Sober Pod - Recovery Podcast Sober Pod

“If she would only understand." “If he could just stop trying to control me.” “If I only got that promotion.” “If I could have graduated high school instead of fucking up all the time.” Things would be different. Sometimes we have this “wishing disease” where we wish for things to be different and get stuck in an alternate imaginary universe on the planet of “If.” Children “wish” all the time. Bedtime stories are made of wishes and fantasies of fairy godparents coming to save children from the wicked evil-doers. But we are not children. Nobody is coming to save you. You’re it! We live on Earth, and things are what they seem no matter how often you want to “If” or “wish” them away. Instead of wishing for things to be different, have you ever thought of trying to wish for things as they are?

Reflections

If only I could wish for things as they are.

Daily Challenge

List one thing that you need to accept today to move on with your life. You don’t need to accept it. Just write it down. Work on it when the time is right.




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If anyone in your life talked to you the way you talk to yourself, you would kick their ass every day. Those are fighting words that you say to yourself! Do you know that? You would never tolerate that from your family or friends, but here you sit, kicking your own ass down the block all day long, and you don’t raise a finger or fist. You don’t put up a fight at all. Why is that? Where does that loud antagonizing voice come from? In A.C.A., they call it the “Inner Critical Parent,” and, at some point in your life, you assimilated someone else’s voice and installed it in your own head. It’s your daily tormentor (root word: torture), and your tormentor has tortured you long enough. How would a friend talk to you? How does a good friend talk to you? What would you say to a good friend whose parents “tormented” them verbally all day? What words could you offer to help that friend?

Reflections

Are you being a tormentor to yourself, or are you being a friend?

Daily Challenge

Try to be your own best friend today. You just might like yourself.




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May 6



Don’t we often try to maneuver and manipulate things to meet our needs or demands? We make suggestions and say things when we know we shouldn’t make comments or hints - fuck - even a gesture can be manipulating if you’re doing it right. Looking for ways over or around the problem? Man, there are just too many ways to fuck with shit, huh? Sometimes, the hardest thing to come to grips with is the fact that we don’t have the answers or solutions. And the most important fact: it may not be up to us at all, and it may be someone else’s problem entirely. The fact that we should step the fuck back and not engage never occurs to some of us. In other words, “let it go.” Have you heard that one before?

Reflections

What are you fucking with? What is it that motivates you to put your nose where it does not belong?

Daily Challenge

Think about letting go. Here, I will help: “Let it go, let it go. Can't hold it back anymore.” Now, that song is in your motherfucking head all motherfucking day! Ha! That should help.




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Summary - Buy the book!

In this conversation, Carl and Chelsea discuss the theme of change and the challenges that come with it. They explore the concept of impermanence and the difficulty humans have in accepting change. They share personal experiences of navigating change and the growth that can come from it. The conversation also touches on the topic of pregnancy and the changes it brings. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of embracing change and finding comfort in the midst of it. The conversation explores the themes of change and impermanence, particularly in the context of recovery from addiction. The speakers discuss how everything in life is subject to change and how accepting this reality can lead to personal growth and the ability to adapt. They share their experiences of coping with change and the importance of having a support system to navigate through difficult times. The conversation also touches on the process of grieving the loss of the old life and identity associated with addiction. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of embracing change and seeking support in order to find peace and stability.

Takeaways


Change is a constant in life and resisting it can lead to unnecessary struggle.
Embracing change can lead to personal growth and new opportunities.
Pregnancy is a significant change that brings both challenges and growth.
Accepting the impermanence of all things can help in finding peace and contentment. Change is inevitable and everything in life is subject to change.
Accepting the reality of impermanence can lead to personal growth and the ability to adapt.
Having a support system is crucial for navigating through difficult times and coping with change.
Grieving the loss of the old life and identity associated with addiction is an important part of the recovery process.


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May 5



Fuck! I remember the day so vividly. Early in recovery, I was walking down the sidewalk with my one-year-old daughter. The sky was so blue and vivid, the grass so green and rich with life. A real estate agent had posted flags on every lawn for a national holiday, and my daughter was walking along and snatching up every single one of them. As we walked along, I had this feeling of goodness wash over me. It was like I had been washed of all the dirt and grime that drinking and living a life of misery had built up over the years. I felt freer than I had ever felt before. I can’t explain it, but I knew I crossed over and joined the good team. I was no longer a baddie playing for the bad team. No longer that hateful, resentful person. I found a spark of joy that seemed to lighten my load. A spring in my step! I took a picture as my little girl stumbled down the sidewalk with multiple flags in each hand. This day, I started to play the game differently.

Reflections

Have you joined “the good team,” or are you still playing for “the baddies”? What is motivating you today?

Daily Challenge

Retrace your day yesterday. What little moment sticks out? Where could you have been better?




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This is a talk given by Carl D on his experience with Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA) and the journey of self-discovery and healing. He discusses the false self and true self in ACA, the 14 traits of ACA, the dangers and lessons learned on the journey, and the promises of ACA. Carl shares his personal experiences and how ACA has helped him find his true self and live a happier, more authentic life.


Key Takeaways


ACA is a program for people who were raised in an alcoholic or otherwise dysfunctional home
The false self and true self are key concepts in ACA
The 14 traits of ACA represent the false self and can be overcome through the ACA program
Facing the dangers and challenges of the ACA journey leads to self-discovery and healing
The promises of ACA include increased self-esteem, healthier boundaries, and a sense of peace and happiness

Buy the 366 Days Sober book from Soberpod!


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