Sober Pod - Recovery Podcast Sober Pod

April 26



Patience is a virtue. What is a “virtue”? Glad you asked! Virtue is “behavior showing high moral standards.” And the next time you are waiting in line or have been put on hold, try not to lose your shit, would ya? It’s childish and shows a lack of empathy for the person who is trying to get to you. They could be new on the job. They could be distracted by their inner thoughts. Maybe they’re going through the loss of a pet or loved one. The point is, you can be a little less selfish and wait a little longer without calling the manager (fucking Kevins and Karens!) or making a scene. Try. Try to hold your tongue and just let it pass. And it does pass.

Reflections

How often have you lost your shit in traffic or waiting in line? As though it was all happening to you!

Daily Challenge

Today, if you have to wait, look for what else you can do in the meantime. What else can you use that time for?




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April 25



Take a fucking break. Even God rested on the seventh day, for crying out loud! We tend to get so caught up in the “go, go, go” of life that we can forget to rest. We don’t need to be “going” all the time. When you were drinking and using, you probably sat for hours not doing anything and were perfectly fine with it, but, for some reason, now that your mind seems to be working (that statement needs evaluating), you act like someone is riding your back with a whip that snaps while he screams, “Yah, mule! Yah!” Stop for a second. Slow down. Breathe.

Reflections

When was the last time you did absolutely nothing? And planned to do it? What is the most nothing you have ever not done? (Ha! My own Yogi Berra statement!)

Daily Challenge

Plan a day this month to do absolutely nothing.




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April 24



“It’s all about balance.” – That’s what my sponsor, John, would say to me when I put too much emphasis on one thing or another in my life. And something else would begin to suffer in my life. Sooner or later, my wife complained that I wasn’t spending enough time at home or that “We never go anywhere.” Or I was working too much. Etcetera. It’s partly why, at the end of our introductory lead-in statement, we used to say on Sober Pod, “Listen in moderation.” Because, as alcoholics and addicts, we tend to do everything full-bore (at maximum capacity). We are either all in or not in at all. And this is usually at the detriment of other important things like relationships, health, money, and many other things that desperately need our attention.

Reflections

Is your life about balance today? Do you seek balance in your life?

Daily Challenge

Take ten minutes to look at the day you have planned. Is it really balanced?




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Summary



In this conversation, Carl and Dr. Alan Berger discuss the concept of emotional sobriety and its importance in recovery. Dr. Berger shares his personal journey of addiction and recovery, highlighting the pivotal moment when he encountered someone who embodied emotional freedom. They explore the idea of emotional sobriety as freedom from expectations and the ability to live from the inside out. Dr. Berger's book, '12 Essential Insights for Emotional Sobriety,' is discussed, with each insight representing a key aspect of emotional sobriety. The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and personal growth in achieving emotional sobriety. The conversation explores the concept of emotional sobriety and its importance in recovery. It discusses the different stages of recovery, with stage one being physical sobriety and stage two focusing on emotional sobriety. The idea of radical responsibility is emphasized, highlighting the need to take ownership of one's emotions and behavior. The concept of a spiritual bypass is also discussed, cautioning against using spirituality as a means to avoid dealing with emotional trauma. The conversation concludes with the understanding that emotional sobriety is a practice and a journey of progress, not perfection.



Takeaways


Emotional sobriety is the freedom from expectations and the ability to live from the inside out.
Achieving emotional sobriety involves unhooking from demands and expectations and embracing personal growth.
Dr. Berger's book, '12 Essential Insights for Emotional Sobriety,' provides valuable tools and exercises for developing emotional sobriety.
Emotional sobriety is a lifelong journey that requires self-reflection, vulnerability, and a willingness to let go of old patterns and beliefs. Emotional sobriety is an essential aspect of recovery, focusing on personal growth and the ability to cope with life's challenges.
Stage one recovery is achieving physical sobriety, while stage two recovery involves emotional sobriety and learning to make relationships work.
Radical responsibility is about taking ownership of one's emotions and behavior, rather than blaming others or circumstances.
A spiritual bypass is using spirituality to avoid dealing with emotional trauma, hindering personal growth.
Emotional sobriety is a practice and a journey of progress, not perfection.

Resources


Learn more about Dr. Berger by visiting 4dphd.com


Buy the book on Amazon!


Read on Kindle!


Exploring Emotional Sobriety: Allen Berger and Herb K



BUY 366 F***ing Days Sober


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Buy the book!


The conversation explores the theme of powerlessness and power in recovery. The hosts reflect on their past drinking behaviors and the lack of choice they had while actively drinking. They also discuss the gradual progression of alcoholism and the realization that their drinking was not normal. The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing the power of choice in recovery and the potential for personal growth and transformation. In this conversation, Carl and Chelsea discuss the concept of powerlessness in recovery and the importance of accessing personal power. They explore the idea that powerlessness does not mean being completely powerless, but rather recognizing the power to choose and make decisions. They emphasize the empowerment that comes from sobriety and the ability to make positive choices in life. They also discuss the importance of having a higher power and accessing power through fellowship and support from others. The conversation concludes with a reminder to stay active and sober.



In active addiction, individuals often lack the awareness that they do not have a choice in their actions and behaviors.
Recovery brings the realization that one has the power of choice and the ability to make rational decisions.
Recognizing the power of choice in recovery allows for personal growth and transformation.
It is important to challenge the defeatist mindset of powerlessness and embrace the power one has in recovery. Powerlessness in recovery does not mean being completely powerless, but rather recognizing the power to choose and make decisions.
Sobriety empowers individuals to make positive choices and pursue their goals.
Having a higher power can provide access to inner strength and resources.
Fellowship and support from others in recovery can be a source of empowerment and encouragement.
It is important to stay active and engaged in recovery to continue accessing personal power.


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Buy our 366 Days F***ing Sober Book. - Visit soberpod.com



Summary

• "It's not what happens to us; it's how we respond to it that matters."



In this episode, Carl and Chelsea discuss the concept of living life on life's terms and the struggles that come with it. They talk about how our desires can be overinflated and cause us trouble when we don't get our way. They emphasize the importance of coming to terms with what we can and cannot control in our lives. Chelsea shares her personal mantra that reminds her of her own strength and resilience. They encourage listeners to create their own mantras and to embrace the challenges and uncertainties of life.



In this conversation, Carl and Chelsea discuss the concept of living life on life's terms in recovery. They talk about the importance of accepting reality and not getting caught up in expectations or personalizing events. They share personal experiences of dealing with challenges and how they have learned to respond in a more productive way. They also discuss the idea of overinflated desires and how they can cause trouble in recovery. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of utilizing tools and support in recovery to navigate life's ups and downs.



• Living life on life's terms means accepting the ups and downs, twists and turns of life and coming to terms with what we can and cannot control.

• Our desires can be overinflated and cause us trouble when we don't get our way.

• Creating a personal mantra can help boost self-confidence and remind us of our own strength and resilience.

• It's important to reflect on our thoughts and desires and evaluate what we truly have control over in our lives.

• Embracing the challenges and uncertainties of life can lead to personal growth and a greater sense of peace. Living life on life's terms is a key concept in recovery

• Accepting reality and not personalizing events is crucial

• Overinflated desires can cause trouble in recovery

Utilizing tools and support is important in navigating challenges


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