The Recovery Radio Podcast - KMP3 - Long-Term Sobriety in A.A.

Here I read and discuss something Dr. Silkworth wrote for the A.A. Grapevine in 1947.  It contains information central to why I am having an incredible sober experience, and it goes against almost everything I've ever heard. 

In this episode, I talk about all the troubling times through which I have remained sober. I talk about what I believe some of my obligations are, and I touch upon the fact that spiritual principles cannot be modernized. 

In this episode I talk more about the subject of judgement verses discernment, as it got a beautiful response from listeners.  Our book says we don't crawl before anyone; I share on a more personal level my thoughts about all this. 

In this episode I talk about discernment, and how it plays a major role in why I have a peaceful life today. Discernment is not judgement. Do you let just anyone in your life? Back in the day they'd say, "Stick With The Winners."   Why?

Sometimes it seems like sobriety is complicated.  In this episode, I discuss what the book "Alcoholics Anonymous" calls the essentials of recovery: honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness. 

In this episode, a former control-freak talks about how comfortable life is when one doesn't try to control the lives of others.   Also: Giving and not giving unsolicited advice.          Sponsees.

In this episode I read the passage in "The Big Book" from The Family Afterward , where it talks about the miner whose pick strikes gold. Turns out, it is better than gold, and to keep it, one must give it all away. I also describe the three most common things I've seen in AA. 

In this episode I talk about why being present is so important, how it relates to my being sober today, AA meetings, and a little bit about how it translates into my everyday life outside of AA.

In this episode I talk about relapse, gratitude, and a lot of things over which, once a psychic change has occurred, we are not at all powerless. 

Do you work the steps over and over again from start to finish? People have asked about this, so in this episode I share my thoughts on the topic. 

In this episode I talk about my experience with overthinking God. I read from the chapter, We Agnostics .  "I used to overthink God to the point where I was blocked from God."  

In this episode I talk about the fact that the "Big Book" describes an incredible experience. I also talk about the phrase "happy, joyous, and free" and look up those words. 

In this episode I discuss a couple visual tools that have really helped me over the years. 

In this episode I read all of Step Eleven in the book, Alcoholics Anonymous .  I also discuss the chapter, "Working With Others", and lament over the fact that, despite what it says, many people I know wind up being afraid of their sponsors. 

Various topics today on this, my first official "Casual Friday."  Do the shows I watch impact my recovery?  What about the music I listen to? I talk a little about my journey concerning these and other things. 

In this episode I describe a very simple visual tool I use to help me live in the Third Step as frequently as possible throughout each day. 

In this episode I talk about the Eleventh Step prayer, and how it covers everything I encounter on any given day. 

In this episode I talk about the simple concept of giving verses taking, and my own belief that there is a very direct and important connection to sobriety and recovery. I also talk about ACA (Adult Children of Alcoholics), as many people I know have benefited greatly from it.  

In this episode I talk about how simple I have learned to keep things regarding my program of recovery; why my head is usually quiet; trust God, clean house, work with others.

In this episode I discuss my understanding of Step Ten. I describe both my simple understanding and the more detailed view.

In this episode I talk about how I doubted myself for years, and learned that this was yet another form of self-centeredness. 

I talk about my experience with grasping and developing a way of life that demands that I be rigorously honest with myself. Also: Justification for selfish behavior. Step Eleven.  Honesty with myself and honest with others.

In this episode I read from the journal I started keeping when I was just weeks into my sobriety, and talk about the perspective I had then and now, having stayed sober through so much personal and worldly turmoil, by the grace of God. 

"...But if trouble comes, cheerfully capitalize it as an opportunity to demonstrate His omnipotence."                               - Page 133 , Alcoholics Anonymous

How are you deciding to look at these current events?