On Thursday July 10th, Carolyn shared with us her presentation entitled “ What If? “

Carolyn began by asking what if we here at DBSA did not have someone up in front of the room for first hour, giving their latest presentation.  Our goal is always to get you to think of how important the topic is that we are about to present.  Those of us that are giving the presentation’s are always supporting you, and encouraging, nurturing, and even challenging you. We are trying to give you the strength that you need. She shared that we want those attending to flourish, as someone who is flourishing is full of vitality and energy. 

The thing to remember with flourishing is that you cannot do it all alone. 

Flourishing or thriving is more than happiness. It is brought about by your choices and actions.  And by a supporting and nurturing environment that is designed to make it happen for you. 

Most of us have experienced flourishing at some point in our lives. Maybe you excelled in Math, or maybe at sports.  Whatever it was that you did great in, may have seemed insignificant, but things just seemed to come together for you. 

So, what if you joined a group, one that has your same interests.  Such as cooking, dancing, crafts, shopping, or anything at all.  Carolyn told us that she has joined an art group, and when they get together they sit around talking about their lives and just listening to each other. They also go around the room and admire each other’s art and encouraging each other.  They share their troubles with each other and sometimes offering criticism of each other’s work, and then they decide if they want to accept  that criticism or not.   Carolyn also belongs to a singing group where she leads them in singing and she also has a piano player accompanying her.  Many times they sing hymns and patriotic songs. She shared being a part of this singing group makes her feel like she is living life to the fullest.

And she shared when it comes to flourishing, what provides us with a supporting and nurturing environment?  Is it your group of friends, DBSA, church, school, your workplace, or family?  And she asked the question when was the last time you felt amazing?  Has it been awhile?  Maybe it was a smile or a hello from someone?  Sometimes if it has been awhile since we have felt amazing, it may be hard to imagine ever feeling amazing again.  Maybe it’s time to flourish?  But you can’t do it alone. You need support that includes people, food, exercise. It we need to try and rid our environment of any toxicity we may have.         

Sometimes we can complicate our lives in ways that empty the joy from our days. We may try to do more than we have time for.

And then Carolyn asked us to picture we are in a deep hole on 72nd st. What if you are sick of falling into that same hole day after day. Are you ready to try a different street?  Sometimes it is so easy to walk down the same hole we are familiar with, and falling into that same hole again and again.  So, what if tried a different street to walk down.  Maybe you would surprise yourself and you wouldn’t fall into a hole again. You still have to be aware and it takes courage to take a different street.  And to embrace a new direction in your own life. Maybe it is now time to get yourself out of the hole you’re in, and find a new path. Are you ready for a new path?  Carolyn shared a very profound quote statement with us.  “ If you Aim at Nothing, you Will hit it every time “

She closed by saying, what if we had no sense of humor.  We need to try and not take life so seriously.  We need to remember to look on the bright side of life, and know you are not alone!