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Mark S

Recovered 378 – Inventory

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Tonight, Joe, Spencer, Russ, and Mark share their experience strength and hope regarding Inventory.  They discuss steps 4 and 10.

Materials Referenced During This Episode

Joe and Charlie 4th Step Worksheet
4th Step Analyzer
The Annotated Big Book Handbook
Our Recovery Library (each purchase helps the show)

Joe’s initial reaction to step 4 as a new comer was that he didn’t want to do a 4th step.  Joe was told if he didn’t do a 4th, he would likely pick up a 5th.  After a little time, Joe decided he wanted a better recovery life, so his sponsor encouraged him to continue working the steps, especially steps 4 and 5 which required writing an inventory.

Spencer, an al-anon, initially thought that the steps were for his loved one who had the drink problem, not him.  But after a little bit of time in the fellowship, Spencer wanted what others had.  They seemed to be happy.  So he decided to do what they had done, an inventory.

Russ shared that he also didn’t want to do an inventory when he first came into the program.  But he was told that he would likely drink if he didn’t do an inventory, so he decided to work the steps.  Russ found that after step 3 he was ready to launch into a rigorous course of action which included an inventory.  The downside of not doing an inventory for an AA is relapse.  Spencer shared that the downside for an Al-anon in not doing steps 4 and 5 is to be stuck in the program doing and redoing steps 1 through 3.

The process of inventory allows us to look at our faults and grow.

Step 10, the daily inventory, was also discussed by all.

Recovered 377 – Singleness of Purpose

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Today, our Recovery Topic is Singleness of Purpose.

 Alcoholic Anonymous Tradition 3: The only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking.

Al-Anon Tradition 3: The relatives of alcoholics, when gathered together for mutual aid, may call themselves an Al-Anon Family Group, provided that, as a group, they have no other affiliation. The only requirement for membership is that there be a problem of alcoholism in a relative or friend.

 Alcoholics Anonymous Tradition 5: Each group has but one primary purpose — to carry its message to the alcoholic who still suffers.

Al-Anon Tradition 5: Each Al-Anon Family Group has but one purpose: to help families of alcoholics. We do this by practicing the Twelve Steps of AA ourselves, by encouraging and understanding our alcoholic relatives, and by welcoming and giving comfort to families of alcoholics.

 Mark, Russ, Spencer, and Chad discuss Traditions 3 and 5 in regards to Alcoholics Anonymous and Spencer represents the Al-anon perspective. Russ starts off the program stating that alcoholism is caused by drinking, so we arrive with that problem. Dual addictions or cross addictions are OK in AA as long as alcohol is the primary problem.

 Spencer shared that newcomers are not sure if their loved one is actually an alcoholic. Spencer shared that his understanding that if the newcomer has been affected by someone’s drinking, then you are welcome in Al-Anon. 

Chad shared that you can be a member of AA even before they are convinced they are alcoholic. Just a desire to stop drinking is the only requirement for membership.

Canton Candlelight is 4 Years Old

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So Let’s Party!
Canton Candlelght 4th year anniversary party!
Date: Thursday 27 SEP 12
Time: 8:00 pm Party Starts
10:00 pm Open Talk
Place: PC Alano Club
5936 Sheldon Road 
Canton, MI 48187
Open Talk Speaker: Chad M. 
Bring a dish to pass


Recovered 376 – Anonymity

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Mark, Joe, and Russ discuss Anonymity.  What anonymity meant to them when they were new and what it means to their program now.  They discussed what it means on a personal level as well as a group level, along with press, radio, TV, and now the digital age.  They also discussed how it is important to not break others anonymity by saying someone is in AA

The audio clips cover celebrities in recovery and about recovery. Russ points out that none of the celebs reveal they are in any particular 12 step program and thereby do not break anonymity. Remember, you can always join us live during our podcast by visiting the Chat Room of this website on Tuesdays at about 7:00 pm EST. I usually tart the show early with music, so join us and send us comments while we podcast!

We have 3 interviews on the subject as well.  Thanks Chad, Mike, and Spencer!

Recovered 375 – Creating a Recovery Environment

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On today’s episode, Mark, Joe, and Russ discus a Recovery Environment. What things attract us to certain meetings? Russ shares that being greeted at a new meeting when he enters a new meeting creates a welcoming environment which makes him feels comfortable.

 Joe shares that as a new guy two people greeted him immediately as he entered the club. Joe thinks it’s important to address anyone who he does not recognize just in case the guy is new. Russ shared that a 90 in 90 was recommended at some of his first meetings. 90 in 90 is making 90 meetings in 90 days. This allowed Russ to find the kind of meetings he felt comfortable.

 Now Russ looks for meetings that have easy parking. Joe shares that today, he looks for meetings that are “step” focused. All of us tend to like meetings toward the end of the day.

Recovered 374 – Isolation

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The Recovery Topic tonight is Isolation.  Mark, Joe, and Spencer discuss Isolation before and after coming into the fellowship.  Joe shared that before the program, he could isolate even when in a crowd because he was disconnected with his piers.  Spencer, who is a member of Al-anon, shared that because of shame he isolated into himself so he didn’t have to face other people.

Joe shared that since he entered the fellowship, it’s important to stay connected to other recovery people so that they can call him out on his behavior.  Spencer shared that when he shares a problem at a meeting, he feels better as opposed to when he avoids sharing a problem and the problem tends to consume him.

Recovered 373 – Andrew S.

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My sponsor, Russ, and a friend of Andrew, Joe, take the time to discuss memories, triumphs, and struggles we experienced with Andrew.  Russ met Andrew in 2003 when he was 16 and Joe spent alot of time 6 years later when Joe was new. Chess, service work and humor are the things that Andrew shared with everyone he encountered.

Andrew helped me start this podcast in the fall of 2007.  I used to email demo episodes to him for his critique.  Andrew also helped me start Canton Candlelight, my home group in the fall of 2008.

Recovered 372 – In Memory of Andrew Mark S.

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Andrew S.
June 9, 1986 – July 2, 2012

On July 2,2012, my first born son, Andrew S., died suddenly.  He was only 26 years old.  Andrew took me to my first AA meeting and taught me so many things.

Recovered 370 – The Future of the Podcast

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Tonight’s Recovery Topic is the Future of the Podcast

Mark is solo tonight and he discusses his plans for the future of the show.  Mark talk’s about improving the equipment in the studio and the software.  He also discusses his desire to start an interview segment during the show.  Whether using Skype or his iPhone, Mark would like to interview leaders in the recovery world.

Recovered 369 – Meeting Etiquette

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Tonight’s Recovery Topic is Meeting Etiquette.

This episode, Mark, Aaron, and Spencer discuss some of the behaviors they have seen at meetings which make sense and some behaviors which they would rather not see anymore.  They discuss:

  • Texting
  • Cross Talk
  • Shares that have nothing to do with recovery
  • Anonymity
  • Kids at meetings
  • Hygiene
  • Revealing clothing
  • Gossip
  • etc
Let us know what you have seen at meetings and why you think its ok or not.