Sober Pod - Recovery Podcast Sober Pod

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



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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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Visit PaulSummersJr.com to learn more about Paul's Book, Hide and Seek - A Dad's Journey from Soulless Addiction to Sole Custody.



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



Summary

In this episode, Carl and Paul discuss Paul's book, 'Hide and Seek: A Dad's Journey from Soulless Addiction to Soul Custody.' Paul shares his personal journey of recovery and the struggle to gain custody of his daughter. They explore the themes of self-centeredness, rebuilding relationships, and society's perception of dads. Paul emphasizes the importance of being an active and present father, and how recovery has transformed his family dynamics. In this part of the conversation, Paul Summers Jr. and Carl D discuss the impact of recovery on their lives and relationships. They explore the importance of equality and sensitivity, as well as the challenges of navigating financial insecurities and maintaining authenticity in recovery memoirs. They also discuss the value of sharing personal stories and the impact of false narratives in the recovery community. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the significance of Easter and the importance of embracing boldness, audacity, and daring in recovery. In this conversation, Paul Summers Jr. and Carl D discuss overcoming fear, handling confrontation, being bold and audacious, and finding balance in recovery. They explore the fear of being bad and walking on eggshells, the importance of active listening, and the journey of self-discovery. They also touch on overcoming ego and narcissism, embracing imperfection and diversity, and the power of vulnerability. The conversation concludes with words of encouragement for newcomers, emphasizing that it is never too late to start the journey of recovery.


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Summary
In this conversation, Carl and Chelsea discuss the concept of identity and the fear of change in recovery. They explore the idea of holding onto old identities and personas, and the need to let go of them in order to grow and change. They also reflect on the question of who they are now and how their identities have evolved in sobriety. In this conversation, Chelsea and Carl discuss the fear of losing friends and identity when getting sober. They explore the process of starting over and discovering one's true self. They also delve into the importance of feedback and how it can help us see ourselves more clearly. The conversation highlights the delusion of self-perception and the role of sobriety in enabling a clearer perception. They discuss the concept of changing identity and stepping into recovery, as well as the idea of a life waiting on the other side of addiction. The conversation concludes with a discussion on trusting in a higher power, letting go of control, and the importance of doing the right thing.



Takeaways


Identifying with old identities can hinder personal growth and change in recovery.
The fear of change is common, but it is important to recognize that staying the same can be more painful than embracing change.
Who we are is not defined by titles or roles, but by our characteristics and values.
Letting go of old identities and embracing change can lead to personal growth and a more authentic life. Getting sober can lead to a fear of losing friends and identity, but it is worth it for personal happiness and growth.
Sobriety allows for a clearer perception of oneself and the world, free from the delusions of alcoholism.
Feedback from others can help us see ourselves more clearly and challenge our self-perceptions.
Trusting in a higher power and letting go of control can lead to a more fulfilling and purposeful life in recovery.

soberpod.com


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