In this episode of Blindsight, host Bill Lundgren sits down with Pamela Rueda, creator of My Badass Recovery, to explore Step 5 of the 12-Step Program. Together, they unpack the significance of admitting our wrongs to ourselves, to another person, and to a higher power. Pamela shares her deeply personal journey through addiction, recovery, and the emotional weight of confronting shame, guilt, and self-perception in the healing process. Pamela and Bill also discuss the importance of selecting the right person to share your Step 5 with, the necessity of radical honesty, and how shame can be a major barrier to recovery. They emphasize how finding a trusted sponsor, creating a safe space for vulnerability, and taking a leap of faith can lead to transformative freedom.

Key Discussion Points & Chapter Markers

(00:26) – Introduction with host Bill Lundgren

(01:29) – Guest introduction: Pamela Rueda and My Badass Recovery

(01:48) – What is Step 5? Admitting the exact nature of our wrongs

(02:27) – Pamela’s personal recovery journey and the fears around Step 5

(04:14) – Shame, self-perception, and breaking free from past identity

(06:37) – The challenge of opening up and being radically honest

(08:48) – Selecting the right sponsor: trust, wisdom, and higher power

(11:56) – How to actually go through Step 5: process, structure, and commitment

(14:38) – The role of a sponsor: “I’m not here to be your friend”

(16:43) – The fear of judgment and seeking approval in recovery

(18:35) – Relapse and learning from past experiences

(22:24) – Understanding shame vs. guilt: The impact on recovery

(25:09) – The cycle of addiction and self-judgment

(28:57) – The power of sharing: How vulnerability defeats shame

(32:48) – When and how to disclose your recovery journey

(35:15) – Avoiding the dangers of oversharing and measuring trust

(39:43) – Understanding motives behind sharing your story

(40:55) – Closing thoughts: Taking the leap of faith in recovery

Key Takeaways & Calls to Action

Shame thrives in secrecy – Bringing shame into the light through honesty helps break its power.

Choosing the right person for Step 5 is crucial – A sponsor should be trustworthy, wise, and aligned with your healing journey.

Healing is an ongoing process – If we don’t uncover all aspects of our struggles, they can resurface later in life.

Measure your vulnerability – Not everyone is safe to share with; trust and intuition play a vital role.

The power of sharing – Speaking your truth in a safe space leads to self-acceptance and healing.

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