In our WFS February “Reflections for Growth” Booklet, Jean Kirkpatrick, Ph.D. writes “It was a severe adjustment for me—the change from a life of drinking to one of sobriety. It meant an adjustment to a different pace of life; it meant changing the people in my life from heavy-drinkers to social or non-drinkers; it meant adjustment to my new self, one who had to adjust to handling tension, insecurity and sometimes fear. Adjustments—a lifetime of challenge to us all. Today I will adjust to the adjustments.” From these insightful words, Jean understood the need to create a different set of priorities in her life.
In early sobriety, remaining sober took the highest priority, but everything felt so off and it was a struggle to think of anything else other than drinking. Trying to untangle my thoughts and readjust to a new sober life, I often asked myself, “Will this take me closer to or further away from sobriety?” As the months went on, I thought less and less of alcohol and more about who I was and where I was going. Growth, whether emotional or spiritual, began to ebb and flow much like in waves. In retrospect, this was the beginning of actively practicing Statement #8.
The WFS Statements in action enable the identification of priorities, and Jean became very adept in prioritizing not only her days, but her life. Setting targets over a year out or even 5 or 10 years away, Jean orchestrated her life beginning with her priorities. A clear path began to emerge, and through her efforts, Women for Sobriety went from a simple thought, to our well-loved recovery program!
What are the top ten priorities in your life right now?
Hugzzz
Karen