Recovery Connections Network

Monday, December 31, 2018

“The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity. The fears are paper tigers. You can do anything you decide to do. You can act to change and control your life; and the procedure, the process, is its own reward.” ~~Amelia Earhart

“Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen.” ~~Ralph Waldo Emerson

“My life used to be like that game of freeze tag we played as kids. Once tagged, you had to freeze in the position you were in. Whenever something happened, I’d freeze like a statue, too afraid of moving the wrong way, of making the wrong decision. The problem is, if you stand still too long, that’s your decision.” ~~Regina Brett

Statement #1

I have a life-threatening problem that once had me.

I now take charge of my life and my well-being. I accept the responsibility.

With the New Year, comes new decisions. The decision to live life without alcohol or drugs is a decision that is made every day by 4C women all over the world. Waking up sober, feeling content in not only remembering activities and conversations from the night before but enjoying the moments comes from multiple decisions from the preceding 24 hours.

The very first time the decision to embrace sobriety is made, it feels incredibly difficult if not impossible. Racing thoughts and muscle memory for substances can be strong, but with the Women for Sobriety Program in action each and every day, sobriety and recovery become cemented. You are never alone; the WFS Online Forum offers a wealth of information, plus connection to understanding women. You are never alone, for we are bonded together in our decision.

New to sobriety and recovery? You are invited and welcomed with open arms to attend a face to face WFS meeting, use the WFS meeting locator here. Or, if there is not a meeting near you, please take the time to explore our WFS Online Forum here. The WFS Program and Statement #1 in action propels every woman into experiencing a 4C New Life!

Happy New Year!

Hugzzz

Karen

Hi 4C Women,

Can you believe that tomorrow will be 2019! I find myself reflecting on the choices and decisions I made in 2018, over 30 years since I made the decision to quit drinking. Each year has challenged me to make both major and minor decisions and while I have struggled along the way, the decision to quit drinking has remained the most important one of my life. Even though I thought life would be a breeze once I stopped drinking, I soon learned that it was definitely not stopping drinking that was life-changing, it was changing my thoughts, responses and so much more. Yet, if it wasn't for the WFS program, I doubt that I would have made this absolutely necessary transition to being in charge of my life and well-being. I learned how to cope, to feel safe in sharing my feelings and concerns without judgment and to especially embrace the happy moments. In the past, I either kept looking for the other shoe to drop so to speak or completely missed the joy right in front of me. Being in charge of my well-being seemed an unrealistic concept to me. Yet, this is the process that takes place when practicing the WFS Statements.

For me, it's all about choice. Each day we get the opportunity to react, respond and choose how we will be in charge of our well-being, sobriety/recovery and to learn from both our mistakes and successes. I love how Karen expressed the feelings of tackling racing thoughts and muscle memory as we make the decision to become sober. While definitely difficult, it is true that we are not alone. I am most grateful for that.

As you read this message and are not sure how to start or continue on this sobriety journey, consider the rewards of sobriety and how that impacts your life and your relationships. Although it may be obvious to you, putting it in writing may be just what you need to uncover, discover and recognize what matters to you and what you are willing to do to get it.

Bonded in empowering our lives by being in charge of our well-being, 4C WFS Member