The Sober Living Podcast

The Center of My UniverseThe Sober Living PodcastWhen we think of someone who's self-centered, we usually picture a person with a big ego who thinks they're better than everyone else. But what if self-centeredness doesn't always look that way?In this episode of The Sober Living Podcast, I reflect on how low self-esteem, focusing on my own problems, and wanting things to go my way can all be different forms of self-centeredness.I've learned over the years that I can't control everything happening around me. But accepting that in theory and actually putting it into practice are two very different things. Sometimes all it takes is a little change in the silverware drawer to remind me that I still have some work to do!Recovery and Alcoholics Anonymous have given me opportunities to look at myself more closely, recognize my behaviors, and learn to let go of things that really aren't worth getting upset over.Sometimes finding serenity isn't about changing what's happening around me. It's about changing how I respond to it.And sometimes, the best thing I can do is ask myself whether something is really worth fighting over, or whether I can simply accept it and move on.Because I don't need to control everything around me to have a good life. And I certainly don't need to be the center of the universe.The Sober Living Podcast is a personal reflection on recovery, personal growth, spirituality, and learning to live sober one day at a time.I am a member of Alcoholics Anonymous, but I do not represent AA. The opinions and experiences shared here are my own.

Sometimes, somebody else's success can be just the inspiration we need to keep moving forward.In this episode of The Sober Living Podcast, I reflect on a quote from the ancient Stoic philosopher Seneca about celebrating the accomplishments of others as if they were our own.One of the things I love about Alcoholics Anonymous is watching people succeed. Whether it's somebody picking up a sobriety chip, celebrating another year sober, rebuilding their life, or simply making progress in their recovery, there's something pretty amazing about being part of that journey.But I haven't always been great at celebrating others. I've struggled with jealousy, comparing my life to other people's, and sometimes being so focused on what I wanted that I missed what was happening right in front of me.Recovery has helped me appreciate the importance of lifting people up instead of tearing them down. I've learned that somebody else's success doesn't diminish my own. In fact, watching others overcome their struggles can give me hope for what's possible in my own life.And sometimes, when I'm having a difficult day, celebrating somebody else's happiness can help me get outside of myself and find a little happiness of my own.Because recovery isn't something we do alone. This is a we program, not a me program.And when one of us succeeds, we all have something worth celebrating.The Sober Living Podcast is a personal reflection on recovery, growth, spirituality, and learning how to live sober one day at a time.I am a member of Alcoholics Anonymous, but I do not represent AA. The opinions and experiences shared here are my own.

Shut Up and Listen!Sometimes the best thing I can say is nothing at all.In this episode of The Sober Living Podcast, I reflect on a handful of quotes that have been sticking with me lately—from Marcus Aurelius and Zeno to a few simple sayings I’ve heard along the way.They all seem to point toward the same idea: I don’t need to have an opinion about everything, and even when I do, I don’t always need to share it.That can be especially true for me in AA meetings. Sometimes, instead of listening to what someone else is sharing, I’m sitting there rehearsing what I’m going to say when it’s my turn—trying to sound insightful or maybe get a laugh out of the room.Meanwhile, I might be missing exactly what I needed to hear.So maybe before I open my mouth, I can ask myself three questions:Does it need to be said? Does it need to be said right now? And does it need to be said by me?And sometimes the answer is pretty simple:Sit down, shut up, and listen.The Sober Living Podcast is a personal reflection on recovery, growth, spirituality, and learning how to live sober one day at a time.I am a member of Alcoholics Anonymous, but I do not represent AA. The opinions and experiences shared here are my own.

There’s a saying in recovery that you have to give it away in order to keep it. It sounds like a contradiction, but the longer I’m sober, the more I understand it.In this episode of The Sober Living Podcast, I talk about why staying active in recovery matters to me and how service has become such an important part of my life. Whether it’s working with someone I sponsor, going to a meeting, putting out chairs, giving someone a ride, or simply answering the phone, there are countless opportunities to give back what was so freely given to me.The strange thing is, I never seem to walk away with less.I think of it like a spiritual cup. The more I pour from it, the more it seems to get filled back up.But there’s another change in perspective I’ve been thinking about lately. I often say that I have to stay active in AA if I want to stay sober.Maybe I should be saying that I get to.I get to go to meetings. I get to help other alcoholics. I get to have people in my life who want me around. I’m alive, I’m sober, I’m free, and I have the opportunity to be useful to somebody else.That’s not an obligation.That’s a gift.The Sober Living Podcast is a personal reflection on recovery, growth, spirituality, and learning how to live sober one day at a time.I am a member of Alcoholics Anonymous, but I do not represent AA. The opinions and experiences shared here are my own.

Gary H. sits down with tThe Sober Living Podcast to talk about service!