I’m starting a new project.  Hopefully I can see it all the way through.  I’m creating an audio version of the first 164 pages of the Big Book.  I’m starting with the reading that my sponsor has assigned me.  I’m sure others would like having this, so here it is.   You can download the… Continue reading AA Big Book pgs 83-89

My peace is crucial to my sanity. This ties into my earlier topics on control and how I have no control over other peoples actions and decisions. I’ll cut to the chase right out here… I should ALWAYS be at peace. If at anytime I find I’m not, then I need to re-evaluate my motives… Continue reading Part 9 – Peace

It’s time to move on to Step 3. Here is how it reads: Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. The first thing I would like to point out in this step is the lack of the word “We” at the beginning.… Continue reading Part 8 – Turning over the Keys

I’m going to deviate again from focusing on the steps. A common problem that comes up around this point is dealing with self-esteem. It’s inevitable that all this stripping of “self” and admissions of powerlessness can make one feel pretty bad about themselves. Even after going through the entire 12-step process, I still battle with… Continue reading Part 7 – Guilt & Shame

I’ve often heard in recovery circles that anger is an emotion I can’t afford.  I find it an interesting concept.  I consider myself to have a very mild temper.  It takes quite a bit for me to actually get upset with someone.  But, there are times when just the right buttons get pushed hard enough… Continue reading Part 6 – Anger & Resentment

Up until now I’ve focused on the acceptance of my powerlessness and how my life was unmanageable. Once that has been truly accepted, I’m ready to move on to the second step. Here is how it reads from the AA steps: Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.… Continue reading Part 5 – The God Thing

A common concept talked about in several different therapy groups is “living in the present”. This is a nice phrase and might seem an easy concept, but in reality it’s quite difficult to execute. The idea is that I live in this moment and not in the past or future.  Why?  Dwelling on the past… Continue reading Part 4 – Living in the Present

Don’t take yourself so serious when you’re down. Dealing with the hard times in life are a particular problem. Our demon is actually a typical response to emotional trauma… people find they do better in emergency situations. There’s a bit of a hypochondriac in all of us. When we are sick, we can get away… Continue reading Part 3 – In the Eye of the Storm

Recognize when an emotion is getting the better of you.

Learning to live life again after a personal downfall is one of life’s biggest challenges.  Typically, most people don’t come into this kind of challenge until their late 30’s or 40’s.  Through my own personal failures, I’ve learned how to cope with the variety of challenges life presents. Most of it draws on the 12… Continue reading Getting Started (again)–Powerlessness