Recovery Daily Podcast Rachel (Miller) Abbassi

Today I explore the concept of keeping our feet firmly planted on the earth. I’ll discuss my recent experiences with vestibular therapy which has challenged my commitment to this new way of life just in simply practicing self-restraint to save myself from future symptoms. This translated clearly to me how what we do today impacts how we feel tomorrow.

In recovery, there's a saying about "Keeping your feet planted on the earth.” And then if I focus keeping my head where your feet are I am staying present, focused, and engaged with my recovery and where I’m at each day.

Over time, the things I do in recovery—these daily practices and decisions—start to shift from mere actions to integral parts of our identity. If I focus on the next right thing, I am present and helping my future self. If I future trip, I’m stealing away from my future self.

Reflect on how your actions within your recovery are shaping your identity. Are they just tasks, or are they stepping stones to a new version of the person you are becoming? Recovery is building a life where our progress and successes are merely aspects of a new richer, fuller identity.

In this episode of Recovery Daily Podcast, I talk about intentional communication. Drawing inspiration from the wisdom of the 13th-century poet Rumi and insights from Socrates to Mary Ann Pietzker, we explore how asking three critical questions before we speak — Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind? — can impact our relationships.

I discuss how to cultivate a communication style that's been effective for me in conveying kindness. I dissect each element of this communication strategy, examining how truth, necessity, and kindness can help prevent misunderstandings and reduce the need for making amends later.

Join me as I share personal stories, including a revealing social experiment on kindness that highlights the challenges and rewards of being kinder than what feels natural. Learn how simple practices like pausing before responding, expressing gratitude, and performing random acts of kindness can change the dynamics of your interactions, lower general stress level around you, and enhance your emotional well-being.

Whether you're navigating recovery, striving for better workplace relations, or strengthening relationships with friends and family, this episode offers valuable insights into making every word count for a more compassionate and connected life.

The mantra we’re discussing today is “Easy Does It.” In the context of Alcoholics Anonymous, "Easy Does It" serves as a gentle reminder to take things one step at a time. We ease into recovery, recognizing that it’s a marathon, not a sprint. For those of us in physical recovery, the mantra can be just as impactful. The urge to rush through or force progress can be strong. But this principle encourages patience and small, manageable steps.

After my stroke and dealing with vestibular issues, I’ve had to relearn how to process the world around me. As a person who loved absorbing the beauty of nature through vigorous activities like hiking and kayaking, adapting to a more subdued pace has been frustrating. Just yesterday, while walking home, I had to soften my gaze to avoid discomfort in my head. Suddenly, the world opened up through sounds—first silence and then the birds—it was unexpectedly serene at a time that I was feeling physically unwell.

That moment of serenity reminded me that there is much to be appreciated in stillness, in simply being present and letting our senses take turns with each other.

“Easy Does It” can enable a mental and emotional recalibration as well. It has gradually helped me find a greater purpose and maintain focus without overwhelming myself. It teaches us that slowing down can actually speed up our recovery, because it allows us to heal at our own pace without additional stress. Take time to listen, to heal, and to be kind to yourself.

Pride can be a barrier to recovery, whether it be alcoholism, stroke recovery, or mental health issues. It can manifest in various ways, hindering progress and healing.

Pride can lead to defensive behavior as one may try to protect their self-image and avoid admitting they are unable to manage life as it is. Pride might interfere with ones ability admit they need help, seek help, accept the help that is given, and share their fears and anxieties.

To overcome the barriers created by our own pride, we need humility and openness and a focus on personal growth and health, rather than how we are perceived by others or comparing our recovery to that of others. By recognizing the collective wisdom and the experiences of those around us who have walked similar paths, we are more likely to seek and accept the help we need, breaking down the pride that was depriving us of flourishing.

These TheraSpecs glasses I've been wearing daily to manage my vestibular migraines have allowed me to start living more freely. It reminds me of the tools in my sobriety program that have enabled me to start living more freely as well. The only way to acquire these everyday tools is through taking action. I have to actively engage with my recovery tools daily to maintain this level of free living.

Just as my TheraSpecs helped manage my migraine pain and make daily life more manageable, attending meetings and engaging with the recovery community helps alleviate the internal pain of alcoholism. These tools don't magically solve problems but provide the support needed to deal with life effectively. Just as with these glasses, if I remove the sobriety meetings and the 12 steps from my life, the pain will come back and it is immediate.

There’s a common misconception that recovery is a passive experience, perhaps just resting. But that's not accurate. Recovery is active, not passive; we are constantly taking steps to strengthen the roots of our sobriety and physical healing. Every day, I’m doing something proactive for my recovery, whether it’s attending a sobriety meeting, support group, speaking with my women in my network, stroke survivors, vestibular patients, or practicing mindfulness, meditating, and self-care.

One of the core principles of recovery is learning to face life on life's terms. This means accepting the realities of life without trying to escape through alcohol or drugs. Facing life, accepting realities, adapting, and changing is active. Escaping is passive and even defensive.

The backbone of true recovery is action. I have to wake up and put my rose colored glasses on each morning—pun intended. Each action I take, no matter how small, is a part of building a sturdy, sober, joyful, pain free life.

Think about what tools you have in your recovery and if you are actively engaging with them on a daily consistent basis. This is the way to healing.

How do we navigate the fine line between self-reliance and surrendering to something greater than ourselves? Today's episode digs into these questions and perspectives on faith-based recovery, regardless of who or what that faith is in.

I talk about five things I trust to be true without a doubt. And how this exercise naturally raised the question for me, "do I trust God to be true and obvious to me?" Listen to hear how I unpack the answer to this simple question.

As we seek faith in recovery, what is the role of independence? Independence is celebrated as a symbol of strength, but in the journey of recovery, going it alone isn't the best approach. Relinquishing some degree of our self-reliance is necessary. How do we find balance?

One of my more challenging areas of faith-based recovery is discerning my will from that of a higher power. How do we distinguish between our will and the will of something greater? In this episode, I share how I put it in to action—mindfulness and self-reflection on motives, desires, and actions. It requires require honesty and humility.

Whether through a structured program, personal belief system, or a blend of both, faith plays a pivotal role in healing. We believe in something greater; and let that belief guide us through recovery. Recovery is fragile. Faith can strengthen our roots in sobriety and healing in recovery.