Dear Readers,
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| On Our Walk! |
This last week I have been fighting a cold, and one thing I know about myself is, when I get sick, my depression can creep back in. As I understand it, this is not uncommon. The good news is, I am aware of it now, and know that I have to work a little harder to not isolate myself, or get angry at myself for not being able to do my normal routine.
Feeling a bit better, I went to yoga, but still felt off.
The whole time I was practicing, I kept repeating these lines:
I am Wendy.
I am strong.
I am loved.
I am present.
Sending love to all those who are sick.
For some reason, that gave me the strength to get through not only my practice, but the day as well.
An acquaintance of mine confided that his wife has breast cancer. She has been struggling and is confined to the house. It came up as we were talking about addiction. I would have never known. He seems up and happy all the time. Once again, I am reminded of the pain we all carry being human.
The lesson I often have to remind myself, is from Dr. Kristin Neff:
Common humanity vs. Isolation
Frustration at not having things exactly as we want is often accompanied by an irrational but pervasive sense of isolation – as if “I” were the only person suffering or making mistakes. All humans suffer, however. The very definition of being “human” means that one is mortal, vulnerable and imperfect. Therefore, self-compassion involves recognizing that suffering and personal inadequacy is part of the shared human experience – something that we all go through rather than being something that happens to “me” alone.
In yoga, most of my intentions and prayers go to people who are struggling with addiction, or people who are sick. I send it out to the people of the world.
If you are struggling with drinking, or other addictions today, or if you are very sick, please know you are not alone. It often feels like it, I know. Place you hand on your heart and know you are loved, and reach out to hold my hand.
With Joy and Peace,
On Day 1220, or 40 months and 2 days,
Wendy
Untipsyteacher 
Dear, dear Wendy,You are a beautiful woman, you are strong. You have been through so much and yet when looking at your photo's and reading your texts, your beauty and grace, your fun give me visions of a butterfly in a summer meadow. Sometimes all that the world brings in good is not enough to sustain a person in the outside world – that happens. We are human. And because we are human, we can go back to our cocoon and stay there for as long as we need. To rest, to feel a little sorry for ourselves when we need to be feeling a little sorry. To rest till you feel strong enough to come out again. 🙂 That is ok. That is what houses are made for. To rest until we feel strong again to go into the world. And not to worry, from what i read you yourself very well know the boundaries between resting and wallowing in the dark. :-)But no matter what, no matter how dark the day is; you are loved by me and so many, many others. Your joyful and supportive comments light up my life and I have seen so many others respond with joy and gratitude to you. Your presence is a gift. Hugs from Holland dear Wendy. ❤ ❤ <3xx, Feeling
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I hope you are feeling better soon Wendy. You are always thinking of others. The world needs more people like you in it.
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sending ((hugs)) reaching out to hold your hand:)
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That is beautiful. You light up the world. It’s an honour to know you.We are all in this together, even if we are physically apart. No one needs to be alone.Anne
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I loved that and that quote was amazing sure put a new light on poor me huh lol. Nice work my friend!
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Thank you so much Wendy for sharing this, for connecting us and making us remember that we are not alone. Hope you are feeling better now. Love Flossie xx
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Wendy you are an inspiration to so many. Hope you are feeling tip top in no time.
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I hope you're feeling better soon. It is very easy for the depression to settle in when we aren't well, and I love the mantra you repeated to yourself to feel stronger. I have to remind myself, a lot! that I'm not the only one who suffers, or that I've been in worse situations. Great Post! xx
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Thank you so much, Feeling! I just love you! You are right, I know the difference between wallowing and resting. Being sober has given me that gift along with so many other gifts! And I am so thankful I have a house to rest in. Thank you for being my friend on this journey of ours!!xo
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Dear PDTG,One of my first people to comment on my blog!! I thank you so much! The world really does need a lot more kindness! xo
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I gladly take it! Thank you so much for this! I feel better already! I hope you are well!xo
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I just love you, too Anne! Your words have such strength! I can either be discouraged or I can be hopeful. Today, I choose hope!xo
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Thank you so much, Marc! I love that concept of humanity. It's really true!xo
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Flossie! I love hearing from you! I hope you are well! So many people feel alone, and I have too. I think this world really needs a giant hug!xo
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Thank you so much! I never know who is helped by my words, and it is my ongoing hope that I can light the way for someone, just as so many other bloggers have helped me!xo
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Hi Lori! Happy New Year to you! It is something I really do need to remind myself, so I don't fall into \”It's all about Wendy,\” trap!xo
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(Holding your hand) Great post, as always. Feel better soon and know I’m one of the many inspired by you.Hugs, SKD
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Hope the cold is gone now? I reallty like the affirmation and the quote about the common humanity. It is a massive eye opener and helps so much when we realise we are not alone in our feelings, doubts and suffering. xxx
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Feeling better I hope. Love reading your posts, they always make me stop and think, but more so, they make me smile! Great advice as always. 🙂
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Thank you, SKD! xo
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Theses colds last a while! It helps me be not as judgmental when I understand common humanity!xo
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Thank you, Lia! xo
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I hope you are feeling better soon! I feel your pain! I have been struggling with a cold and the flu myself.
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It has lasted about 3 weeks, but finally feeling pretty good. I'll take that!I think the whole upper hemisphere is sick!xo
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That's beautiful Wendy. I hope you feel much better asap xx
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Thank you, TOTW!I finally am!xo
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I don't know how I missed this post- it's beautiful Wendy. You are my inspiration. I've been in a deep funk this whole month of January. Between my brother's passing and the cold, dark days it's been tough but I can feel myself coming around. Hope you are feeling tip top by now!
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I'm sorry to hear that you are unwell. Sending you positive vibes for a speedy recovery x
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Wendy,I'm starting my journey and it's people like you with so much courage, strength and real beauty on the inside and outside that gives me hope. Thanks for sharing so that people like me can relate and not feel so scared. I'm trying to see everything as a lesson, even the difficult hours. Much love, PMNM XXX
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Thank you so much! Still sick, but at least I can get out a bit!xo
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xo
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I am so glad you are trying! I will tell you it is super hard and super worth it! It is scary at first. But you will be SO happy. Keep the long game in mind. Life is too short to drink it away!! We don't get another chance!Peace and love!xo
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Wendy, thank you for taking the time to reply. Means a lot. Take care xxxx
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This is so beautiful, thank you for sharing. I struggle with isolation, it managed to creep up on me over the past year or so. I used to be the social butterfly, always out with friends, always entertaining at the house, but I realized late last year that I've become much more comfortable with just being in my home – and that usually means by myself until my husband is home on the weekends. It's something that I'm trying to break free of while I'm newly sober because I know the same isolation patterns can likely foster the same drinking patterns. Thanks for this nice reminder, I've been enjoying reading your site. (Also, I still cannot post without an OpenID error by using my WordPress account – but this will have to do. Just so you know who I am. – Truthofbeingme – Anne)
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Thank you, Anne! There is a link to put in your WordPress. I wonder why that doesn't work! xo
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I have no idea, I've tried it, but I get a common error that I've read other people also get. It's okay, I'll continue to try, but I can at least post this way for now. 🙂
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