Hey friend — glad you showed up. This episode of "A Shot Glass of Recovery" is me walking you through a no-nonsense, warm workshop on the Big Book and the 12 Steps: step-by-step, page-by-page, and exactly how a sponsor can guide you from desperation into daily sobriety. We even do it with a little humor (Mabel the dog makes an appearance and praise be to God miracles do happen and she does NOT bark during the entire 2.5 hour recording!) and a whole lot of heart.

I thought about making this episode a subscriber only episode to help fund the production cost of the show, however I want the hand off recovery to be available to all without barriers. So if you can contribute financially to support the show for those that can't afford to help us out, please hit that paypal link further down in the notes.

We start with the serenity prayer, clear the air, and dive straight into the essentials: why the Big Book says we’re "recovered," what it really means to admit powerlessness (Step 1), and how the log list and loser list become your roadmap out of the mess. I break the lists down so they’re usable — not overwhelming — and explain how sharing those pages with another alcoholic sparks identification and hope.

From there we move through Steps 2–7: the idea of a power greater than yourself (that water the fish never noticed), the decision to turn your will over, the hard-but-healing Fourth Step inventory, and the relief that comes when you bring those truths into a Fifth Step with another person. It’s honest, practical, and a little funny when I tell you about the dog that walks on water.

Steps 8–11 are all about fixing the past and building a new daily life: making amends, repairing relationships, continuing inventories, and learning to pray and meditate so your conscious contact with God (however you define that) guides your thinking. I give real, doable tips — how to approach people, when to get counsel, and why restitution is about changed behavior more than dramatic apologies.

Step 12 is the payoff: carrying the message. We talk about the starfish story — you can’t save everyone, but you can make a difference to the one in front of you — and why helping others is the best insurance against relapse. This episode is full of Big Book quotes, concrete exercises (columns for resentments, fears, harms), and encouragement to get a sponsor who has what you want.

If you want quick, practical step work and a compassionate guide to the Big Book — plus downloadable handouts and show notes with links like www.bigbooksponsorship.org — this episode is for you. Bring a notebook, be honest with yourself, and know you can do this: sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly, but always with real tools and people who understand.

Want the worksheets and readings I mentioned? Check the show notes — they’re in the chat and the episode page. Thanks for being here; let’s keep putting one step in front of the other.

A Shot Glass of Recovery

If you love the show and are able to contribute, I hope you consider dropping a 1$, 5, 10 or 25 in the virtual pay pay basket at paypal.me/AShotGlassofRecovery .  Any amount will help  to fund this project and continue to bring you great speakers, the Big Book Study, Literature studies on recovery, workshops and Lisa shots that contain a wildcard of variety.

You can also support the show by liking, subscribing, and following it on your favourite platforms. Leave a 5 star review while you're there! There is nothing I love more than your engagement so please email me at [email protected] and let me know how this show has contributed to your unique journey in recovery. I can also forward the prayer cards of St. Francis to you. 

Let me know if I can celebrate a milestone with you and give you a shout out. Would you like to be a guest? Drop me a line by email.

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Link to the readings in todays Episode

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1qsOJjt9yebU05SBzqKEVlZH4A4HDDxRV?usp=sharing

Hey friend—today we’re sitting with line four of the Prayer of St. Francis: “where there is discord, I may bring harmony,” and practicing how to live it in real time.

We start in the morning with gentle prompts to spot discord before it grows: Where am I in disagreement? Are my plans aligned with others? What motives are driving me? I’ll invite you into two‑way prayer—grab your notebook, breathe, and write whatever you hear from that still, quiet inner voice of God.

Then we lean into harmony as a solution: choosing to be agreeable, keeping unsolicited opinions to ourselves, and remembering that everyone (me included) has the right to be wrong. You’ll hear how to use STAR—Stop, Think, Ask (take it to God)—so you can respond instead of react.

Toward the end, there’s a 10‑minute music meditation you can use anytime. Sit in silence, focus on your breath, and jot down what comes. If you’re listening on the go, circle back tonight and make space to sit with it.

In the evening, we’ll review the day with simple, honest questions: Was I harmonious in my actions? Did I force my opinion? Did I give others (and myself) the right to be wrong? Did I pause, pray, and proceed? If you answered yes to items 1, 2, 3, or 10 on your nightly checklist, consider reaching out to your sponsor and noting any actions in your 11th‑step notebook.

When discord pops up—whether in others or in me—we’ll pray for God’s will, mercy, and blessings for them and for ourselves. Thy will, not mine, be done.

Listen wherever you are, bring your notebook, and let’s practice harmony together—one small shot glass of recovery at a time. Tomorrow we’ll step into line five: error versus truth.

A Shot Glass of Recovery

If you love the show and are able to contribute, I hope you consider dropping a 1$, 5, 10 or 25 in the virtual pay pay basket at paypal.me/AShotGlassofRecovery .  Any amount will help  to fund this project and continue to bring you great speakers, the Big Book Study, Literature studies on recovery, workshops and Lisa shots that contain a wildcard of variety.

You can also support the show by liking, subscribing, and following it on your favourite platforms. Leave a 5 star review while you're there! There is nothing I love more than your engagement so please email me at [email protected] and let me know how this show has contributed to your unique journey in recovery. I can also forward the prayer cards of St. Francis to you. 

Let me know if I can celebrate a milestone with you and give you a shout out. Would you like to be a guest? Drop me a line by email.

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Hey friend, welcome back to A Shot Glass of Recovery, hosted by yours truly, Lisa M. Today, we’re diving into the elusive yet incredibly transformative Step 10 Promises. We often chat about those Step 9 Promises, right? But do we really give Step 10 the love it deserves? Buckle up as we explore how life takes a miraculous turn once we hit this pivotal step in our recovery journey.

You know the drill on inventory – spot-checking our day, pausing to make amends, and staying emotionally fit. But did you know Step 10 offers incredible promises that can truly change your life? Yep, right there on pages 84 and 85 of the A.A. Big Book. From ceasing to fight anything (even alcohol!) to realizing absolute neutrality and finding yourself in safe waters – these promises aren’t just words. They are the bedrock of your newfound freedom.

The magic doesn’t stop there. Imagine not needing to avoid temptation or declare any grand statements about quitting alcohol. Sounds liberating, right? We’re talking miraculous changes happening almost automatically as you stay spiritually fit. I’ve numbered and shared all 16 promises that draw you into a position of safety and protection. Doesn’t that sound like a piece of paradise?

Hey, if you want a copy of this Step 10 Promises list, or have ideas or milestones to share, shoot me an email at [email protected]. Conversely you can try to download the google doc here Step 10 list of promises  Your stories make this community thrive, and who knows, maybe your idea will inspire our next episode! Oh, and if you're feeling generous, any contributions are always appreciated via PayPal to keep this party going. Thanks for being part of our recovery story!

A Shot Glass of Recovery

If you love the show and are able to contribute, I hope you consider dropping a 1$, 5, 10 or 25 in the virtual pay pay basket at paypal.me/AShotGlassofRecovery .  Any amount will help  to fund this project and continue to bring you great speakers, the Big Book Study, Literature studies on recovery, workshops and Lisa shots that contain a wildcard of variety.

You can also support the show by liking, subscribing, and following it on your favourite platforms. Leave a 5 star review while you're there! There is nothing I love more than your engagement so please email me at [email protected] and let me know how this show has contributed to your unique journey in recovery. Let me know if I can celebrate a milestone with you and give you a shout out. Would you like to be a guest? Drop me a line by email.

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Hey there, and welcome to another episode of A Shot Glass of Recovery! I’m your host, Lisa M., and I’m delighted to have you join me on this journey towards a more serene and fulfilling life. Special shout out to my home group, AA Solution Seekers, and if you're curious, you can find our meeting ID online or at the Toronto intergroup. Like many in the program, we're here every day, same time, same place, all working towards the same goal: recovery.

Today, we're diving deep into Step Three of the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions. We’re picking it up from page 40 of the 12 and 12, chatting about the intricate nuances of letting go and letting God take the wheel. Step Three is all about aligning our will with a higher power, something that can be challenging but oh-so-rewarding. We share experiences, insights, and what we’ve each underlined or highlighted in our own Big Books, offering a roadmap for others who are also navigating this part of their recovery journey. My wife had shared with me her experiences and we talked about what it means to truly have willingness and the right use of willpower in our lives.

We’ve all been there – the early days of sobriety where everything feels so much more acute and raw. But don't worry, we've got your back. Today's discussion also highlights the importance of connections. Remember, having a handful of numbers to dial when things get tough can make all the difference. You never have to face challenges alone. We’re in this together, cheering each other on, day in and day out.

If you're working on Step Four, too, you're not alone! We’re here, bravely talking about what it's like to be honest with ourselves, to dissect those natural instincts we all have, and how they sometimes run amok. It’s all about understanding the parts of us that need attention and growth, and supporting one another as we work through that.

So grab your copies of the Big Book and 12 and 12, earmark those pages, and let's dive into meaningful conversations. It’s all part of the plan to create a life of contentment and purpose. Thanks for being a part of this community, and remember, progress—not perfection—is what we're here for. Until next time, keep reaching for those anchors of support, and here’s to your continued journey in recovery.

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A Shot Glass of Recovery

If you love the show and are able to contribute, I hope you consider dropping a 1$, 5, 10 or 25 in the virtual pay pay basket at paypal.me/AShotGlassofRecovery .  Any amount will help  to fund this project and continue to bring you great speakers, the Big Book Study, Literature studies on recovery, workshops and Lisa shots that contain a wildcard of variety.

You can also support the show by liking, subscribing, and following it on your favourite platforms. Leave a 5 star review while you're there! There is nothing I love more than your engagement so please email me at [email protected] and let me know how this show has contributed to your unique journey in recovery. Let me know if I can celebrate a milestone with you and give you a shout out. Would you like to be a guest? Drop me a line by email.

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Hey there, fellow seeker! Today, we’re diving deep into a heart-rending and ultimately uplifting story of transformation and hope. In this episode of 'A Shot Glass of Recovery', we are honored to have Izzy from the UK’s Rotswood Worcester Group share her incredible journey. Izzy's tale is one of growing up in a tumultuous household, grappling with the chaos of a violent family dynamic, and her struggle with alcoholism. Yet, through the haze of despair, she emerges to tell a tale of faith regained and a life reimagined.

Izzy takes us back to her early years, painting a vivid picture of a childhood marked by fear, shame, and a desperate search for escape, first finding solace in alcohol and then in the warm embrace of the AA fellowship. As she recounts the pivotal moments in her recovery, you’ll be moved by her honesty and inspired by her resilience. Her journey is filled with God's whispers and miraculous encounters that reignite her faith and reshape her understanding of life and love.

This isn't just Izzy's story; it's a testament to the power of community, the importance of faith, and the possibility of profound personal change. From tales of youthful rebellion, tragic family events, and the seductive pull of addiction, Izzy opens up about her recovery path, finding peace in sobriety, and embracing life’s unpredictability with open arms. So, grab your favorite drink (non-alcoholic, of course!), settle in, and prepare to be inspired.

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A Shot Glass of Recovery

Welcome back to A Shot Glass of Recovery! Whether you're a first-time listener to A Shot Glass of Recovery or a loyal member from my 2 Sober Chicks days, I’m glad you’re here. 🌟

If you love the show, I’m asking for your support. Drop a 1$, 5, 10 or 25 in the virtual pay pay basket at paypal.me/AShotGlassofRecovery .  Any amount will help me afford to fund this project and continue to bring you great speakers, the Big Book Study, Literature studies on recovery, workshops and Lisa shots that contain a wildcard of variety.

You can also support the show by liking, subscribing, and following it on your favourite platforms. Leave a 5 star review while you're there! There is nothing I love more than your engagement so please email me at [email protected] and let me know how this show has contributed to your unique journey in recovery. Let me know if I can celebrate a milestone with you and give you a shout out. Would you like to be a guest? Drop me a line by email.

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Hello, my dear friends! It's Lisa here, welcoming you to another heartwarming session of A Shot Glass of Recovery. Thanks for tuning in today, especially because we're diving into something near and dear to my heart. I'm thrilled to engage in a "Lisa pontification" as we explore profound readings from 24 Hours a Day and reflect upon pivotal moments in the path of recovery.

Whether you’re taking your furry friend for a walk, cruising down the highway, or simply navigating the challenges of staying sober, I'm so glad to have this moment with you. Let’s take a reflective journey together, breaking down those transformative initial steps where admitting powerlessness allows light to enter where darkness often resides.

Today’s nugget from AA reading invites us to let go and embrace God’s plans in our lives, a concept that made me smile and nod in agreement. It’s all about surrendering the reins and shifting our focus from self-will to embracing the divine plan. As I share these insights, remember, we're all in this together, dancing through steps and moments of spiritual awakening, one day at a time.

Using the toolkit provided by the AA community proves that we don't have to reinvent the wheel. It's about evidence and trust built through shared experiences, shared stories, and common souls searching for peace. Allow yourself to consider the 'what if' of possibility rather than being trapped in the 'what if' of fear. Be witness to lives altered, evils banished, and grace realized.

And here's my nugget of wisdom from wise mentors who've accompanied me on this journey: learning to let go and let God – a simple yet profound mantra that shifts the essence of sobriety and life. Trust me, it’s worth pondering. May these words, stories, and shared experiences guide you as you navigate the winding roads of recovery, finding serenity in the unexpected and hope in each shared moment.

Your presence here is a gift, and remember, my friends, every little action matters as we walk together in this journey. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being part of A Shot Glass of Recovery. If you feel so moved to help with some platform costs, I’m grateful for your support, but remember, it’s your company that truly counts. Stay blessed, and until next time, sip on that shot of recovery with grateful hearts.

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A Shot Glass of Recovery

Welcome back to A Shot Glass of Recovery! Whether you're a first-time listener to A Shot Glass of Recovery or a loyal member from my 2 Sober Chicks days, I’m glad you’re here. 🌟

If you love the show, I’m asking for your support. Drop a 1$, 5, 10 or 25 in the virtual pay pay basket at paypal.me/AShotGlassofRecovery .  Any amount will help me afford to fund this project and continue to bring you great speakers, the Big Book Study, Literature studies on recovery, workshops and Lisa shots that contain a wildcard of variety.

You can also support the show by liking, subscribing, and following it on your favourite platforms. Leave a 5 star review while you're there! There is nothing I love more than your engagement so please email me at [email protected] and let me know how this show has contributed to your unique journey in recovery. Let me know if I can celebrate a milestone with you and give you a shout out. Would you like to be a guest? Drop me a line by email.

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Hey there, my dear friend! Welcome back to another episode of "A Shot Glass of Recovery" with your host, Lisa M. It's great to have you stop by! Today, we're diving into the powerful, yet often complicated, Step 3 of the 12-step AA program. This step is all about learning to let go of your self-will and embracing something greater—whether you call it God, a higher power, or even just good ol' HP, like the cool kids do. It's when we start turning over the reins to a higher power that the magic really starts happening.

We've all struggled with overcomplicating things, thinking we have to solve everything ourselves or feeling frustrated when things don't go our way. But learning to lean on a higher power doesn't mean giving up or becoming a "non-entity." Rather, it's about freeing up space in our lives for serenity, acceptance, and real change.

In this session, Lisa is here to remind us of the beauty of starting small. Even the tiniest bit of faith and willingness can help open the door to a new way of living. Step 3 may seem daunting at first, especially if you're used to having everything under control. But the truth is, all it takes is the willingness to try, to practice, and to keep that door just a crack open. You never know what peace and independence await on the other side.

We also hear from some amazing fellow AA members who share their own struggles and triumphs on this journey. It's an encouraging reminder that we're not alone in this battle. Listen in, laugh a little, and maybe even shed a tear, as we learn to turn over our self-will in exchange for something a little more divine. Here's to unlocking the faith that works! Cheers to another shot of recovery, my friend!

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A Shot Glass of Recovery

Welcome back to A Shot Glass of Recovery! Whether you're a first-time listener to A Shot Glass of Recovery or a loyal member from my 2 Sober Chicks days, I’m glad you’re here. 🌟

If you love the show, I’m asking for your support. Drop a 1$, 5, 10 or 25 in the virtual pay pay basket at paypal.me/AShotGlassofRecovery .  Any amount will help me afford to fund this project and continue to bring you great speakers, the Big Book Study, Literature studies on recovery, workshops and Lisa shots that contain a wildcard of variety.

You can also support the show by liking, subscribing, and following it on your favourite platforms. Leave a 5 star review while you're there! There is nothing I love more than your engagement so please email me at [email protected] and let me know how this show has contributed to your unique journey in recovery. Let me know if I can celebrate a milestone with you and give you a shout out. Would you like to be a guest? Drop me a line by email.

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Hey there! Welcome back to another episode of "Shot Glass of Recovery". I'm thrilled to have you here as we continue our deep dive into the fascinating world of the "12 Steps and 12 Traditions". Today marks our fourth episode of this literature study, and we're picking up right where we left off on page 29, exploring how intellect, ego, and self-sufficiency can sometimes be stumbling blocks on our path to recovery.

Ever find yourself caught in the loop of believing that sheer brainpower or self-will could solve everything? Well, you're not alone. As we delve into today's topics, we'll uncover how humility, faith, and an open heart can gently guide us back to sanity, even when we think we've got it all figured out. Whether you're jotting down notes with a highlighter in hand or simply tuning in on your lunch break, I promise, there's something here for everyone.

Join the heartfelt discussions with our fellow members, as they share personal stories of struggle, judgment, and eventual enlightenment. From grappling with preconceived notions about religion and spirituality to overcoming the challenges of intellectual pride, these personal anecdotes remind us of the real essence of recovery—acceptance, change, and a whole lot of hope.

So, whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned veteran in sobriety, pull up a chair, relax, and let's explore these stepping stones to a more profound understanding of ourselves and our higher power. Thanks for being part of this journey. Until next time, stay humble and keep shining. Cheers!

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A Shot Glass of Recovery

Welcome back to A Shot Glass of Recovery! Whether you're a first-time listener to A Shot Glass of Recovery or a loyal member from my 2 Sober Chicks days, I’m glad you’re here. 🌟

If you love the show, I’m asking for your support. Drop a 1$, 5, 10 or 25 in the virtual pay pay basket at paypal.me/AShotGlassofRecovery .  Any amount will help me afford to fund this project and continue to bring you great speakers, the Big Book Study, Literature studies on recovery, workshops and Lisa shots that contain a wildcard of variety.

You can also support the show by liking, subscribing, and following it on your favourite platforms. Leave a 5 star review while you're there! There is nothing I love more than your engagement so please email me at [email protected] and let me know how this show has contributed to your unique journey in recovery. Let me know if I can celebrate a milestone with you and give you a shout out. Would you like to be a guest? Drop me a line by email.

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Hey there, friend! Thanks for tuning in to this incredible episode of the Speaker Series on a Shot Glass of Recovery. Today, we dive into a riveting personal story of struggle and redemption with Derek, who’s unflinching honesty and wit draw us into his world. Raised amidst the chaos of an alcoholic household, Derek takes us back to his childhood, sharing raw and touching anecdotes that lay the groundwork for his lifelong battle with addiction.

He paints a vibrant picture of navigating life’s challenges, from surviving violent neighborhoods to coping with the loss of his mother. Derek’s tale is a powerful reminder of how our upbringing and environment carve deep impressions on our souls.

Through a journey filled with highs and lows – including brushes with the law and personal losses – Derek captivates us with his relatable narrative. He exposes the dark depths of alcoholism, showing us how easy it is to spiral downwards and how difficult it is to claw your way back up. Yet, amidst these trials, he finds the strength to ask for help and slowly, with the guidance of AA, begins to turn his life around.

In this intimate sharing, Derek doesn't shy away from examining the roots of his pain, nor does he sugarcoat the realities of recovery. He opens up about finding solace and strength in the love and support of a community that understands him and walks with him through his struggle. This episode beautifully underscores the power of connection and the transformative nature of vulnerability and recovery.

Join us for this heartfelt narrative that speaks to not only the individualized journey of recovery but also to the universal need for understanding, empathy, and unwavering support. Until next time, stay strong and take care!

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A Shot Glass of Recovery

Welcome back to A Shot Glass of Recovery! Whether you're a first-time listener to A Shot Glass of Recovery or a loyal member from my 2 Sober Chicks days, I’m glad you’re here. 🌟

If you love the show, I’m asking for your support. Drop a 1$, 5, 10 or 25 in the virtual pay pay basket at paypal.me/AShotGlassofRecovery .  Any amount will help me afford to fund this project and continue to bring you great speakers, the Big Book Study, Literature studies on recovery, workshops and Lisa shots that contain a wildcard of variety.

You can also support the show by liking, subscribing, and following it on your favourite platforms. Leave a 5 star review while you're there! There is nothing I love more than your engagement so please email me at [email protected] and let me know how this show has contributed to your unique journey in recovery. Let me know if I can celebrate a milestone with you and give you a shout out. Would you like to be a guest? Drop me a line by email.

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Hey there, friend! It's Lisa here, and I'm thrilled to have you back for another enlightening episode of A Shot Glass of Recovery. Today, we're diving headfirst into Step Two, right from the pages of the 12 and 12, after wrapping up with Step One in our last get-together. So, grab your copy, grab a pen, a highlighter, and let's dissect it together!

In tonight's episode, we delve into the complexities of Step Two: "Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity." For many newcomers, this step brings about an intense internal dilemma - you're not alone if the thought of a higher power feels like a daunting leap. I share my own initial skepticism and the preconceived notions that challenged me.

You'll hear engaging discussions about God, spirituality, and the difference between those who "cannot" and those who are "will-nots" - a conversation that's both eye-opening and relatable for so many of us in recovery. And as we navigate these complex emotions, stories shared by the group highlight the tremendous transformation that comes with openness and willingness to change.

Whether you're questioning faith, have lost it, or are discovering it anew, this episode is packed with real, raw experiences from others who've been right where you are. We explore how different paths to faith can look and feel, how some have found new strength in old beliefs or reshaped their idea of a higher power entirely.

So tune in, pour yourself your favorite drink (non-alcoholic, of course!), and let's embark on this journey of self-discovery together. It's okay to question, to doubt, and to find your own path. Remember, all you need is a truly open mind. Thanks for being here, and let's continue to grow in recovery together!

A Shot Glass of Recovery

Welcome back to A Shot Glass of Recovery! Whether you're a first-time listener to A Shot Glass of Recovery or a loyal member from my 2 Sober Chicks days, I’m glad you’re here. 🌟

If you love the show, I’m asking for your support. Drop a 1$, 5, 10 or 25 in the virtual pay pay basket at paypal.me/AShotGlassofRecovery .  Any amount will help me afford to fund this project and continue to bring you great speakers, the Big Book Study, Literature studies on recovery, workshops and Lisa shots that contain a wildcard of variety.

You can also support the show by liking, subscribing, and following it on your favourite platforms. Leave a 5 star review while you're there! There is nothing I love more than your engagement so please email me at [email protected] and let me know how this show has contributed to your unique journey in recovery. Let me know if I can celebrate a milestone with you and give you a shout out. Would you like to be a guest? Drop me a line by email.

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