“The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.” ~~Plutarch
“To paraphrase several sages: Nobody can think and hit someone at the same time.” ~~ Susan Sontag
“Think for yourself and let others enjoy the privilege too.” ~~Voltaire
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#2 Negative thoughts destroy only myself.
My first conscious sober act is to reduce negativity in my life.
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Statement #2 in action is empowering in that it encourages independent thought. After years of being ruled by an alcohol fueled mind, today it is possible to think with clarity, directness and simplicity. The WFS New Life Program in action revives critical thinking skills and assists in altering future landscapes.
In order to examine thoughts, a conscious awareness of thoughts is needed first. Removing mind-altering substances clears the path towards clarity and healing of the mind. Continued practice of the WFS Statements fosters critical thinking skills and reduces negativity.
In our WFS Program booklet it states: “Our overcoming is in the exact proportion to our becoming.” This is one of my most favorite Jean-ism’s and has propelled me to question even the most basic of assumptions. In the past I assumed I could never live life without alcohol, yet this Statement helped me question and disown that belief system and set new, empowering beliefs.
Statement #2 tool:
It is important to understand that the goal of Statement #2 is NOT to not feel anger, sadness or pain, but rather to work through those feelings and release any suffering that may be attached. Understanding negativity in our lives enables the release.
Hugzzz
Karen
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Hi 4C Women,
I believe one of the ways to reduce negativity is to keep hope alive. Over the years I have heard from so many women about the struggles they endured and always saw something that kept them going when it would have been easier to give up and give in. I truly believe that it was the foundation of hope, that they would make it through and in doing so, become resilient and grateful for turning their negative thoughts and responses around, knowing they could cope and grow emotionally stronger. Karen recently spoke about the 5th C – courage. It takes a lot of courage to walk through the storm, not around it, and come out with the increased knowledge and understanding that with hope and courage, you build a New Life you are so deserving of having.
Nancy wrote on Statement #2 about ways to be positive. Here is a shortened version:
1. Shift your thoughts. Think about something completely unrelated to break the pattern of automatic negative thoughts/responses.
2. Find the lesson.
3. Attitude of Gratitude. You cannot be angry and grateful at the same time.
4. Positive Affirmations & Visualization. Practice seeing yourself in a positive and confident light. Positive self-affirmations are another powerful tool. Recognize your gifts rather than finding false and self-imposed inadequacies.
5. Inventory of Memories. Memories that can immediately make you smile. Occasions where you felt happy, appreciative, cheerful and at peace. Whenever you are in a negative frame of mind, consciously and deliberately pick up any memory from this inventory and dwell on it. Reminiscing about those happy moments gives a balanced perspective to your situation. You realize that what appears negative today will change tomorrow. Nothing stays the same.
These are habits to be practiced. Start small, start paying attention to your emotions, start by wanting to change. Bonded in building hope and through the practice of reducing negativity, you will empower yourself to grow emotionally stronger each day, Dee
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