The Recovery Show - 12 step recovery for those of us who love alcoholics or addicts.

Aaron J — It’s not about me — 307

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Today, I am pleased to share with you a talk by Aaron J, speaking in 2012.

I identified with his certainty that it was his “job” in life to take care of everyone around him. I share his frustration when those same people didn’t do what he knew was best for them. He got in deep much more quickly than I did, but that may be more about opportunity than inclination.

Readings and Links

A listener wrote about the help she had gained from the book BALM: The Loving Path to Family Recovery by Beverly Buncher. She said, “It’s an extension of Al-Anon but it adds elements of love that isn’t just tough love.” She also told us that the author is interviewed in 4 episodes of the podcast Codependency No More, starting with episode 50.

Join our conversation

A listener asked for another “round table” episode with parents of teens. Is this you? You can share your voice. Please call us at 734-707-8795 or email feedback@therecovery.show with your questions or experience, strength and hope. Or just leave a comment right here.

Karen B – Living the Traditions – 306

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Karen shared her story in episode 262, Third Time is the Charm. Things have changed since then, and we start by catching up on recent events. Then we move into a discussion about how she (and I) use Traditions 1 and 2 in our lives. The traditions are:

Our common welfare should come first; personal progress for the greatest number depends upon unity.
For our group purpose there is but one authority—a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants—they do not govern.

Our conversation is guided by these questions.

What does “common welfare” mean to you in your daily life?
How do you place it first?
How does unity enable and enhance your personal progress?
… the progress of others in your life?
Tradition two speaks of the authority of a higher power. What does this mean for you?
Do you use a “group conscience” in your living? How?
What does this mean for you in your family?
… at work?
… in other groups (friends, associations, church)?
In what ways might you consider yourself a “trusted servant”?
How does the concept of “trusted servant” change the way you relate to others? (in the family, at work, etc.)

Readings and Links

Karen read from Courage to Change, page 108 (April 17) and from How Al-Anon Works, page 108.

Add your voice

Please call us at 734-707-8795 or email feedback@therecoveryshow.com with your questions or experience, strength and hope. Or just leave a comment right here.
Continue reading “Karen B – Living the Traditions – 306”

A Respite – 305

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What does recovery have to do with a weekend “up north”?

Readings and Links

A listener suggested Al-Anon phone meetings, which can be found on the Al-Anon web site Electronic Meetings page.
Continue reading “A Respite – 305”

Take it or Leave it – 304

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We often say “take what you like and leave the rest.” How can I apply this concept of “take it or leave it” in my life?

Free dictionary “take it or leave it” idioms https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/take+it+or+leave+it

Things I will (want to) take;
- (What I like …)
- Help
- Change
- Compliments
- Growth
- Notice
- Encouragement
- Validation
- Progress
- Time
- A breath
- Some space
- My feelings (all of them)
- Changed attitudes
- Optimism
- Positivity
- Care of myself (first)

Things I will Not (don’t want to) take;
- Other people’s problems, burdens
- Other people’s responsibilities
- “It personally”
- Ultimatums
- Offense
- Demands
- Blame
- Expectations
- Resentment
- Anger
- Name calling
- Sarcasm
- Bad attitudes
- The bait, the rope
Things (I want) to Leave;
- (The rest…)
- Negativity (others)
- Negativity (mine)
- Stinking Thinking
- The past
- Impatience
- Ultimatums
- Blame
- Fear

Readings and Links

We read from How Al-Anon Works, Chapter 4 (Understanding Ourselves and Alcoholism – Searching for Answers) and Chapter 6 (The Family Disease of Alcoholism, Recognizing our Options).

Courage to Change, October 29.

Listeners mentioned several episodes, including these

229, Holiday Expectations
134, Holiday Survival Kit
293, Lynne – Grief can be a wonderful thing
301, Geneviève – Together we can make it
303, Michele B – My Solutions were my Problems

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Michele B – My Solutions were my Problems – 303

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:43:36 — 47.5MB)

Michele B has an inspiring story of adversity and recovery.

Note: The original posting of this talk had audio “glitches” that made it unlistenable for some. I believe I have corrected them here.

Readings and Links

Ashley told us about online Alateen “chat” meetings, and sent a link to the Al-Anon/Alateen web site, where you can find out about and register for a chat meeting.

Feedback

Please call us at 734-707-8795 or email feedback@therecoveryshow.com with your questions or experience, strength and hope. Or just leave a comment right here.