Recovery Crone Podcast: Recent Episodes
RecoveryCrone
My “Light Into Dark Places” series is to pay tribute to the speakers who carried light into my very, very dark years. Many don't resonate with me today, which is fine. I don't need them today like I did 13 years ago. In gratitude, I want to share their stories with you.
My “Light Into Dark Places” series is to pay tribute to the speakers who carried light into my very, very dark years. Many don't resonate with me today, which is fine. I don't need them today like I did 13 years ago. In gratitude, I want to share their stories with you.
I absolutely love Blanche. She was part of the first generation of Al-Anon members and, in her words, "we were the blind leading the blind". Blanche was not officially Fr Tom's Al-Anon sponsor, but she was in practice. If you're ever listening to a Fr Tom Al-Anon workshop, you're listening to her legacy.
My “Light Into Dark Places” series is to pay tribute to the speakers who carried light into my very, very dark years. Many don't resonate with me today, which is fine. I don't need them today like I did 13 years ago. In gratitude, I want to share their stories with you.
My “Light Into Dark Places” series is to pay tribute to the speakers who carried light into my very, very dark years. Many don't resonate with me today, which is fine. I don't need them today like I did 13 years ago. In gratitude, I want to share their stories with you.
My “Light Into Dark Places” series is to pay tribute to the speakers who carried light into my very, very dark years. Many don't resonate with me today, which is fine. I don't need them today like I did 13 years ago. In gratitude, I want to share their stories with you.
I loved this conversation with Sabrina and I’m very happy to share it. It’s definitely part of my Deep Dive series, where the conversation dives into deeper, darker waters because that’s our story.
We need to share our “causes and conditions” and “Capital T trauma” stories. If we don’t, we can feel like we’re more fucked up than our fellows and recovery won’t happen for us because we’re irreparably damaged.
Ours is a disease of isolation that operates like a perpetrator and the first thing a perpetrator needs to do is get you alone. My hope is this series will let you know you are most definitely not alone.
My “Light Into Dark Places” series is to pay tribute to the speakers who carried light into my very, very dark years. Many don't resonate with me today, which is fine. I don't need them today like I did 13 years ago. In gratitude, I want to share their stories with you.
This speaker pitch is an AA classic known as either Headtrips or Vulture on the Bedpost.
My “Light Into Dark Places” series is to pay tribute to the speakers who carried light into my very, very dark years. Many don't resonate with me today, which is fine. I don't need them today like I did 13 years ago. In gratitude, I want to share their stories with you.
p.s. Annie L is aka Anne Lamott
My “Light Into Dark Places” series is to pay tribute to the speakers who carried light into my very, very dark years. Many don't resonate with me today, which is fine. I don't need them today like I did 13 years ago. In gratitude, I want to share their stories with you.
My “Light Into Dark Places” series is to pay tribute to the speakers who carried light into my very, very dark years. Many don't resonate with me today, which is fine. I don't need them today like I did 13 years ago. In gratitude, I want to share their stories with you.
This is a classic Al-Anon workshop by Fr Tom Weston. It's a very good introduction to the tools, slogans, and concepts of Al-Anon.
This is session 6 of 6, recorded 1996.
This is a classic Al-Anon workshop by Fr Tom Weston. It's a very good introduction to the tools, slogans, and concepts of Al-Anon.
This is session 5 of 6, recorded 1996.
This is a classic Al-Anon workshop by Fr Tom Weston. It's a very good introduction to the tools, slogans, and concepts of Al-Anon.
This is session 4 of 6, recorded 1996.
This is a classic Al-Anon workshop by Fr Tom Weston. It's a very good introduction to the tools, slogans, and concepts of Al-Anon.
This is session 3 of 6, recorded 1996.
This is a classic Al-Anon workshop by Fr Tom Weston. It's a very good introduction to the tools, slogans, and concepts of Al-Anon.
This is session 2 of 6, recorded 1996.
This is a classic Al-Anon workshop by Fr Tom Weston. It's a very good introduction to the tools, slogans, and concepts of Al-Anon.
This is session 1 of 6, recorded 1996.
My “Light Into Dark Places” series is to pay tribute to the speakers who carried light into my very, very dark years. Many don't resonate with me today, which is fine. I don't need them today like I did 13 years ago. In gratitude, I want to share their stories with you.
My “Light Into Dark Places” series is to pay tribute to the speakers who carried light into my very, very dark years. Many don't resonate with me today, which is fine. I don't need them today like I did 13 years ago. In gratitude, I want to share their stories with you.
My “Light Into Dark Places” series is to pay tribute to the speakers who carried light into my very, very dark years. Many don't resonate with me today, which is fine. I don't need them today like I did 13 years ago. In gratitude, I want to share their stories with you.
This particular talk inspired the AA booklet "Drop the Rock", which you can find here.
We're back! We had a great discussion on Tradition Eleven.
Tradition 11 of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) says, "Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, and films." Al-Anon includes the addition, "We need guard with special care the anonymity of all AA members."1
AA Tradition Eleven
AA Tradition Series Speaker
AA Traditions Illustrated Pamphlet
My “Light Into Dark Places” series is to pay tribute to the speakers who carried light into my very, very dark years. Many don't resonate with me today, which is fine. I don't need them today like I did 13 years ago. In gratitude, I want to share their stories with you.
We're back! We had a great discussion on Tradition Ten!
"Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the AA name ought never be drawn into public controversy."
AA Tradition Ten
AA Tradition Series Speaker
AA Traditions Illustrated Pamphlet
My “Light Into Dark Places” series is to pay tribute to the speakers who carried light into my very, very dark years. Many don't resonate with me today, which is fine. I don't need them today like I did 13 years ago. In gratitude, I want to share their stories with you.
Ear H was by far the most important AA speaker during those dark night of the soul years. I was able to call him on the phone and we chatted for a few minutes. He understood loneliness, hopelessness, spiritual isolation, and rage. If I ever felt like I was too broken (which was daily if not hourly), I could listen to Earl and know that I wasn't.
I want to pay tribute to the speakers who carried light into my very, very dark years of 2006-2009 (trauma memories, health crisis, break up, laid off, bankruptcy, and so much more).
Shortly after moving to Portland in 2009, I was sitting in a meeting and I had the thought, "I can't believe I made it." With the thought came a deep knowing that I did not walk through those years; I was carried. I was carried by every meeting, every share, every speaker, every healthcare professional, every fellow, every friend, and every kind neighbor.
I want to share the speaker pitches that I listened to over and over during that time. There are many that don't resonate with me today and that's okay. I don't need them today; I needed them 13 years into recovery wondering looking at the decimated rubble of my life and wondering where the fuck was my "happy destiny."
We're back! Finally, after a couple of graduations, two weddings and a funeral (not joking), we finally had the time and energy to renew our tradition study. I'm so glad we did because we had a great discussion on Tradition Nine!
“Alcoholics Anonymous, as such, ought never be organized; but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve."
AA Tradition Nine
AA Tradition Nine Speaker
AA Traditions Illustrated Pamphlet
Friendly Circle Berlin hosted a wonderful Christmas marathon and I was invited as a member of OA. Several members of other programs introduced themselves as wanting to learn more about OA. Consequently, I tossed my plan to cover Steps 1-3, and just let words fall out of my mouth.
Here is Stacy's wonderful talk on her recovery journey from "the cult of perfectionism" with exhaustion as status symbol and into deprogramming task-oriented living to finally coming home to Sacred Rest. The original was presented at Salt & Light Lutheran Church.
Check out More Human for more information on Stacy's work.
This is a wonderful workshop lead by Alexandra M. She tells her story and then does a guided meditation. This recording includes the questions and comments at the end.
You can find the full recording (with intro readings) and workshop outline on my Google Drive.
You can find other ACA World Convention workshops here.
Sabrina was a speaker for a treatment facility and I recorded her pitch by setting my phone next to my computer. I had to excise every voice that wasn't hers or mine, so the transitions are abrupt and clunky. But who cares?! It's a great talk and very inspiring.
Sabrina introduced our local recovery community to the nonprofit organization, Go The Distance. GTD partners with local rehabilitation centers advocating for sobriety through fitness and unity.
Sadly, this interview did not record well and I don't know how to fix it. Leanne's voice is too low and mine is too loud. I hope you can make your way through it because it was a great conversation.
We continue our "Deep Dive" into Bonnie's journey. In the prior episode, Act I, Scene 1, we covered her family of origin and childhood experiences. Now, we start as she enters the world of 12-Step recovery.
A special thank you to those who messaged me to let me know you appreciate this deep dive approach. Especially those who felt they were "more broken" than others. You're not. Don't let that cunt of a Shame Hag drive your IFS family car. xoxo
There's something rotten in Denmark....or Tualatin. Whichever.
This is the beginning of a new series I'm calling, "Deep Dive". It's about swimming into deeper, darker waters because some of us are adult children of alcoholics/addicts/narcissists. Our mental health requires minimal-to-zero contact with our family of origin and our trauma recovery can feel like a bait and switch: I came here for recovery, not to have traumatic body memories!
Yeah. We know.
What's more, we can start to feel like we're more fucked up than the other people-sort of like the newcomer thinking they're the fattest person in the room. Ours is a disease of isolation that operates like a perpetrator and the first thing a perpetrator needs to do is get you alone. My hope is this series will let you know you are most definitely not alone.
Here is the first interview with Bonnie. Together we lay the ground work for what will definitely be a much deeper dive.
I really wish I had more time to prepare for this topic before pitching. It's so interconnected and yet essential to understand the nuances. Hopefully, I can record a follow up conversation in the new year.
I was invited to speak at a treatment facility for eating disorders and answer the question, "Why should you leave treatment and join a 12 Step program?" Good times.
I love this workshop so much that I'm adding it to my podcast. In the interest of time, I removed the Q&A session at the end. The full recording, her presentation slides, and her handouts are in a folder on my G-Drive. You might have to download the audio file to listen depending on your phone/carrier.
If it doesn't work, you can find it all on the ACA website: https://adultchildren.org/awc-2021/
I was invited to speak at the Bay Street Newcomer Meeting, Wednesdays at 7:00pm.
Zoom Meeting ID: 830 0871 6331
Password: bayst
At long last, our part two on the topic of Anorexia & Restricting. In this episode we focus on Anorexics & Bulimics Anonymous' focus on the powerlessness over control.
I should clarify that ABA's first step is: We admitted we were powerless over our insane eating practices—that our lives had become unmanageable. However, if you read the literature, the focus becomes powerless over control.
For more information on the Anorexics & Bulimics Anonymous program, visit their website at ABA12Steps.org.
Also, I have a PDF of chapters 1-7 from their 12 Step book:
ABA Ch 1-3 and Ch 4-7.
You can find the book on their website or several online bookstores.
This morning our planned speaker had to cancel due to illness, so I stepped in. In a very jumbled manner I touched on 5 different 12 Step programs for food and how recovery can create a secure attachment.
Here is the YouTube video on Secure Attachment that I reference.
In part one, Stacy, Mattie and I talk about why we want to have this discussion and touch on topics we want to explore further in part 2. (Apologies for the poor sound quality!)
For more information on the Anorexics & Bulimics Anonymous program, visit their website at ABA12Steps.org.
Also, I have a PDF of chapters 1-7 from their 12 Step book:
ABA Ch 1-3 and Ch 4-7.
You can find the book on their website or on Amazon.com
Wonderful chance to hear our fabulous fellow, Denise speaking at the SE Saturday in person on 3-4-2023.
Wonderful chance to hear our fabulous fellow, Kurt B speaking at the SE Saturday in person on 2-4-2023.
Alice and I discuss different ways of defining abstinence based on our personal experience and our experience of sponsoring. Take what you like and leave the rest!
I had a wonderful conversation with my friend, Mattie. Together we talk about her experience being a trans woman in the 12 step rooms of recovery.
Thank you to the Sunday 7pm Anorexia & Bulimia phone meeting for sharing this recording of Merleann speaking on February 8, 2020.
Sunday 7pm phone meeting
1-267-807-9495
PIN is 950897.
Well, we reconvened after the summer holiday and forgot we already did this tradition! We did have a great conversation, so I removed the beginning where we review the literature and included just our musings and reflections.
Tradition Eight: "Alcoholics Anonymous should remain forever non-professional, but our service centers may employ special workers."
AA Tradition Eight
Tradition Eight Speaker
AA Traditions Illustrated Pamphlet
This podcast is for my friend. I tell the story of how I realized I was angry at a God I didn't even believe in and my process of healing from that.
Me waxing philosophical about Step 1. Also, the sound quality in the beginning is very poor and I'm not sure why.
Anne Lamott is another 12 Step recovery hero. She is a recovered alcoholic/ bulimic and her BFF is Father Tom. This podcast is an excerpt from her book "Plan B: Further Thoughts on Faith".
Here is a link to one of her early AA recovery talks.
I had a beautiful experience discussing with Jess her real-time experience in Step One. Thank you Jess for sharing your heart and baring your soul for us. I hope this is the beginning of many conversations.
I was invited to pitch at a zoom meeting in Jolly Ol' England! Thank you, OA Leeds!
Mondays, 11am Zoom ID: 317 2495 555 PW: oaleeds
Thank you, Stacy, for sharing with me Glennon Doyle's We Can Do Hard Things podcast episode with Liz Gilbert. Liz shares many things in these 2 episodes (listen to both!), including her journey into 12 Step. This is an excerpt of her expressing her journey in Step 2 and her Step 3 ritual.
Links to the whole podcast episode (part 1) are here:
Apple Podcast
Spotify
Audacity
Links to the various resources we mention are listed in part 1: https://recoverycrone.podbean.com/e/recovery-is-possible-healing-trauma-related-illness-part-1/
Links to the various resources we mention are listed in part 1: https://recoverycrone.podbean.com/e/recovery-is-possible-healing-trauma-related-illness-part-1/
Links to the various resources we mention are listed in part 1: https://recoverycrone.podbean.com/e/recovery-is-possible-healing-trauma-related-illness-part-1/
I don't know how to describe the incredible experience of this conversation between Stacy, Stephanie and myself. I can only pray that you will listen to all 4 parts and share in the laughter, tears, joy and hope that we shared during this very rich conversation.
Resources:
Christine Northrup - Adrenal Fatigue Handout: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B249DzLjDDB8SGJ5SkJ1SlFlb3M/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-ht-bGwqpAJC2t7T_WbPpiA
Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome: https://www.amazon.com/Adrenal-Fatigue-Century-Stress-Syndrome/dp/1890572152
Soul Retrieval: Mending the Fragmented Self: https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Retrieval-Mending-Fragmented-Self/dp/0061227862
How to Make Disease Disappear: https://www.amazon.com/How-to-Make-Disease-Disappear-audiobook/dp/B07BYD5R18
Adverse Childhood Experiences: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/03/02/387007941/take-the-ace-quiz-and-learn-what-it-does-and-doesnt-mean
EMDR Resourcing Explained: https://www.phoenixtraumacenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/EMDR-Resourcing-Explained.pdf
Jill Bolte Taylor: Stroke of Insight: https://www.ted.com/talks/jill_bolte_taylor_my_stroke_of_insight
How to Change Your Mind: https://michaelpollan.com/books/how-to-change-your-mind/
Psilocybin Treatment for Major Depression: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/newsroom/news-releases/psilocybin-treatment-for-major-depression-effective-for-up-to-a-year-for-most-patients-study-shows
Ketamine Treatments: https://evolvehealthpdx.com/ketamine-treatment/
National Institute of Health: Retraining the Brain: https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/retraining-brain-treat-chronic-pain
Dynamic Neural Retraining System: https://retrainingthebrain.com
Kimberley Wilson: Whole Body Mental Health: https://onbeing.org/programs/kimberley-wilson-whole-body-mental-health/
Long Covid Full Recovery Story: https://youtu.be/voONVxSx84s
Long Covid Sheds Light on Other Illnesses: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2022/02/28/1083458296/long-covid-autoimmune-meghan-orourke-invisible-kingdom
Neil found the part in the 12&12 he was looking for:
Step Five in the AA 12&12
P.57 – middle of the page
Isolation – the mysterious barrier that we could neither surmount nor understand
The paragraph before the bottom of the page
A bit further down - “…while we weren’t alone in a social sense, we still suffered many of the old pangs of anxious apartness”
Oregon Intergroup does a monthly newcomer meeting. Long pitch (40 minutes) with a lot of colorful language.
Great discussion on Tradition Seven: "Alcoholics Anonymous should remain forever non-professional, but our service centers may employ special workers."
AA Tradition Eight
Tradition Eight Speaker
AA Traditions Illustrated Pamphlet
This talk is from session 3 of "Choosing to Be A Caregiver" Al-Anon workshop. You can download all of Fr Terry's talks here.
In exploring Step Two, Stephanie and I talk about our positive and negative experiences growing up and learning about God.
Very excited for you to meet my friend, Kirstin. Kirstin lives in the north of England, has been in fellowship for 11 years, and is diagnosed with lipedema (links below). In this part 1, we learn a bit about her journey and her diagnosis. Then she and I get to wax philosophical towards the end--which is our favorite pastime together.
What is Lipedema?
A Lipedema Foundation recommended nutrition guide book.
Dr Paul is the author of the story "Acceptance is the Answer" in the Big Book of AA. Here is a link to his 1998 Talk in Playa Blanca, Mexico.
Dr Paul wrote "Acceptance is the Answer" in the AA Big Book. Here is a link to the full talk.
My recovery wife and I pontificate about our love for OA retreats. For those in Region 1 area, here is a link to their website events page.
Read “Working with Others” in BB. Listen to Father Tom’s “Learning to Live with Crazy People”, available in my Recovery G Drive, folder Fr Tom Talks.
Link to St Francis Prayer aka Step 11 Prayer.
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Read page 85, last paragraph to page 88 in BB, Step Eleven in AA 12x12, OA 12x12 and Woman’s Way.
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Write out each line of the Prayer of St Francis/Eleventh Step Prayer and put into own words. Note: you will read the prayer in the original form, but it helps to have the meaning of each line personalized for your definition of HP.
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Three weeks of St Francis prayer in the original (must start over if you miss a day).
One of my sponsees was having "long term covid effects", one of which was incredible fatigue. This is an excerpt from a voice memo that I sent about my experience after I collapsed from exhaustion in 2006.
Absolutely my favorite Fr Tom speaker pitch from 1992. You can listen to the whole recording here.
Absolutely my favorite Fr Tom speaker pitch from 1992. You can listen to the whole recording here.
Absolutely my favorite Fr Tom speaker pitch from 1992. You can listen to the whole recording here.
This is one of my favorite Fr Terry talks from 1985. For this podcast, I cut out his drunk-a-log, so it starts with him finally going to AA. You can find his full talk here.
I talk with my "Recovery Wife" about the difference between diets and food plans. We also go into OUR experience as COE who need a weighed and measured food plan. Here is a link to my food plan pamphlet 'Dignity of Choice 1st Ed"
ps. I keep saying "prologue" when I mean "epilogue". My recovery is not re-recording or editing this. Go me.
pps. I also forgot to say that if Stephanie or I want to lose weight faster, we will increase our activity, not lower our calorie intake.
I was the speaker at my Friday Night meeting and recorded my share. Hopefully, it gives you something to reflect on.
Fr Terry's concise explanation of step one in Alanon.
Link to session one recording.
Link to whole workshop recording.
I had a great talk with my BFF Krista about her recovery with a "dual diagnosis". I hope you enjoy it and I look forward to speaking with her again.
PS. This conversation was recorded in my living room, so the sound quality is different.
This episode is a voice memo I sent to an old and deeply loved sponsee. We both have conservative family members and she asked for my experience, strength, and hope on how to navigate my Al-Anon program around it.
She and I both love Byron Katie, so we had a short hand, which may not translate. If you haven't read her, I highly recommend reading Loving What Is and doing "The Work - Judge Your Neighbor Worksheet". Here is a link to her website.
Today I talk with Angela about recovery, particularly being in a larger size body, perfectionism in the rooms, the messiness of recovery, and developing real friendships. Thank you, Angela, I look forward to our next episode!
Great discussion on Tradition Seven: "Every A.A. group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions."
AA Tradition Seven
Tradition Seven Speaker
AA Traditions Illustrated Pamphlet
Great discussion with friends on Tradition Six: "Our groups ought never endorse, finance or lend our name to any related facility or outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property, and prestige divert us from our primary purpose."
Tradition Six Speaker
AA Traditions Illustrated Pamphlet
AA Tradition Six
This is a recording from our Twin Rocks retreat from March 2021. This workshop is almost 3 hours, so lots of gems to absorb.
Thank you, Stacy for your recovery and your service!!
Karen, 61, and I, 52, talk about aging in recovery and how our programs help us with body acceptance.
SATURDAY 10:00 AM
Freedom From Compulsive Overeating Meeting ID: 956 1697 4808 Passcode: 890393
Great discussion with friends on Tradition Five: "Each group has but one primary purpose--to carry its message to the ______ who still suffers..."
Tradition Five Speaker
AA Traditions Illustrated Pamphlet
AA Tradition Five
Denise shares her amazing recovery story and we both talk about getting older as women with eating disorders
Meagan and I both love this meeting. She did a great job speaking:
OA Women’s Monday-Friday 2:00-3:00pm PST (5pm EST, 10pm GMT) 262 342 4322
PW: fellowship
Great discussion with friends on Tradition Four: Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or _____ as a whole.
Tradition Four Speaker
AA Traditions Illustrated Pamphlet
AA Tradition Four
Just a chat about loving myself and taking care of myself through a space-time continuum. Like ya do.
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Read page 84, third paragraph to Page 85, third paragraph in BB, Step Ten in AA 12x12, OA 12x12 and Woman’s Way.
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Do a tenth step inventory every day for thirty days (have to start over if you miss a day).
Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous
12x12 of AA
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Read page 79, third paragraph to page 84, second paragraph. Write letters to those two people and include:
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- Why you are writing the letter (trying to live a spiritual life/in recovery/reviewing the events of my past)
- What was the behavior (here’s what I did)?
- Corrective action (since then I’ve… and I plan on…)
- Allow them to respond: were there other harms you feel I committed?
29. Commitment to living amends: from your inventory, with the help of your sponsor, make a list of your living amends and the safe action steps you intend to make.
Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous
12x12 of AA
Struggling today, so I thought doing an episode would help me feel better. It did.
ps. I don't think I'm very clear on this one and I keep repeating myself. Still, hopefully it's of service in some way.
Great discussion with friends on Tradition Three: The only requirement for AA/OA membership is a desire to stop drinking/compulsive eating or compulsive food behaviors.
Speaker talk on Tradition Three
The Twelve Traditions Illustrated
AA Tradition Three
My last Shame Study Workshop. I am retiring from this topic.
Link to worksheets:
tinyurl.com/NLS12Step
Great discussion with friends on Tradition Two: For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority — a loving God as [God] may express [Herself] in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.
Speaker talk on Tradition Two
The Twelve Traditions Illustrated
https://www.aa.org/sites/default/files/2021-11/en_tradition2.pdf
Great discussion with friends on the birth of the traditions and tradition one: Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon AA/OA unity.
Speaker talk on tradition one.
Long form of the Traditions
AA Tradition One
26. Read Tara Brach’s article on forgiveness. Listen to Sheila J workshop on Love & Forgiveness Part 1 and Part 2.
27. Read page 83, fourth paragraph to page 84, second paragraph in BB and Step Nine in AA, OA, Women’s Way 12x12. Pick 2 people from willing list with least emotional charge.
Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous
12x12 of AA
Read page 76, third paragraph to page 83, third paragraph in BB, Step Eight in AA 12x12, OA 12x12 and Woman’s Way. Make a list of all those harmed; divide into three columns: 1) willing, 2) not yet willing, but can imagine it, 3) no fucking way.
Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous
12x12 of AA
I recorded this for myself, so I can listen to each chapter when I need it. I figured some one else might appreciate hearing the chapters read. My disclaimer is that I'm not a professional and sometimes trip over my words. FYI
I recorded this for myself, so I can listen to each chapter when I need it. I figured some one else might appreciate hearing the chapters read. My disclaimer is that I'm not a professional and sometimes trip over my words. FYI
I recorded this for myself, so I can listen to each chapter when I need it. I figured some one else might appreciate hearing the chapters read. My disclaimer is that I'm not a professional and sometimes trip over my words. FYI
Read page 76, second paragraph in BB, and Step Seven in AA 12x12, OA 12x12 and Woman’s Way. Three weeks of Seventh Step listing defects (have to start over if you miss a day).
Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous
12x12 of AA
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Read page 76, first paragraph in BB, Step Six in AA 12x12, OA 12x12 and Woman’s Way. Create list of character defects/defenses from inventory. Are there any defects/defenses to add to the list? Write on each defect/defense answering the following:
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- How does this character defect/defense serve me?
- What am I afraid will happen if this character defect/defense is removed?
- What would I have instead?
- Are there any feelings or attitudes you have left that might interfere with becoming “entirely” ready? What can you do to let go of these feelings and attitudes
23. [Optional: Simplify your list of fears and follow these instructions for each fear, e.g., “How is this fear serving me?”]
Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous
12x12 of AA
I spoke this morning and talked about step one, getting older, and dealing with chronic illess.
- Then sponsee to do as instructed in the BB on page 75, last paragraph.
Link to AA Big Book online
Please check out the OA Rise website at OARise.org :
"OA-RISE (#88993) is an officially recognized meeting of the Overeaters Anonymous 12 step program. Our mission is to provide inspiring speaker meetings of depth and authenticity while supporting World Service through financial contributions. We offer 3-hour OA speaker meetings on the first and third Sundays of each month from 1pm-4pm (Pacific Time). We aim to bring the voice and stories of non-circuit speakers into focus, encouraging our own growth as we spread hope through our stories of experience with other compulsive eaters."
Please check out the OA Rise website at OARise.org :
"OA-RISE (#88993) is an officially recognized meeting of the Overeaters Anonymous 12 step program. Our mission is to provide inspiring speaker meetings of depth and authenticity while supporting World Service through financial contributions. We offer 3-hour OA speaker meetings on the first and third Sundays of each month from 1pm-4pm (Pacific Time). We aim to bring the voice and stories of non-circuit speakers into focus, encouraging our own growth as we spread hope through our stories of experience with other compulsive eaters."
Please check out the OA Rise website at OARise.org :
"OA-RISE (#88993) is an officially recognized meeting of the Overeaters Anonymous 12 step program. Our mission is to provide inspiring speaker meetings of depth and authenticity while supporting World Service through financial contributions. We offer 3-hour OA speaker meetings on the first and third Sundays of each month from 1pm-4pm (Pacific Time). We aim to bring the voice and stories of non-circuit speakers into focus, encouraging our own growth as we spread hope through our stories of experience with other compulsive eaters."
The final part of this Step 5 series. Hopefully, you will hear enough experience, strength and hope to know that (a) it's worth it and (b) you're not doing it "wrong".
This is part 2 of a 3 part series. I interview Meagan about the 5th step. Also, I have a prior podcast from the day she finished her 5th step. Click here to listen.
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Read page 72 to Page 75, third paragraph in BB, Step Five in AA 12x12, OA 12x12 and Woman’s Way. Sponsee to make appointment at safe space to share inventory.
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Review Step Five with sponsee to go over any questions/missing information.
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Then sponsee to do as instructed in the BB on page 75, last paragraph.
The fourth step, in conclusion....
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Read page 83-84 in BB (The Promises). Finish all four columns. Use this document to help you.
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Do Shame Inventory. I've already recorded a podcast on this, which you can find here.
Here is the 3rd and final session from this awesome retreat. I talk about how I used the tools to get out of relapse and how I continue to use them everyday.
Here is a talk on my major relapse, what I learned from it, and how I was released from it.
Another shame study! Fortunately, there's variation on each one of these, so it's still worth a listen. Also, this is not the best recording quality and the beginning didn't get recorded. Oh, well!
tinyurl.com/NLS12Step
I had a great conversation with Tim and Neil about their experience coming into OA. Our conversation went to many interesting places and I think you'll appreciate our wandering minds!
I had a wonderful conversation with my friend Tim. We talked about the usual things, including being a man in OA and his evolving relationships with other men.
I asked Meagan, Tom and Stephanie to describe their process of completing the fourth step.
I give an introduction and then ask Stacy how she went about completing her fourth step.
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Make appointment in safe space to listen to anger inventory.
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Read page 63, last paragraph to page 71 in BB and Step Four in OA 12x12. Finish all four worksheets.
Here is a link to the worksheets. And here is a link to the resentment character defects checklist.
I ask Alan (30 years in OA) and Tom (5 years in OA) about coming into the rooms as the minority male and what that experience was, and still is, like for them. We had a great conversation and they agreed to come back again!
Stacy, Meagan and I talk about our anxiety/PTSD. We try to focus on what it was like growing up with anxiety; what it was like coming into recovery with anxiety; and the tools we use today to stay grounded and out of an anxious mode.
I was asked by a friend to be the speaker at an Anorexia and Bulimia phone meeting. Here is the meeting info:
Meeting #: 55514 Meeting phone #: 515-604-9094 Pin # or instructions: 950897#
Special focus: Anorexia/Bulimia Additional notes: *6 to mute and unmute. “Many Symptoms, One Solution” Wk1: Step of the Month (OA 12&12); Wk2: Guest Speaker; Wk3: 2nd or 3rd Edition of OA (OA – AB Stories Only); Wk4: Stories from “OA Members Come In Many Sizes” & Wk5: OA Meditations.
This is a special message of love to my beloved tribe during this intense time of the Covid-19 pandemic.
My opening session at Oregon Intergroup Serenity Retreat at Twin Rocks 2020 where I talk about the need for Two Powers. And, yes, I'm repeating myself. But that's what it's going to be like on this podcast because that's what it's like in recovery: hearing the same things over and over but in slightly different ways until you're beaten into a state of reasonableness. Enjoy!
Stacy, Meagan and I talk about living with depression and share our experience, strength and hope! Good times... Good times...
Read Step Four in AA 12x12 and Woman’s Way. Write out your anger of everything and everyone. This will become your resentment list.
You can use this Resentment Inventory Worksheet, but ONLY fill out the first two columns. You will finish the other columns after you've had the chance to tell your anger story.
(Please note that I will not be doing another podcast on this assignment, which I said I would do in this podcast.)
This is the afternoon session of the Seattle Winter Retreat 2020. This is the first time I did a presentation on shame. I'm looking forward to doing it again and getting better at it.
You can find instructions to the Shame Inventory here.
Super excited to post another "Nicole & Stacy Have a Conversation" podcast. Together we nerd out on recovery, depression and self care, beauty as power, beauty and oppression, the price of beauty, being the pretty girl, mean girls, and, as always, aging! Thank you for listening xoxo
This is the morning session of the Seattle Winter Retreat 2020. It was an honor and a privilege to be the guest presenter. All the handouts are available here
Appointment at spiritual place of sponsee’s choice. Sponsee to read aloud from BB, changing third person pronouns/proper nouns to first person pronoun starting at page 60 through the end of the Third Step Prayer.
Click here for a rewrite of pages 60-63
This is a somewhat popular inspirational story, but the chemical process of emerging butterfly is true! A special shout out to Ellen who loved watching me tell her this story back in the day!
After I recorded myself, I found this quote and turns out it is from one of his plays. Even though the context is wrong, I'm uploading this anyway because how I tell it is how I thought of this quote for over 20 years.
Here's the original: http://www.elise.com/quotes/arthur_miller_-_take_ones_life_in_ones_arms
And we're back! Stacy and I continue our conversation about getting older. The focus is on me reflecting on my 40s as I am about to turn 50. Topics covered include midlife crisis, sexualizing the body, body image dysmorphia, feeling unsafe in a sexualized body, losing the male gaze, not wanting to be a cougar, badass older women, and more. Enjoy!
This is my opinion about the kids' books and movies that we should watch to aid our recovery, particularly for ACoA. I want to reiterate that the first two are AUDIOBOOKS (don't watch the movies) and the last three are Pixar animation movies.
Click for Hothead Paisan
Read Step Three in OA 12x12, AA 12x12 and Woman’s Way. Write out Third Step prayer and after each line, explain it in a way that resonates for you.
Click for 3rd Step Prayer
I'm enjoying including my sponsees on my podcast. Another sponsee, Meagan, finished her 5th step the same day Stacy and I recorded ourselves. I asked Meagan if we could record our conversation for our tribe and she was gracious enough to agree! I do a brief introduction before that recording. Enjoy!
Click for 4th Step Worksheets
www.tinyurl.com/NLS12Step
OASerenityService@gmail.com
Stacy, a beloved sponsee, and I get together to talk about body image dysmorphia, anorexia, pregnancies, and growing older. This is part 1 focusing on Stacy's story and her recent 41st birthday.
www.tinyurl.com/NLS12Step OASerenityService@gmail.com
Click for Healing the Shame That Binds You by John Bradshaw
Click for I Thought It Was Just Me by Brene Brown
Click here for my audio files of Brene Brown
www.tinyurl.com/NLS12Step OASerenityService@gmail.com
Click here for Pema Chodron reading
You can find the AA 12x12 here: https://www.aa.org/pages/en_US/twelve-steps-and-twelve-traditions
First, I recite my morning prayers and then I explain how I got here.
Third Step is on page 63 of BB: https://www.aa.org/assets/en_US/en_bigbook_chapt5.pdf
Charge of the Goddess: http://www.45worlds.com/i/139f140651e2e167408
Three Little Birds: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBeNx5qiTL8
www.tinyurl.com/NLS12Step OASerenityService@gmail.com
Once upon a time I asked my fellowship to send me poems that connected to their recovery journey. Here is the first of more to come!
Click here for poem
You can find the AA 12x12 here: https://www.aa.org/pages/en_US/twelve-steps-and-twelve-traditions
Click here for Women's Way Step Two
This is the first assignment for Step 2.
You can find the AA Big Book here: https://www.aa.org/pages/en_US/alcoholics-anonymous
Born and raised on The Fear Team, I now live on and for The Love Team. Very grateful.
Click Here for The Love Team logo!
www.tinyurl.com/NLS12Step OASerenityService@gmail.com
Here is a link to my "Life Compass" that includes images of the Queen of Compassion, the Queen of Judgment, and the Shame Hag.
Click here for Life Compass
www.tinyurl.com/NLS12Step OASerenityService@gmail.com
My sponsees call me the "Queen of Analogies". I have several and I have told these stories so many times over the last 20+ years. I'm so glad I can now send a link to this podcast!
www.tinyurl.com/NLS12Step OASerenityService@gmail.com
I lead a workshop on Steps Six and Seven during the OA Region 1 Convention held in Portland, OR. It was a wonderful convention and all the talks will be available on the website.
www.tinyurl.com/NLS12Step OASerenityService@gmail.com
This is from the first night of leading a Big Book Workshop. I was sharing the story of AA and how it relates to OA and to my personal journey of recovery.
www.tinyurl.com/NLS12Step OASerenityService@gmail.com
AA 12 x12 found here: https://www.aa.org/pages/en_US/twelve-steps-and-twelve-traditions
AA Big Book: https://www.aa.org/pages/en_US/alcoholics-anonymous
Shame booklet found here: HTTPS://TINYURL.COM/NLS12STEP
My recovery drive: HTTPS://TINYURL.COM/NLS12STEP
AA Big Book online: https://www.aa.org/pages/en_US/alcoholics-anonymous
This is me waxing philosophical about the power of the fellowship and why you need to create your own God Squads and intimate connections with your fellows.
To clarify names, Julie P is my sponsor. Vikki A was my previous sponsor. Betty Mae and Pop are my best friend's parents, who took me under their wings. Selah is my therapist who didn't charge me while I was unemployed for almost 3 years.
www.tinyurl.com/NLS12Step OASerenityService@gmail.com
Here is my introduction to my homework assignments as well as the first assignment. I state what the assignment is and then I share my experience around it.
You can find the article I reference on my recovery drive: HTTPS://TINYURL.COM/NLS12STEP
My job is to carry light into dark places.
www.tinyurl.com/NLS12Step OASerenityService@gmail.com