literature

Recovered 380 Show Notes – Discipline

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Mark, Russ, Spencer, and Joe discuss the Recovery Topic Discipline.

We interviewed:
Jillian S.
Elaine C.
Dan
Russ shared his vision of being disciplined by contrasting his being undisciplined when he first came into the program.  As a matter of fact, his lack of discipline was a major reason for his coming to the tables.  Russ’ first effort at discipline was to make 90 meetings in 90 days, which he accomplished.  Russ did this as a pain avoidance mechanism.
Spencer shared from his Al-Anon perspective.  Spencer came into the program to get relief from the pain caused by other people’s drinking.  His first act of discipline was to make meetings which was followed by a commitment to a group to work the steps with his AWOL (A Way Of Live) group.  Making a commitment to a group helped keep him accountable and helped him finish what he started.
Joe shared that he come into the program undisciplined.  Joe was happy to hear the slogan “let it go” at first but then learned that discipline was needed to work the steps, get involved in the program, and to become part of the group.

Recovered 366 – Barefoot, Podcast History

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Tonight’s Recovery Topic is Barefoot, The History of the Podcast

Since none of our guest hosts were available, Mark decided to publish a solo podcast, the first one in over a year.

In 2007, I first started experimentation with recorded voice in response to an especially difficult sponsee.  I used the podcast as a way to talk to myself and I discovered I didn’t know what to do.  It was good thing that I just recorded these conversations rather than give this advise, since I didn’t know what I was doing.  This was apparent when I listened to the play backs.  These recordings were never published and I destroyed all evidence.

I started the early recordings using the software package: Castblaster.  I purchased an inexpensive dynamic microphone from Radio Shack and I was off and running.  By listening to other podcasts, I learned that Libsyn was the best place to have my audio files hosted.  This is the actual place that stores the audio files and they also established and control my RSS feed.  Libsyn provides a primitive Website and I used that feature to host my website as well at first.  The next step was to improve the website by moving to Blogger.

The next step in the show’s evolution was the upgrade in microphone and the purchase of a mixer.  These improvements made the audio quality better.  Podcasts I was listening to included: Nobody’s Listening, The Cardinal Arize Podcast, Monster Cookies, The Daily Source Code, and No Agenda.

The addition of Bill as Co-Host marked a significant point in the podcast history.  Bill’s presence, his story, his sense of humor, and his microphones all added to an improvement in the show and was reflected in an increase in listeners.

Recovered 365 – Best of Recovered

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Since we were not able to record this week, we have issued a show from last October.  We will see you on Monday 6/4/12 for Episode 366.

Recovered 364 – Dealing With Loss in Recovery

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Tonight’s Recovery Topic is Dealing With Loss in Recovery

Mark is joined with Guest Hosts Joe and Russ, both members of Canton Candlelight, Mark’s home group.  Russ is Mark’s sponsor.

Joe is 27 years old and has 3 years sobriety.  Mark and Russ both remember Joe coming into the fellowship and they both remember that Joe was “all in” and had a real willingness to work the program.  Even though Joe was suffering from both loss and anger, he was able to put those things into perspective and used the fellowship, the program, and the steps as a means of comfort rather than to use drink.

Joe shared that early in the program he watched the long timers and focused on what they did and did what they did.  Joe also shared that early in sobriety he was just going through the motions of recovery and the thought of drinking returned.  At this moment, Joe received a phone call asking Joe to take him to a meeting.  Joe promptly put the obsession to drink aside and started to give back to the program through the service work of driving members to meetings.  Joe thought this was a coincidence.  Russ commented that coincidence is just God’s way of remaining anonymous.

60 days before Joe came into the fellowship, Joe’s mom passed away and he became angry and suffered all the more by drinking more.  So when Joe first came in, steps 2 and 3 was difficult because he was angry with God.  Joe shared that going to meetings and relying on the fellowship allowed him to heal over time.  Joe also heard other peoples story about how they got throug difficult times without drinking.  This was an inspiration to Joe. Joe learned that you don’t have to drink if you dn’t want to and you don’t have to drink when you do want to drink

Russ first came into the program in 1974 and it stuck in 1979 and he was 30 at that time.  Russ shared that in 2001 both his parents died and it devastated him.  But the fellowship carried him through this difficult time by going to alot of meetings and to step up service work.  Russ is now going through the process of loss because his father in law just decided to go into hospice and will likely leave this world soon.  Mark shared that Russ’ example on how to deal with loss inspired him to emulate Russ’ action and thereby was able to handle the loss of his father.

Recovered 362 – Coming Into The Program Young

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Our Recovery Topic is Coming Into The Program Young. Special Guest Host Aaron discusses the challenges of coming into the program young. Aaron also shares his experience, strength and hope relative to working with the young guy. Mark’s specialty is getting fired by the young guy.

 Aaron was 30 years old when he first came into the program. He came into the fellowship when he had a moment of clarity This moment of clarity occurred after Aaron’s girl friend left him, he lost his job, and was notified that he violated his probation again. Aaron shared that he would solve these problems by drinking beer. Then he realized that he was solving his problem with the cause of all his problems. The next day he came to his first meeting at 30 years old. Honest desperation gave him the courage to enter the fellowship. Aaron shared that this was his Higher Power active in his life.

The biggest challenge Aaron experienced being young in the program was giving up his previous life style and previous friends. This was a difficult process for Aaron. He substituted the old using friends with new recovery friends over the first few months of his program. Aaron shared that he was resistant to get a sponsor. But it turns out that the first person who talked to him at his first meeting became Aaron’s sponsor.

Aaron would hang out at our Alano club as a way to get over the lonely and to establish a new social life. Aaron’s sponsor actually asked him to be his sponsee.b Aaron shared that dating someone outside fellowship can work. Aaron sponsors two young guys, the youngest is 16 years old. Sponsorship and chairing meetings have given the opportunity for leadership in the fellowship which has enhanced his recovery.

Recovered 360 – Recovery Literature

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Tonight’s Recovery Topic is Recovery Literature
For the videos covered in this podcast, click on the tab above or click here..

Bill shared that the Big Book entitled Alcoholics Anonymous was the first official literature he encountered.  He was presented with this book free at his first meeting along with a newcomers packet.  Bill also uses the 12 and 12 as a resource for step work.

Spencer shared that How Al-anon Works or the Blue Book is the basic text he uses for his Al-anon program along with Paths to Recovery or the Tan Book.  Spencer shared that he would read these texts at night when he couldn’t sleep.  We all noted how it didn’t matter if you’re an AA or an Al-anon, the problem of sleep difficulty due to stress is relieved by reading recovery literature.  The three C’s in step one of the literature was discussed.  Mark shared what a relief the three C’s are in Al-anon, that he can’t cause, can’t cure, and can’t control some one else’s addiction.

All agreed that the Traditions are mostly discussed at meetings but not studied much.  Bill did share his experience with the 12 and 12, the book by Bill Wilson and his reflection on the steps and the traditions.

Daily readers were discussed next. Bill uses Daily Reflections while Spencer uses One Day at a Time and Courage to Change.  Mark also uses Hope for Today along with the Language of Letting Go. Although we all have read these daily readers several times through, something new is discovered often.

Bill also enjoyed a book “A New Pair of Glasses” by Chuck C.  This book is an expanded open talk by Chuck from California.  Mark also recommends “Dr. Bob and the Good Old-timers” which is biographical book about Dr. Bob and the early days of AA.

It was also discussed about how important it is in recovery to be able to read and write.  These skills are sometimes assumed and can be a special challenge to recovery for the blind and illiterate.

Websites used in recovery include
AA
Al-anon
intherooms.com
Ann Arbor Al-anon Web Site

Mark discusses his trip to Saugatuck.  Bill is busy with his young family.  Spencer is enjoying his time at Lake Wobegon.  Mark Discusses going to podcamp Cincinnati in October. Find all about Anna and her childhood pet duck, Lamont.

The following links can be used to purchase the books we referenced during the podcast.  Your purchase will support the podcast.

Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How Many Thousands of Men and Women Have Recovered from Alcoholism
Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions
How Al-Anon Works for Families & Friends of Alcoholics
Paths to Recovery: Al-Anon’s Steps, Traditions and Concepts
Daily Reflections: A Book of Reflections by A.A. Members for A.A. Members
One Day at a Time in Al-Anon
Courage to Change: One Day at a Time in Al-Anon II
Hope for Today
More Language of Letting Go: 366 New Daily Meditations (Hazelden Meditation Series)
A New Pair of Glasses
DR. BOB AND THE GOOD OLDTIMERS (Alcoholics Anonymous, A biography, with recollections of early A.A. in the Midwest)