Be a thermostat, not a thermometer
Don't let outside noise control you...
Hi everyone! I went on a walk with a friend yesterday and we were talking about how we can be more “whimsy” (aka TikTok’s latest trend of incorporating more playfulness into life). It’s funny how when we’re young, all we want to do is grow up, but when we’re older, so many of us want to reconnect with our childhood selves again.
So naturally, I just ordered a bedazzle kit (s/o Annie for the inspo), and I’m going to make an analog summer bucket list this week. The inspo:
What are some ways you can be more whimsy in your life? :)
— Steph
If you’re new, check out our intro to Steady Sunday here!
💻 This Week’s Meetings
You can always find our full monthly meeting calendar here!
Tuesday, 5/26 — 5:30-6:30 p.m. PT / 8:30-9:30 p.m. ET
Thursday, 5/28— 5:30-6:30 p.m. PT / 8:30-9:30 p.m. ET
Sunday, 5/31 — 10-11 a.m. PT / 1-2 p.m. ET
Zoom meeting links are sent in our Discord chat:
✨ Meeting Notes
One part of sobriety that can go overlooked is the empathy and understanding we gain, not only for ourselves, but for others and the hardships they may be facing, even if they look entirely different from our own. As we navigate healing and growth in recovery, we come to understand just how human we all are. We never truly know what someone else may be going through, which reminds us to lead with compassion and not be so quick to judge others.
This week, we talked about the meaning behind the saying “Be a thermostat, not a thermometer.” A thermometer reacts to its environment, so if a room is hot or cold, it reflects that temperature. In the same way, when people around us are acting in a negative way, being like a thermometer means absorbing and mirroring that energy. A thermostat, on the other hand, sets the temperature. It influences the environment instead of being controlled by it. When we act like a thermostat, we don’t let outside noise dictate how we respond. We stay grounded in our values, and don’t let any judgment, conflict, or chaos deter us. While we can’t always control what’s happening around us, we can try to show up in the way a thermostat, rather than a thermometer, doesn’t let outside noise control it.
On a similar wavelength, one member recently recommended the book Clear The Noise by Leona Vale, which teaches readers how to quiet the noise in our heads. Whether it comes from anxiety, overstimulation, distraction, or burnout, so many of us feel drained by it all. Instead of believing we need to get “better” at juggling all of our responsibilities at once, this book encourages us to focus on decluttering our minds instead of constantly trying to “optimize” ourselves. This could look like decreasing screen time or crossing a lingering task off your to-do list that’s been taking up mental space.
✍️ Journal Prompt
If you could talk to your younger self, what would you tell them? What do you think that younger version of yourself would think of you now?
📎 Resource
If you’re struggling with vaping or nicotine use right now and are ready to quit, check out these two meditation/hypnosis videos. C.L. shared this week that they were really powerful and helped shift her mindset around quitting <3
Always cheering you on,
-Steph & Annie
P.S. Have ideas for anything you’d like to see in this newsletter? Comment on this post or reply to this email!