Sober Pod - Recovery Podcast Sober Pod

May 1



The 12 Steps of Recovery do not have a corner on the market of sobriety. There are many ways to get sober. You don’t need to work the 12 Steps, but you should be prepared to live sober. That’s where the 12 Steps help in that process. The 12 Steps borrowed, stole, regurgitated, and reconstituted the same principles that all well-balanced people have lived by since the dawn of time. There is nothing new in the “Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous.” It contains nothing that hasn’t been published in all the other helpful books of the past. The principles of honesty, hope, faith, courage, integrity, willingness, humility, brotherly love, self-discipline, perseverance, spirituality, and service have been in place and practiced in various philosophies, faiths, and religions. The only thing that the 12 Steps and A.A. did differently is put it into a language that the addict/alcoholic could understand. The message came with compassion, proper depth, and weight.

Reflections

Have you ever read the “Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous”? Why not? What could it hurt?

Daily Challenge

Just read it: https://www.aa.org/the-big-book - For free!




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April 30



Setbacks. Downfalls. Missed mortgage payments. Repossession and desperation. We know the extent of our disease, and it involves more than just feeling like shit all the time. We have creditors and bankruptcy behind us and ahead of us. We have our mother’s wedding ring that we pawned just to get a bottle or bag. We have real damage that can span a lifetime. Disheartening to look back, huh? Sure it is. Who wouldn’t be saddened by a life of fuckery and bullshit? But no matter how messed up it was, it can be overcome. Though it may never feel like it, you can start down the path of redemption. This is the classic story of “The Hero’s Journey,” and it’s the fabric of all good stories. You have refused the call to overcome these deficits a few times, but not this time. This time you can - and will - slay the dragon, bring back the gold, get the girl (or man, we don’t judge), and live. Happily ever after.

Reflections

Sobriety is not the end of the story; it’s just the beginning. How will the rest play out from here? Are you ready?

Daily Challenge

Write it out. What’s your journey so far? Write it down. The best is yet to come.




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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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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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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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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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