Sober Pod - Recovery Podcast Sober Pod

May 29 - Buy the book!

It’s hard to have hope all the time. To feel uplifted and always inspired for life to arrive each day. Finding that deeper, inner lightness that raises your spirit and sends you into the unknown of each sober day can be a chore. But try. There will be things that tear you down, traffic, worry, bills, relationships (relationshits), kids, courts, fines, jail time, death,… Am I getting carried away here? That is how the mind works sometimes, isn’t it? One little thing can turn into a snowball for everything. When you feel you’re at your lowest, remember that you’re still going up. Don’t let that one thing become everything. Don’t make mountains out of molehills. You may have troubles, but take a look back and see how far you’ve come. See how far that small piece of hope you grabbed has led you. You are further away than you thought you were.

Reflections

How far have you come? Where would you be if you didn’t try to get sober?

Daily Challenge

Take some time to congratulate yourself for your efforts in sobriety and for continuing to try. You deserve it.




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May 28 - Buy the book!

I have heard it said that we have a disease of perception. How true that statement is. Addicts and alcoholics have a distorted sense of reality, which is something we must work on. After years of thinking only of ourselves, meeting our own needs, and using/drinking in isolation, our view of how things should be can be far removed from what others are experiencing. Our point of view can be severely distorted. That is why doing things like going to meetings and therapy is so strongly suggested. We get to hear others share their views and maybe get a glimpse of our own perception of the world. One of my favorite A.A. speakers, Paul McQ., talks about being a man trapped in a glass where he can’t read the label. I like that because it rings true for me. I need other people to read the label and tell me what my ingredients are.

Reflections

Do you have a solid view of yourself? Do you have a disease of perception, too?

Daily Challenge

This week, go to a meeting you have never been to. Look up a therapist or call your sponsor.




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May 27 - Buy the book!

Why is it that when we are drinking, we can ignore all the drama and just not care about most things, but as soon as we get sober, we somehow start having opinions about other people’s shit? We start paying attention to what “they” do, how “they” act, and what “they” are saying. It’s like we get so involved in other people’s shit that we don’t have any time for our own. Wait a minute! That’s exactly what it is. How convenient! We spend so much time focusing on other people’s shortcomings that we can no longer pay attention to our own. Seems like another form of denial, doesn’t it? It kind of is. Maybe - just maybe - you can put down that magnificent magnifying mind and point the barrel at the mirror for a while.

Reflections

Why do you think you are so focused on other people’s faults and not your own?

Daily Challenge

Today, count how often you think or bitch about someone else or something in your life that you have no control over. You’d be surprised how often you do.




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May 26 - Buy the book!

Here are some thoughts on meditation. Some of us find it best to meditate in the morning as our day begins. Some do it in the evening or even on their lunch breaks. Pages 86-87 of the A.A. Big Book describes some simple rituals around prayer and meditation that might be helpful. There really are no steadfast rules around meditation. The only rule I have found is that you should attempt to do it, no matter how you feel about it or how awkward it might feel. Take your phone out, set a timer for ten minutes, hit the timer, and close your eyes. Open your eyes after the timer goes off. That is a simple beginning. You can add to the practice as time passes, but you must do it to get its benefits. It’s that simple. Most people think they don’t have the time, but trust me, you have the time. You’re not that busy.

Reflections

Why do you not meditate more? Take a break. Relax. Everybody’s doing it.

Daily Challenge

Make a comfortable place in your home to meditate. Dedicate a corner and buy a nice meditation pillow.




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Summary
Carl reads an excerpt from the book about the spiritual malady. The conversation explores the concept of the spiritual malady and how it manifests in individuals. It delves into the feelings of restlessness, irritability, and discontent that arise from this malady and the various ways people try to fill the void. The importance of examining one's life and identifying areas of brokenness is emphasized, as well as the need for a spiritual healing. The conversation also touches on the role of the 12-step program in addressing the spiritual malady and finding healing. In this conversation, Broken Beth discusses her journey of recovery and the spiritual malady that she believes was present from birth. She emphasizes the importance of actively working the steps and having a spiritual experience to truly understand the emptiness and lack of purpose that addiction brings. Carl D shares his experience of falling in love with the guy at 7-Eleven and how it changed his perspective on life. They discuss the importance of doing the work and not just seeking relief in fellowship. The conversation concludes with a discussion of the promises of recovery and the transformation that can occur.


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Support the podcast and buy the book!⁠

In this episode of SoberPod, Carl reads from his book and discusses the topic of anger and losing control. He shares personal experiences of throwing adult fits and reflects on the consequences of such behavior. Carl also introduces a five-step process from Stoicism to manage anger and respond wisely. He emphasizes the importance of self-monitoring, cognitive distancing, postponement, modeling virtue, and functional analysis. The episode concludes with a call to support Chelsea and a reminder to stay active and sober.


Throwing adult fits and losing control can have negative consequences and damage relationships.


Stoicism offers a five-step process to manage anger: self-monitoring, cognitive distancing, postponement, modeling virtue, and functional analysis.


Practicing these steps can help individuals respond wisely and avoid destructive behavior.


Supporting others in their recovery journey is important and can make a difference.


Staying active and sober is crucial for maintaining sobriety




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