The Thirteen Acceptance Statements of the New Life Acceptance Program
The “New Life” Acceptance Program was written by Dr. Jean Kirkpatrick, Ph.D. It is the foundation for Women for Sobriety, a program dedicated to helping women overcome their struggles with alcohol, or other substances. It states in the newsletter that Women for Sobriety is an organization whose purpose is to help all women find their individual path to recovery through discovery of self.
Have you previously heard of the organization Women for Sobriety?
Check out the bookstore and the chat room! The literature and the support of the women in the chat room have been monumental in my success.
Women for Sobriety
I stumbled across the statements many, many years before I realized that my drinking was the real problem that I was having. I was so attracted to it, though, that I cut it out and used it to get through some very dark personal times. When I did finally decide to get sober, I knew I needed assistance or some kind of structure, and I remembered that folded up piece of paper in my wallet. I can honestly say that Women for Sobriety's thirteen acceptance statements changed my life.
My personal sobriety story
From the Women for Sobriety newsletter: To make the program effective get up fifteen to twenty minutes earlier than usual and go over the Thirteen Acceptance Statements. Think about each one by itself, then choose one to “use consciously” all day. At the end of the day, reflect upon it and use a journal to write about it, if that is helpful.
The following statements are copyrighted by Women for Sobriety:
1) I have a life-threatening problem that once had me.
2) Negative thoughts destroy only myself.
3) Happiness is a habit I will develop.
4) Problems bother me only to the degree I permit them to.
5) I am what I think.
6) Life can be ordinary or it can be great.
7) Love can change the course of my world.
8) The fundamental object of life is emotional and spiritual growth.
9) The past is gone forever.
10) All love given returns.
11) Enthusiasm is my daily exercise.
12) I am a competent woman and have much to give life.
13) I am responsible for myself and my actions.
Do you think the Acceptance Statements could be helpful for you to apply in your life?
The WFS Motto: “We are Capable and Competent, Caring and Compassionate, always willing to help another; bonded together in overcoming our addictions.” It is for this reason that I am compelled to spread the word about Women for Sobriety. I think that all addiction programs are great, but WFS is under-appreciated and “fits” a large number of women that other programs might not.
