June 15

There is a saying in recovery: “Embrace the suck.” Or maybe it’s a saying I think should be in recovery. Not sure. Anyway! When everything is going wrong, and nothing seems to work out right, embrace the suck. And it does happen. When it rains, it pours, and problems pile up. It can be daunting to even think about how to get out of the pile of shit that accumulates. But it can be done if you embrace the suck! Failure is our biggest teacher. It may not be the most caring or loving teacher, but a teacher nonetheless. Don’t be afraid of it. Failure can teach you how to handle adversity better than any success ever could. This overwhelming amount of suck has been put in front of you because you can and will overcome it. It may take a lifetime, but if it can be done by a human, it can be done by you. And remember, you are only human, after all.

Reflections

What is the next thing you should do today? What have you been putting off?

Daily Challenge

Tackle that thing with a vengeance, and don’t do anything else until that one thing is done. Lean into the suck.

Visit Soberpod.com

Summary:

In this episode, Carl explores the idea of using artificial intelligence (AI) to help him get and remain sober. He engages in a chat with an AI program, seeking advice and guidance on practical steps to achieve sobriety. The conversation covers topics such as setting a date to stop drinking, seeking support from groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.), removing temptations, identifying triggers, finding alternatives to drinking, and seeking professional help. The conversation also addresses the effectiveness of AA, the concept of "California sober", and the importance of developing a support network. The AI program provides practical suggestions and encourages Carl to take small steps towards sobriety.

Keywords:

sobriety, artificial intelligence, AI, getting sober, remaining sober, support groups, Alcoholics Anonymous, AA, triggers, alternatives to drinking, professional help, California sober, support network

June 14 - Visit Facebook Group

H.A.L.T.S. - Hungry. Angry. Lonely. Tired. And sometimes Sad. These five things are really something to pay attention to. These five things can be indispensable in averting catastrophic consequences in our first few years (and beyond) of recovery. We never know in advance when these things will arise (that would be too easy), but we can pay attention to how we feel throughout our days and check in with ourselves often. Start with your body and look for signs of hunger or tiredness. Then move to your mind/emotions. Are your thoughts full of anger, sadness, or loneliness? Good indicators to check will be if you are arguing with someone, feeling a lack of motivation, or finding yourself on autopilot. When you check in and find that you have two out of the five things active or “going on,” it’s best to call someone or head to a meeting. The longer you hesitate to get food, calm down, address your emotions, or take a nap, the easier it will be to fly off the handle or, much worse, buy one.

Reflections

When was the last time you used H.A.L.T. to identify your needs?

Daily Challenge

If you have never heard of H.A.L.T.s, give a shout-out on Sober Pod Live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/soberpod

June 13 - Soberpod.com

Does it really need to be so fucking drama? Seriously. Have you ever tried just taking a step back and trying to evaluate if you really need to bring all that energy to the table, or if you do, why? It’s incredibly insane how much we elevate our feelings and emotions while we fly off the handle. The A.CA. (Adult Children of Alcoholics) Big Red Book refers to this behavior as “the inner drug store.” It reminds us that we can get a lot of the same feelings from inside ourselves that we used to get from outside ourselves with addictions in the past. So, pay attention to how you feel and how much you feel. This could signify that you are tapping into an internal “emotional drugstore” of addiction.

Reflections

Have you ever had an emotional hangover? Argued so much that you’re exhausted?

Daily Challenge

Identify which emotions really get you going. Write them down.

June 12 - Soberpod.com

When it comes to people - and sorry to be so cynical - don’t listen to what they say as much as you watch what they do. For years, some of us lied and manipulated others to get what we wanted. We said many things that allowed us to get high, be left alone, get laid, or get more money. One thing is for certain, some of us are more deceptive with our words than others, and some of us cause way more harm. It would be foolish to think others don’t try to deceive us. That is why we stay on guard by watching their actions and questioning their motives and intentions. We need to protect ourselves and potentially confront that person if needed. Remember, conflict can be a good thing if done right, and it just might help that person see their impact on others. Tread lightly here. Remember, if you want to hurt an addict's or alcoholic’s feelings (or just about anyone's), all you have to do is tell them the truth in a kind way.

Reflections

Is someone in your life saying one thing and then acting differently? Do their words not match their actions?

Daily Challenge

Go for a walk again. Trust me, it works.

Put this book away today.

Reflections

Am I doing too much?

Daily Challenge

Take a break.

June 10 - visit soberpod.com

You don’t have to do everything right now. Slow down, but not too slow. It would be best if you did something daily to achieve your goals. The question is, “How do you eat an elephant?” The answer is, “One bite at a time.” As addicts and alcoholics, we have a tendency towards instant gratification. We get an idea about playing guitar or returning to school, and we want it all right now! We want to be able to play guitar like a pro or get our diploma after the first day back to school. Instant fucking gratification! When this doesn’t happen, we get discouraged and give up. Thinking we have tried, we never try again. Everything takes time. You have to start somewhere, you won’t be a pro at whatever it is today, but you can work towards setting smaller goals today to achieve what you want later.

Reflections

Are you setting realistic, achievable goals?

Daily Challenge

Write down one thing you want to do in the next year. Now, what steps do you need to take to get there? Break the big goal down into smaller, manageable goals.

June 9 - visit soberpod.com

There are so many things we don’t say to the ones we love. We let the days go by and think we can always get to it tomorrow. Tomorrow rarely comes, and the next thing you know, we are grieving the death and loss of that loved one. Our thoughts flashback to “If only I would have said those things when I had the time.” If you’re in the program and needed to make amends, this can be harder still. Living in remorse and regret can take its toll on the soul. But there are things you can do to honor that person and make amends. Write letters to that person and perform a ritual of reading them out loud to your sponsor. Burn the letter. Put it in a bottle and throw it into the ocean. Visit their grave and bring flowers. Sit for a while graveside and talk. Whatever you do, make it meaningful. Do it without reserve, with love, and with wholehearted commitment.

Reflections

Do I need to say anything to those who are no longer here? Do I have amends to make to those who have passed? How can I honor them today?

Daily Challenge

Make a plan to honor your loved ones who have passed - actually write it down and pick a date.

Summary

This episode revolves around the topic of making amends in recovery. Carl shares a personal story about a past wrongdoing and the guilt and remorse he felt. He discusses the importance of making amends to honor loved ones who have passed and shares his own experience of visiting a grave and apologizing. The conversation highlights the power of facing shame and remorse in recovery and the healing that comes from making amends.

June 8 - soberpod.com

“The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.”

― Henry David Thoreau

Some of us just need permission to be ourselves. We need to know that it’s okay to show our true selves. Some of us will live all of our lives wearing someone else’s skin while we hide from showing who we really are. Also known as “a quiet desperation.” This act of hiding behind a mask and pretending in every area of our lives is painful. While we numb out and ingest anything to make us feel better (or not at all), we only cause more harm in that process. This only encourages us to hide more and suffer longer. It’s a compounding cyclical and silent desperation. For those needing permission to break down, give up, give in, surrender, let go, and just hurt out loud, consider this reading today your official permission.

Reflections

In what areas of your life do you look for permission? For what do you need permission from others to do, even though you really don’t need anyone’s permission?

Daily Challenge

If you need to cry, cry. You have permission.