This past weekend
we had a group of 45 women at The Wilson House for the first "Out of the
Woods" retreat. Recovering women from several twelve-step programs came
from Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and New
York to dig deeper into their recovery programs and into the material of their
lives.
We laughed,
pondered, debated, cried, wrote, walked, read, ate well, and yes, shopped. (The
Manchester Outlets are right down the street). And then we talked about how
spending and shopping feature in recovery too.
Some of the
highlights included looking at the little-known history of our twelve-step
programs, a fabulous presentation by Kathy Catlin—Catlin Wellness—on nutrition
for recovery, and late night girl talk on sex and transferring addictions.
I came home tired
but happy. And I am ready to do more of this program. Several people have asked
for this retreat in their home town and I would love to do that, and the Albany
group is talking about a workshop series (maybe four evenings, or four Saturdays)
so we can dig deeper into some of the key topics. I will also be offering “Writing
for Recovery” workshop in 2015.
What I feel so
strongly today is gratitude for the sisterhood of recovery—the power of women
helping each other and the experience of shared wisdom as we go deeper in our
recovery. This past weekend was about wanting more than simple abstinence and
it was a super-charged experience to be with women who are making that
commitment.
More to come soon.
Invite your friends.
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