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EPISODE 91 - Speaker Mary Beth
"From Chaos to Connection: Mary Beth’s Story of Recovery"
In this powerful share, Mary Beth—sober since November 10, 2015—takes us through her tumultuous journey from a childhood marred by family dysfunction and alcoholism to her eventual surrender in AA. With raw honesty and humor, she recounts:
Growing Up in Chaos: Raised in a seemingly "normal" family with an alcoholic father who turned violent, Mary Beth learned early to shield her siblings and resent her passive mother. She carried unresolved anger and low self-worth into adulthood.
Dangerous Drinking: From hitchhiking with a self-proclaimed murderer (while sharing a bottle of liquor) to flagging down cops to change her flat tire during a DUI, Mary Beth’s drinking was reckless—yet she denied her alcoholism until a seizure during self-detox forced a reckoning.
The Gift of Desperation: After a DUI and a moment of clarity (fearing she’d die drunk in her new home), she called AA. A kind stranger named Joe listened without judgment, and she attended her first meeting—skeptical but willing.
AA’s Lifeline: From baking cakes daily to stay busy (and feeding entire meetings) to confronting old-timers who criticized her outreach, Mary Beth found purpose in service. She embraced a higher power she calls "Harvey"—a humorous, forgiving presence that guides her.
Healing Relationships: Sobriety helped her reconcile with her parents, understanding their flaws with compassion. Today, she tends to her aging mother with love, free from resentment.
Key Quote:
"Our very lives as ex-problem drinkers depend upon the constant thought of others—not convenient, constant."
Mary Beth’s story is a testament to transformation through AA’s steps, service, and spiritual connection. Her wit and wisdom remind us that recovery isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up, laughing at ourselves, and helping others along the way.
Episode Note: This share is a reminder that recovery begins when we stop running from ourselves. Mary Beth’s journey—from geographic cures to genuine connection—will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt "less than" or struggled to surrender.
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By An All Night Place
5
33 ratings
"From Chaos to Connection: Mary Beth’s Story of Recovery"
In this powerful share, Mary Beth—sober since November 10, 2015—takes us through her tumultuous journey from a childhood marred by family dysfunction and alcoholism to her eventual surrender in AA. With raw honesty and humor, she recounts:
Growing Up in Chaos: Raised in a seemingly "normal" family with an alcoholic father who turned violent, Mary Beth learned early to shield her siblings and resent her passive mother. She carried unresolved anger and low self-worth into adulthood.
Dangerous Drinking: From hitchhiking with a self-proclaimed murderer (while sharing a bottle of liquor) to flagging down cops to change her flat tire during a DUI, Mary Beth’s drinking was reckless—yet she denied her alcoholism until a seizure during self-detox forced a reckoning.
The Gift of Desperation: After a DUI and a moment of clarity (fearing she’d die drunk in her new home), she called AA. A kind stranger named Joe listened without judgment, and she attended her first meeting—skeptical but willing.
AA’s Lifeline: From baking cakes daily to stay busy (and feeding entire meetings) to confronting old-timers who criticized her outreach, Mary Beth found purpose in service. She embraced a higher power she calls "Harvey"—a humorous, forgiving presence that guides her.
Healing Relationships: Sobriety helped her reconcile with her parents, understanding their flaws with compassion. Today, she tends to her aging mother with love, free from resentment.
Key Quote:
"Our very lives as ex-problem drinkers depend upon the constant thought of others—not convenient, constant."
Mary Beth’s story is a testament to transformation through AA’s steps, service, and spiritual connection. Her wit and wisdom remind us that recovery isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up, laughing at ourselves, and helping others along the way.
Episode Note: This share is a reminder that recovery begins when we stop running from ourselves. Mary Beth’s journey—from geographic cures to genuine connection—will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt "less than" or struggled to surrender.