Today's episode is another group session. Our guys in recovery share their thoughts in response to several quotes about loving yourself. As you listen, think about how you can grow in understanding that you are loved, you are worthy and you have a purpose in helping others. Are you ready to begin the journey of loving yourself and others unconditionally? How do you silence the voices of self doubt and self criticism that hinders your trust of self and others?

In this episode we look at the emotional fault lines in our heart they may have come through trauma, betrayal, abuse, addiction, etc. We tend to deny our emotions thinking we're okay. But those emotions may be tremors warning us off a new earthquake coming along those old fault lines. Listen and hear how to survive that earthquake and what to do when the shaking stops.

In this episode I outline five categories of reasons why or friend or family member won't go to rehab or get treatment. They know that we desperately want them to go, we want them to change, we want them to come right. But, they are not at the point of even contemplating stopping using their drug of choice. (You may want to episode #40 entitled Waiting For Change to hear the five stages of change.) I urge listeners of this episode to become better listeners to the addict in their life when you find they won't go to rehab.

Today's episode is in response to a listener who asked "What does living a life of recovery look like?" To answer this question I've turned to the 10 Guiding Principles of Recovery as defined by SAMHSA. I respond to each of the ten principles as an addict in recovery would.

Do you remember something from your youth that you could say "I was old enough to remember all of it, and young enough to understand none of it?" Do those memories come to life whenever you close your eyes? Listen to this episode as our group of guys in recovery share their memories of rejection, adoption, physical, verbal and sexual abuse from their childhood. Be encouraged as they talk about finding healing from those memories that lived so long behind their eyes.

Do you struggle with anxiety, depression, stress, loneliness or a similar feeling that troubles you all day? Does it keep you awake at night? Do you feel stuck in that feeling? Maybe it's time to learn the benefit of healthy distractions which will allow you to drift away from those troubling thoughts.

Do you often feel unloved or disrespected? Do you feel unheard? Perhaps, you feel the addict or person in recovery in your life is still gaslighting you. Maybe your the one in recovery and your lived ones frequently stonewalls you whenever a station for deep discussion arises. In this episode we look at the importance of learning self respect and the keys to learning and sitting respect to others. Be ready to take notes when I list six aspects of respect in healthy relationships.

Many of you have messaged me asking for a group episode on this topic, so here it is! The topic that our guys in recovery from the US, Australia and South Africa discuss is: "By staying isolated, the person in recovery may think they're reinforcing their sobriety. But in reality, long-term recovery means learning to manage triggers, and not to completely avoid them." I love the new bumper sticker from Gary in this episode "Don't Isolate - Illuminate!"

This episode is for two key audiences. The first is for those of us who find it difficult to accept the things we've done because we feel that they were unacceptable for us to do. The second group is those who feel that they are victims or the wounded parties as a result of the behavior of someone they love. We'll look at what it takes to find a way to begin to accept the unacceptable things that have happened. This is called radical acceptance. And this acceptance paves the way to true freedom, lasting happiness and peace.

In response to comments and questions from listeners to episode #99 on negative emotions, here's a look at shame. What caused the feelings of shame? Is there something from my childhood that resulted in me being haunted by shame as an adult? What is toxic shame? How do I find freedom from shame? How can I begin to leave the past in the past so I can begin to hope in my future? These questions and more for you to process in today's episode.