Hi 4C Women,
I relate to Karen's comments about the lack of feeling enthusiasm in early sobriety. I felt irritated and scared but also determined. As I learned and practiced healthier coping skills, I began to feel enthusiastic about my future. My goal that first year was to learn, grow and become a moderator. I wanted other women to experience the joy of having a New Life of freedom, choice and empowerment.
When I first met Jean Kirkpatrick, I didn't think I had a problem and asked her if she thought I did. She looked at me and said, “If you have to ask, you do!” I knew in my heart she was right and that became very clear when I quit drinking. I hated coming home as that is where I did most of my drinking. At the time there was no Forum and I had to practice by putting the WFS Statements into action on my own. By the end of the year, I was very enthusiastic about starting a meeting. Twenty-nine years later, I am just as enthusiastic about being a moderator. It is my reward. It also built up my confidence in so many other areas. I went through a divorce that took 4 years, bought my first car, home and moved to Alabama to be near my daughter and granddaughter. I am blessed to witness the women in my group take on new adventures and sharing it with others. It gives me such great joy to be a part of their personal growth.
Where are you on your enthusiasm journey? Have you taken a risk to try something totally out of your comfort zone or something you've been thinking about for a while? What was the outcome? And remember enthusiasm can be experienced in moments such as a beautiful sunset, the sound of birds chirping early in the morning, the first flower sprouting up, the color of leaves turning to beautiful shades of gold, red and yellow in the Fall, a child skipping delightfully in a puddle, a pet giving you the most awesome greeting, a new job that will use the gifts and talents you possess, the list goes on. I sometimes refer to it as the pursuit of enthusiasm, much like the pursuit of happiness. We create it, we observe it and we rejoice in the uplifting feeling.
Bonded in enthusiasm,
4C WFS Member
