“Whatever happens, I’ll just keep moving forward. Like an avalanche.” -Michelle Phan   “Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” -Francis of Assisi   “Look at what you want to change, gather a few people who believe in it like you do, and start moving forward. It’s important to remember that you don’t always need a destination. Sometimes, you just have to make forward motion. And you absolutely can.” -Debby Ryan        Sobriety doesn’t mean the end of problems but it does offer a clear way to move through problems and into solution, which fosters growth and confidence. In the past, alcohol clouded thinking; often leaving me feeling overwhelmed or unable to deal with an issue. Additionally, I drank -at- problems. A tough day at work or fight with family would be all the justification I needed to escape into alcohol. This further exacerbated everything; I still had the original issue plus a hangover. Over time, problems went unsolved and relationships crumbled.        Today, I understand that problems are temporary while solutions are permanent. Some problems can take longer than others to conclude, yet by practicing Statement #4 I am better able to stay focused and not exaggerate an issue. Instead of a problem feeling overwhelming or threatening, I can choose to see a problem as an opportunity for growth.        Some problems can also become some of the best teachers. Through them, I have found strength, resiliency and greater understanding and appreciation. At one time in my life, the prospect of driving a car was terrifying, but now, driving is a joy. Answers to difficult questions have come to light moving through problems and it feels empowering to be standing on a solid foundation of solutions. Hugzzz, Karen Hi 4C Women,        I love Karen’s sentiment of feeling empowered to be standing on a solid foundation of solutions. There was a time when I felt completely incapable of making any decisions. I was fearful of making a mistake and being harshly judged. Of course, I was the main offender in judging myself. When I became separated from my husband, I had no choice but to start trusting my instincts, to learn from my mistakes rather than punish myself and to recognize whether something was truly a situation that needed my attention in problem solving or a situation that I had blown up from that proverbial molehill into a mountain. Fortunately, I was sober and had been in therapy yet after years of negative thinking about my capabilities, it was challenging to see myself differently, in a positive light. Any mistake in judgment created a life-time fear and believe me, I made a lot of mistakes but I had that aha moment realizing we were created to be real, not perfect. Perfection can be a huge destroyer of our self-esteem.        I began to recognize that I allowed problems to grow like a wild fire in my mind. It was exhausting. I found myself making assumptions that didn’t even relate to the “presumed” problem. I believe it finally turned into an issue of control. If I couldn’t control every aspect of my life, control the outcome, then I was inadequate. Practicing Statement 4 truly changed my approach to understanding that I was more than capable of making decisions no matter what the outcome. That was a major turning point in my New Life. Now, many years later, I am so grateful for the guidance WFS gave me. I said goodbye to the fearful woman and welcomed a 4C woman. I sure was glad to meet her and keep her.        I encourage you to consider how you view your decision-making skills, your ability to problem solve. Are you judging yourself too harshly? Are you able to move through, learn and forgive yourself for past mistakes? Do you seek input from others or is the fear of feeling inadequate getting in the way?        We are bonded together and that includes learning from each other. We are wise and caring and have so much to offer this world!   *Today is 9/11. As I reflect on that day, and considering what so many people are going through at this very moment due to the hurricanes, fires and loss of life, my heart is filled with awe as thousands of people throughout the nation are helping those in great need. We remain a country of courageous people, helping others as best we can and showing our love, our special bond for those struggling in ways we can only imagine. It is encouraging and heartwarming to witness the caring support being given today as we did on 9/11. This outpouring of love is who we truly are. -WFS Member Women for Sobriety, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your Donations Help Support WFS's Ongoing Services. Thank you! 100% of your donation reaches WFS and contributes to our mission. Buy or Sell Items on EBay and Help Support Women for Sobriety. REMINDER: We have a few items UP FOR AUCTION NOW (Click on EBay logo on the right) and many more will be listed during our EBay Fundraising Event October 6 - 15. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, Amazon donates to WFS. Check out Women for Sobriety's Blog Site. If you received this from a friend, we welcome you to JOIN our email list. Copyright © Women for Sobriety, Inc. | All rights reserved | Federal ID # 23-1972763 Email: contact@womenforsobriety.org | Ph: | Fax: 215-538-9026215-536-8026 http://womenforsobriety.org | http://www.wfscatalog.org

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Meet Lea, Lorraine, Dean and Geraldine Four Parents Celebrating Their Kids’ Recovery Stories unite those touched by addiction — and offer hope and inspiration to others. In honor of recovery month, we’re celebrating four parents who have shared their family’s recovery journey. Read their stories below, learn about their challenges and successes, and what has helped their family heal. I Never Gave Up Hope “When Justin was in the depths of his addiction, things looked so bleak. Twenty-five treatment centers, hundreds of thousands of dollars later, countless relapses, jail stints and several near death overdoses, I never gave up hope. Never! I am happy to report that Justin is clean today and doing well. Remember that it is always darkest before the dawn. Hope is new each morning.” Read Lea’s full story > Becoming a Mother “Today [my nephew] is doing great! He’s clean and works out a lot. He’s a nutritionist and a magician and waiting to be called to be a firefighter. Although I lost my twin brother, he gave me this amazing gift — the opportunity to know what it is like to be a mother, to love someone, sometimes more than you love yourself, to share a life and watch it grow and to truly make a difference.” Read Lorraine’s full story > You Can Get Through It “Know that you are not alone. Anyone can be afflicted with this awful disease. It’s nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed about. Yes, you will experience emotions like you never have before. And you will more than likely embark on the biggest roller coaster ride of your life. But you will get through it. Trust me. You will get through it.” Read Dean’s full story > From Grad School to Recovery “It’s not easy being a parent of a recovering drug addict. I am not ashamed and I do freely share my story with people. I have had other parents call me and I like that I can be there for them because I know how horrible it feels when your child is in the throes of addiction. I pray for all of these addicts who struggle everyday it’s not easy for them either.” Read Geraldine’s full story > Share your Story

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Dear Friends of the Partnership, Every day, we have new Partners for Hope activating their family and friends to support the mission of the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids. We are sharing our stories, cycling, cooking and hosting to help ensure families struggling with their son or daughter’s substance use get the guidance they need. I came to the Partnership when it became clear that my son, and by extension, our family, was struggling with the effects of his substance use. Through their one-on-one Parent Coaching program, I received the support and action plan I needed to help my son. I then became a volunteer parent coach myself, trained to put my new skills to work to help other parents in need. After participating in a spin-a-thon, I was inspired to hold my own fundraiser. By teaming up with my family, friends and support network, I raised more than $13,000 for the Partnership. I felt invigorated knowing that my passion for cycling was working to reduce the stigma of addiction and create awareness of this devastating disease. The funds raised from my event are working to help ensure other families, like mine, will continue to receive free resources and guidance. Please join our community of passionate parents, family members and friends who are sharing their stories and fundraising to support the Partnership. Together, we can continue to empower families with hope and guidance. A grateful mother, Nancy G. Joins Us Today!

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9-12-17 TWELVE STEPPING WITH SUPPORT FROM SCRIPTURE

Psalm 107 v 20 He sent out His word and Healed them, snatching them from the door of death.

Step 3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God.

His word heals restores and transforms. The twelve steps tell us in step three, God as we understand Him.This is incorrect because in Proverbs it tells us lean not on your own understanding in all your ways, acknowledge God and He will direct your path. True permanent Recovery can be found in God and His Word! No one can understand the creator of the universe nor should we try. God is our maker and if we do not walk with Him or Honor Him then we are in rebellion. We as His creation our job is to Pray trust and believe.Read His words (Tyndale Life Recovery Bible) and grow in your knowledge and understanding. God said my People perish for lack of knowledge. In the Life recovery Bible, there are also the Twelve Steps. There is no better sponsor than God your Father, Jesus Christ His Son and the Holy Spirit who was specifically sent as your counselor and helper.

Psalm 107 v 14 He led them from the darkness and deepest gloom;

he snapped their chains.

By Joseph Dickerson/Recovery Connections 

Need Help email us recoveryfriends@gmail.com

Psalm 103v3 He forgives all my sins and Heals all my diseases.