This episode features John C from Colorado Springs, Colorado. John has been sober since August 16, 1994

John’s story starts with the need to point fingers at others and try to compare rather than identify.  Fortunately for John his daughter was also in recovery.  This is where he took notice of her progress and began to take his step work much more seriously.  His story also gives rise to the importance of accountability.  He realized that he had to build a fellowship of men who would keep him honest.

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Reading Recommendation from John C.

Man's Search For Meaning by Viktor Frankl

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Use the link below if you would like to contact the show.

https://www.seasonsofsobriety.com/contact

This episode features Betsy W from Sarasota Florida.  Betsy has been sober since February 24, 1989

As Betsy’s story unfolds, you will see her perseverance as a parent when there is very little support from a spouse.  Transforming from a pattern of gaining knowledge to gaining experience. And being able to identify flaws and how best to repair some damage done after decades of sobriety.  She also demonstrates how to apply the principles of Alanon into her growth as a mother and wife.

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Reading Recommendation from Betsy W.

Opening Our Hearts, Transforming Our Losses - Al-Anon Family Groups

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Use the link below if you would like to contact the show.

https://www.seasonsofsobriety.com/contact

This episode features Barry L from Southern Minnesota.  Barry has been sober since October 29, 1988

Barry’s story starts with his identification as an alcoholic while fulfilling his pastoral duties.  He found some very understanding and helpful people early on that allowed him to build his foundation.  As a result of establishing a firm constitution for his step work and cultivating relationships, he has transitioned to being a counselor to help other alcoholics and addicts.  His journey also prompted a calling to write a book called Mastering Recovery.

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Reading Recommendation from Barry L.

Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl

Breathing Under Water: Spirituality and the Twelve Steps by Fr. Richard Rohr

Mastering Recovery by Barry Lehman

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Use the link below if you would like to contact the show.

https://www.seasonsofsobriety.com/contact

A special thanks to Sound Devices (https://www.sounddevices.com) for donating the MixPre-6 used to record portions of this episode.

This episode features Kami S from Lakewood New Jersey.  Kami has been sober since September 7, 1981.

Kami’s story reveals the sinister nature of that voice inside that tells us we are enough and how she overcame all the negative messages she gave herself about her learning disability.  She also has a little twist regarding an amend that has allowed her to live and forgive.

Her story demonstrates the willingness to dig deep into the emotional disruptions of life and how best to heal from them after decades of recovery,

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Reading Recommendation from Kami S.

The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by  by Don Miguel Ruiz

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Use the link below if you would like to contact the show.

https://www.seasonsofsobriety.com/contact

A special thanks to Sound Devices  for donating the MixPre-6 used to record portions of this episode.

This episode features Ed M. from Southern New Jersey.  Ed has been sober since October 19, 2008.

• Ed’s journey as a former coach and teacher has been a tremendous asset to his recovery.  His snippets of wisdom at meetings has earned him the nickname of “The Bumper Sticker Guy” among his local fellowship.
• He has been able to maintain a wonderful relationship with his ex-wife and children despite the many layers of alcoholic behavior.
• His story demonstrates that getting sober later in life has its benefits of the wisdom of life cycles coupled with the working of the twelve steps.

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Reading Recommendation from Ed M.

The Red Road by Anna Hylén

The Daily Ponderables Collection

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Use the link below if you would like to contact the show.

https://www.seasonsofsobriety.com/contact

A special thanks to Sound Devices for donating the MixPre-6 used to record portions of this episode.

This episode features Hope A. from North Carolina

Hope has been sober since September 14, 1981.

Some of the insights in Hope’s story are following:

• She realized that AA could help someone who was as damaged as she saw herself.
• Every time she survived something difficult in sobriety her rachet of optimism would increase
• She realized she was avoiding AA due to some shameful behavior that resulted from an undiagnosed bipolar disorder.
• She has grown in effectiveness as a sponsor over the past 40 years.
• The importance of revisiting our illnesses other than alcoholism and addiction and the effects of medications as we get older
• She has been able to use her story to help others in a book she has written called How to Remodel a Life. 

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Book Recommendation from Hope

The Power of Your Subconscious Mind: Unlock the Secrets Within by Joseph Murphy

Click here to find Hope's Book -  How to Remodel a Life

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Use the link below if you would like to contact the show.

https://www.seasonsofsobriety.com/contact

A special thanks to Sound Devices for donating the MixPre-6 used to record portions of this episode.

This episode features Seth P from Kingston Ontario.  Seth has been sober since April 12 2010.

Some of the insights in Seth’s story are following 

• Creating a system of accountability for himself in early recovery was invaluable
• The transformation from someone who looked at the steps and did not want a relationship with god to a man who decided to dedicate his life to god and others by becoming a pastor
• Service work in the program allowed him to meet people who are serious about attending meetings and helping others
• The inevitable journey of grief demonstrated to him that there was an abundance of people to support him in that process.

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Book Recommendation from Seth

Pastrix: The Cranky, Beautiful Faith of a Sinner & Saint by Nadia Bolz-Weber

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Connect with Seth on his YouTube Channel

Seth's YouTube Channel

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Use the link below if you would like to contact the show.

https://www.seasonsofsobriety.com/contact

A special thanks to Sound Devices for donating equipment used to record portions of this episode.

This episode features Andy H from Montclair New Jersey

Andy has been sober since October 28th 2003

Some of the valuable take-aways in Andy’s story are following 

• Every problem has been definitional for him.  He says he had the wrong definition of what to do
• He learned that resentments from early childhood were lingering into adulthood and effected success in the work environment and eventually his financial security
• His long battle with giving up cigarettes and the spiritual awakening that came along with this discovery.
• He likes to say his wisdom comes as a result of the “awful” grace of god. 

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Book Recommendation from Andy

The Spirituality of Imperfection: Storytelling and the Search for Meaning by Ernest Kurtz

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Use the link below if you would like to contact the show.

https://www.seasonsofsobriety.com/contact

A special thanks to Sound Devices for donating equipment used to record portions of this episode.

This episode features Kathy K from Northern New Jersey

Kathy has been sober since January 1st, 1987

Some of the valuable take-aways in Kathy’s story are following 

• An alternative approach to entering recovery from alcohol and drugs through Alanon program
• Control issues and her relationship with food.
• Insight into reciprocity in her personal friendships
• Letting go of that feeling of uniqueness and separation from others

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Book Recommendation from Kathy

The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck

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Use the link below if you would like to contact the show.

https://www.seasonsofsobriety.com/contact

A special thanks to Sound Devices for donating the MixPre-6 used to record portions of this episode.

This episode features Adam F. from the Dallas-Fort Worth, TX

Adam has been sober since August 11, 2011

In Adam’s story you will learn how he dealt with his stubbornness and delusion.  This is best shown in his description of how he took himself off medication and later found how necessary it was for his success in sobriety.  

He also shares with us how important it is to distinguish between what the medication can do as opposed to what he can do.  In hearing Adam’s story I really enjoyed hearing about some interesting results from working the ninth step. Adam also shares his insight with regard to being in relationship and marriage to a fellow member of the program.

Join Adam on his journey at Adamfout.com.  

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Book Recommendation from Adam

Jesus' Son by Denis Johnson

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Click here if you would like to contact the show.

A special thanks to Sound Devices for donating the MixPre-6 used to record portions of this episode.

This episode features Marcus M from West Caldwell, NJ.  Marcus has been sober since June 1, 1986.

Marcus’ story starts at the very young age of 16 where he was fortunate to admit to his innermost self that he had a problem with alcohol and drugs. Thanks to his surroundings and the support of family he was able to get in to attend meetings and begin his journey.

He also had the opportunity to repay the kindness and generosity back to his mother when she needed him most during her battle with cancer.  Marcus also had the opportunity to repair a damaged relationship with his father when challenged with letting go of old ideas formed during his sobriety.

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Book Recommendation from Marcus

Letters of the Scattered Brotherhood by Mary Strong

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Use the link below if you would like to contact the show.

https://www.seasonsofsobriety.com/contact

A special thanks to Sound Devices for donating the MixPre-6 used to record portions of this episode.