Mark S

A common form of self-sabotage for those in recovery is to put off things that need to be done. Procrastination is a normal human behavior, but if it is getting in the way of your recovery, there are some important steps to take to minimize this behavior. Tonight, we talk about procrastination.

Let’s start with a definition. Procrastination is an automatic, negative, problem habit of needlessly postponing and delaying a timely and relevant activity until another day or time. It always involves a negative emotion that ranges from a whisper to panic. The process always includes a diversionary activity. It practically always involves procrastination thinking, such as “I’ll fix the problem later.”

If you want Recovered Podcast to come to you so you can share your story with us, please reach out to mark@recoveredcast.com and let me know.  We would love to come to your roundup, your conference, your event, your open talk….whatever, we want to carry your message to the person who still suffers.

Our generous Recovered Podcast Community allows us to be self supporting and not rely on outside contributions.  If you would like to join us, there are two ways.

1. Episode Sponsorship  We will recognize you by first name only at the top, mid, and end of the episode.  Any amount will qualify.
2. Premium Membership  This is the single most effective way to support the show.  Watch the video in its entirety and learn how to become Premium

Call Us Now  http://recoveredcast.com/speakpipe

Where do you want to begin, what comes first to mind for you?

How has procrastination affected your recovery?

Why do you procrastinate?
Has it ever worked?

What are some of the consequences for you when you procrastinate?
What are some of the unconscious effects of procrastination for you?
How is procrastination a danger for you recovery?

Is procrastination like an addiction?

Have you ever seen one of your sponsees procrastinate?

Did you procrastinate coming into the program?
Why?
What happened?

Did you procrastinate around finding a higher power?
Did you procrastinate from starting to work the steps?
Did you procrastinate around any particular step?
Did you procrastinate finishing the steps?

What parts of the program help you with procrastination?

What other tools do you use?
MAKE A PLAN
PRIORITIZE
BE PROACTIVE
ACCEPT IMPERFECTION
PRACTICE DISCIPLINE
BE PEOPLE ORIENTED
HAVE THE COURAGE TO SAY NO
STOP MULTITASKING
DON’T QUIT UNTIL YOU ARE FINISHED
BRING PEER PRESSURE TO BEAR

What are you avoiding today?
What can you do?

What would you say to the new person about Procrastination?

“After a preliminary trial at making amends, we may enjoy such a sense of relief that we conclude our task is finished. We will want to rest on our laurels. The temptation to skip the more humiliating and dreaded meetings that still remain may be great. We may just procrastinate, telling ourselves the time is not yet, when in reality we have already passed up many a fine chance to right a serious wrong. Let’s not talk prudence while practicing evasion.”
Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, p. 85

What would you say to the new person about Procrastination?

Check out this episode!

You will see several references on this site to “Joe & Charlie”. Their names are sometimes heard at local Twelve Step meetings. So, who exactly are Joe and Charlie? They were two long-recovered alcoholics who traveled the world for several decades, sharing their insights into the Big Book of AA. Because all Twelve Step programs are derived from the AA Big Book, I suspect their recordings might help anyone in ANY Twelve Step program….not just AA.

The Big Book Study (officially called “The Big Book Comes Alive”) recordings are not conference-approved literature. Any sponsee interested in listening to the series should ask their sponsor first. I can recommend the talks with confidence because many long-sober speakers have openly given credit to Joe and Charlie with their own recovery. I have heard people say said they never really “got” how Twelve Step recovery works until they heard the free-wheeling and good-natured recordings of Joe P and Charlie McQ. I know that was true for me.

If you want Recovered Podcast to come to you so you can share your story with us, please reach out to mark@recoveredcast.com and let me know.  We would love to come to your roundup, your conference, your event, your open talk….whatever, we want to carry your message to the person who still suffers.

Our generous Recovered Podcast Community allows us to be self supporting and not rely on outside contributions.  If you would like to join us, there are two ways.

1. Episode Sponsorship  We will recognize you by first name only at the top, mid, and end of the episode.  Any amount will qualify.
2. Premium Membership  This is the single most effective way to support the show.  Watch the video in its entirety and learn how to become Premium

Call Us Now  http://recoveredcast.com/speakpipe

Who’s going to the 2020 International Convention?

So, listeners, join us at The 2020 International Convention of AA in Detroit.  If you are coming into town for the convention, the Recovered Podcast wants to meet you!

If you would like to get all the information regarding the Recovered Podcast at the 2020 International Convention, just email me and we will get you on our google group.

Just email me at mark@recoveredcast.com

This google group will be notified with all the Recovered Podcast Plans for the convention and will have all the information about how to find our tailgate party.  Right now, our google group has been provided with maps and general information about Detroit. 

Check out this episode!

When people in recovery talk about progress not perfection it does not mean that people should not be trying to be the best they can be. The point is that perfection is too high a goal and that people should aim for something slightly less ambitious.

If the individual makes an honest attempt at overcoming their character flaws they will be moving closer to perfection, but it is not likely that they will ever fully complete this journey. Humans are fallible, and the only important thing is that they try their best. By setting the more realistic goal of progress rather than perfection the individual is far more likely to achieve their aim.

If you want Recovered Podcast to come to you so you can share your story with us, please reach out to mark@recoveredcast.com and let me know.  We would love to come to your roundup, your conference, your event, your open talk….whatever, we want to carry your message to the person who still suffers.

Our generous Recovered Podcast Community allows us to be self supporting and not rely on outside contributions.  If you would like to join us, there are two ways.

1. Episode Sponsorship  We will recognize you by first name only at the top, mid, and end of the episode.  Any amount will qualify.
2. Premium Membership  This is the single most effective way to support the show.  Watch the video in its entirety and learn how to become Premium

Call Us Now  http://recoveredcast.com/speakpipe

What came first to mind when you learned that this week’s topic would be progress not perfection?

What did you want to get out of recovery when you were new in program?

What were some of your early recovery goals?

What does progress not perfection mean to you today?

What is wrong with striving for perfection?

How is humility an important part of this recovery slogan?

How can a new person know they are making progress in their recovery program?

If looking at the past is the way to know if you are making recovery progress, does “living one day at a time” hinder knowledge of making progress?

When you were new in recovery, how did you celebrate recovery successes?
What were some typical early recovery successes?

How can recovery tokens help with progress in recovery?
How has giving open talks helped with making progress in recovery?

How can service work help in making progresses?
How does prayer help with making progress?

How does having a sponsor help with making progress in recovery?
How does having a sponsee help with making progress?

What step in particular has helped you with recovery?
Can rushing steps be a hindrance to recovery?

What does Practice makes progress mean to you?

How do you deal with Failure in recovery?
Has failure ever been a good thing for you in recovery?
How can a relapse help in making progress?
Are mistakes necessary?

What does being stuck in recovery mean to you?
What part of the program helped you make the most recovery progress?

Have you ever been stuck?
How did you get unstuck?
What accelerates your progress in recovery?

What would you say to the new person about Progress?

Check out this episode!

Many addicts start feeling more and more guilty as they reach the late stages of recovery. As mental clarity returns, the reality of the mistakes you’ve made become clear. Knowing all the struggles your family and friends went through to get you into treatment can cause addicts to feel a lot of shame. They don’t want you to feel shame; they want to feel better. The following are some tips for avoiding crippling shame during recovery.

The 2020 International Convention of Alcoholics Anonymous will be held July 2–5, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan with the theme “Love and Tolerance is our Code.” A.A. members and guests from around the world will celebrate A.A.’s 85th year at this event with big meetings held Friday night, Saturday night and Sunday morning in the Ford Field Stadium. Other meetings, scheduled or informal, will take place throughout the weekend in the COBO Center in downtown Detroit.  https://www.aa.org/pages/en_US/international-convention-2020

If you want Recovered Podcast to come to you so you can share your story with us, please reach out to mark@recoveredcast.com and let me know.  We would love to come to your roundup, your conference, your event, your open talk….whatever, we want to carry your message to the person who still suffers.

Our generous Recovered Podcast Community allows us to be self supporting and not rely on outside contributions.  If you would like to join us, there are two ways.

1. Episode Sponsorship  We will recognize you by first name only at the top, mid, and end of the episode.  Any amount will qualify.
2. Premium Membership  This is the single most effective way to support the show.  Watch the video in its entirety and learn how to become Premium

Call Us Now  http://recoveredcast.com/speakpipe

First thoughts?

What is the difference between guilt and shame?
Guilt is an internal emotion. It’s the general unpleasantness that you feel when you believe you have done something wrong, regardless of other circumstances. Shame is what you feel when people notice what you’re doing, decide it’s wrong — or just stupid — and look down on you. While guilt is associated with morality, shame is not.

What was it like handling negative emotion early in program?
Why is it important to “feel the feelings?”

What guilt and shame did you come into program with?
Did you share these things at meetings?
What part of the program helped?
Were other people ashamed of your behavior before program?
How did you know?
How did you cope with this early in program?
How did you forgive yourself?
How can empathy help you forgive yourself?
Talk about service work here…

Have you ever been ashamed of yourself since program?
What character defect was in play that lead to this behavior?
How did you handle it?
How do you change your actions?

Gult is an emotion that can be helpful or it can be toxic.
How can you tell the difference?

How can steps 8 and 9 help?
How can prayer help?
How can the fellowship help?
How can service work help?

What would you say to the new person about Guilt and Shame?

Check out this episode!

Addiction specialists agree that service to others might be the key to his staying sober. In recent years, a growing body of research has found that helping others brings measurable physical and psychological benefits to the helper.  Studies have shown that addicts who help others, even in small ways—such as calling others to remind them about meetings or making coffee—can significantly improve their chances of staying sober and avoiding relapse, among adults and adolescents alike.

The 2020 International Convention of Alcoholics Anonymous will be held July 2–5, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan with the theme “Love and Tolerance is our Code.” A.A. members and guests from around the world will celebrate A.A.’s 85th year at this event with big meetings held Friday night, Saturday night and Sunday morning in the Ford Field Stadium. Other meetings, scheduled or informal, will take place throughout the weekend in the COBO Center in downtown Detroit.  https://www.aa.org/pages/en_US/international-convention-2020

If you want Recovered Podcast to come to you so you can share your story with us, please reach out to mark@recoveredcast.com and let me know.  We would love to come to your roundup, your conference, your event, your open talk….whatever, we want to carry your message to the person who still suffers.

Our generous Recovered Podcast Community allows us to be self supporting and not rely on outside contributions.  If you would like to join us, there are two ways.

1. Episode Sponsorship  We will recognize you by first name only at the top, mid, and end of the episode.  Any amount will qualify.
2. Premium Membership  This is the single most effective way to support the show.  Watch the video in its entirety and learn how to become Premium

Call Us Now  http://recoveredcast.com/speakpipe

Tonight, that is our topic…Service

What first comes to mind when you hear the word service?

Do you first think of something you do or something you receive?

When you were new, how did service work for you?

What service did you receive?

What service did you do and what was it?

How did doing service help your sobriety?

What kinds of service have you done?

Has your sponsor ever volunteered you for something? What?

Have you ever volunteered something for a sponsee?  What?

Why do you think service work helps you feel better?

Is service and your spirituality connected?  Explain?

Service can be healing.  How?

What is the most unique service you ever did?

What are you doing now?

What would you say to the new person about Service?

Check out this episode!

Addiction specialists agree that service to others might be the key to his staying sober. In recent years, a growing body of research has found that helping others brings measurable physical and psychological benefits to the helper.  Studies have shown that addicts who help others, even in small ways—such as calling others to remind them about meetings or making coffee—can significantly improve their chances of staying sober and avoiding relapse, among adults and adolescents alike.

Tonight, that is our topic…Service

What first comes to mind when you hear the word service?

Do you first think of something you do or something you receive?

When you were new, how did service work for you?

What service did you receive?

What service did you do and what was it?

How did doing service help your sobriety?

What kinds of service have you done?

Has your sponsor ever volunteered you for something? What?

Have you ever volunteered something for a sponsee?  What?

Why do you think service work helps you feel better?

Is service and your spirituality connected?  Explain?

Service can be healing.  How?

What is the most unique service you ever did?

What are you doing now?

What would you say to the new person about Service?

The 2020 International Convention of Alcoholics Anonymous will be held July 2–5, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan with the theme “Love and Tolerance is our Code.” A.A. members and guests from around the world will celebrate A.A.’s 85th year at this event with big meetings held Friday night, Saturday night and Sunday morning in the Ford Field Stadium. Other meetings, scheduled or informal, will take place throughout the weekend in the COBO Center in downtown Detroit.  https://www.aa.org/pages/en_US/international-convention-2020

If you want Recovered Podcast to come to you so you can share your story with us, please reach out to mark@recoveredcast.com and let me know.  We would love to come to your roundup, your conference, your event, your open talk….whatever, we want to carry your message to the person who still suffers.

Our generous Recovered Podcast Community allows us to be self supporting and not rely on outside contributions.  If you would like to join us, there are two ways.

1. Episode Sponsorship  We will recognize you by first name only at the top, mid, and end of the episode.  Any amount will qualify.
2. Premium Membership  This is the single most effective way to support the show.  Watch the video in its entirety and learn how to become Premium

Call Us Now  http://recoveredcast.com/speakpipe

Check out this episode!

The 2020 International Convention of Alcoholics Anonymous will be held July 2–5, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan with the theme “Love and Tolerance is our Code.” A.A. members and guests from around the world will celebrate A.A.’s 85th year at this event with big meetings held Friday night, Saturday night and Sunday morning in the Ford Field Stadium. Other meetings, scheduled or informal, will take place throughout the weekend in the COBO Center in downtown Detroit.  https://www.aa.org/pages/en_US/international-convention-2020

If you want Recovered Podcast to come to you so you can share your story with us, please reach out to mark@recoveredcast.com and let me know.  We would love to come to your roundup, your conference, your event, your open talk….whatever, we want to carry your message to the person who still suffers.

Our generous Recovered Podcast Community allows us to be self supporting and not rely on outside contributions.  If you would like to join us, there are two ways.

1. Episode Sponsorship  We will recognize you by first name only at the top, mid, and end of the episode.  Any amount will qualify.
2. Premium Membership  This is the single most effective way to support the show.  Watch the video in its entirety and learn how to become Premium

Call Us Now  http://recoveredcast.com/speakpipe

Check out this episode!

The 2020 International Convention of Alcoholics Anonymous will be held July 2–5, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan with the theme “Love and Tolerance is our Code.” A.A. members and guests from around the world will celebrate A.A.’s 85th year at this event with big meetings held Friday night, Saturday night and Sunday morning in the Ford Field Stadium. Other meetings, scheduled or informal, will take place throughout the weekend in the COBO Center in downtown Detroit.  https://www.aa.org/pages/en_US/international-convention-2020

If you want Recovered Podcast to come to you so you can share your story with us, please reach out to mark@recoveredcast.com and let me know.  We would love to come to your roundup, your conference, your event, your open talk….whatever, we want to carry your message to the person who still suffers.

Our generous Recovered Podcast Community allows us to be self supporting and not rely on outside contributions.  If you would like to join us, there are two ways.

1. Episode Sponsorship  We will recognize you by first name only at the top, mid, and end of the episode.  Any amount will qualify.
2. Premium Membership  This is the single most effective way to support the show.  Watch the video in its entirety and learn how to become Premium

Call Us Now  http://recoveredcast.com/speakpipe

Check out this episode!