My WOTY, Full Circle ⭕️

Recovery is such a journey!

I've been on this one for 13 years, 11 of them sober and when I look back and see the path, it's amazing to think I had NO IDEA how I was going to live my life without alcohol. I had NO IDEA how to cope with life...how to be in relationship.

When I reflect on the last 13 years, I see all the growth, the choices I've made, the sparkly breadcrumbs I ended up following, the times I said "HELL, YEAH" and the tears - the work, the toil, the discomfort and the fear.

I've learned a few things over the years thanks to this journey, and to my amazing mentors and lovely community. Even if 2025 was crunchy (oh yes, it was), I'm feeling very blessed and super grateful for my life as we slide into the last month of 2025.

Coming back from a magical spot in the jungle, with 12 other magical women doesn't hurt either! Still feeling the glow of retreat, the women and the land - the lush green forest, the healing waters, the beautiful flowers and animals, the incredible experiences we had.

The theme of the retreats that I host under Expand Beyond Recovery has simply emerged. Inspired by a passage in Valarie Kaur's book, See No Stranger; strengthened by my own experiences and beliefs...affirmed by the women I see BLOOMING in their recovery, the Wise Woman is an energy that I'm deeply connected to.

On the last full day of my retreat, I started to write this down - it came quickly and without any editing. My WOTY for 2025 "Wisdom", showed up as her full self. I shared it with my retreat attendees and I'll be sharing it again with future groups, both online and in-person.

And I'm here in your inbox today sharing what Wise Woman Says...because I want you to get used to the idea that you are a WISE WOMAN. As Valarie Kaur says...it is your Wise Woman who has earned the honour of sitting on the throne of your heart. All the other voices can exist, but she is the one you must go to for your most important decisions. She is the one you must listen to. And sometimes you have to get real quiet to hear her.

I hope a few of the points below resonate. Mostly, I hope you remember today and always (and that you keep practising this remembering) that you are whole, perfect, worthy and loved...just as you are. 🤍

Love,

Payton