March 5, 2007). As I was explaining how we open our meetings, share a positive and end with the WFS motto, I recall a time when saying I was competent was beyond challenging and a positive that happened during the week – you’ve got to be kidding! Now ask me for a few positives and I’m on board.

Reading the WFS Mission Statement and especially the WFS philosophy about releasing the past, once again helped me realize how WFS has changed my life. When I think of how I identified myself, how negative I was and downright miserable, I shudder to think of what my life would be like today if not for sobriety through WFS. It would not be a life. I’m grateful that I have a New Life and can celebrate that rather than the other way around which would definitely not be a celebration. I was almost going to cancel my presentation today because of extreme personal challenges and feeling down, yet I am glad I decided to follow through. The service message was on hope and the pastor said that when we need hope, it’s important to reach out for it and when we have it back, it’s just as important to give it away to others. That is what I have been receiving and I think that pretty soon I’ll be able to give back as much hope as I have been given. The best part is that the meeting notice flier with the 13 Statements and contact info was inserted in 210 bulletins. A few people thanked me on their way out and I’m “hoping” they will pass the info on to any woman who needs it.

I’m attaching 5 questions that will be a guide in learning to build your self-esteem, to make each day count and focus on the lessons to be learned as you learn to love yourself. --WFS Member

Every morning, answer these 5 questions. This is about moving forward in leading a full life, learning to love yourself, taking risks, being responsible for your choices and the willingness to learn life lessons. This takes perseverance, a strong desire to live an authentic life, to speak with a fearless voice, live joyously, be resilient and to have a deep caring and awareness of who you are today without judgment.

Do it! Make the day count! What am I going to do today to make this day count?
What can I do today to love myself?
Today I dare myself to...
Today I take full responsibility for...
What I most need to learn today is...