Finding Peace and Purpose: Randy Mermell on Gratitude and Sobriety
Episode Overview
Gratitude can act as a catalyst for personal growth. Merely abstaining from alcohol isn't enough; holistic recovery is essential. Meditation and prayer help in connecting with a higher power. Understanding alcoholism as a mental disease is crucial. Meetings and living by 12-step principles are vital for long-term sobriety.
For me to drink is to die. What a great idea. I get free booze, so let's go die in the Bahamas.
Randy Mermell, a truth seeker and founder of Principles In Application, shares his personal journey of overcoming alcoholism and finding happiness in this episode of 'Love Your Life'. With over 28 years of sobriety, Randy opens up about his struggles with low self-esteem and various addictions, including alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, and coffee.
He provides a raw and honest account of how these substances once dominated his life and the pivotal moment he realised he was allergic to alcohol—a realisation that changed everything. Randy leads a meditation session, guiding you through the third step prayer with a calm and reflective approach. He encourages taking deep breaths between each line to truly connect with the higher power or God.
This meditative practice is not just about saying the words but feeling them and understanding their significance in your recovery journey. He candidly discusses the nature of alcoholism as a disease that centres in the mind, manifesting as an unsatisfiable, fault-finding, and opinionated mindset. Randy explains how this restless and irritable state drove him to alcohol as a quick fix for his emotional pain.
However, he also emphasises that merely abstaining from alcohol isn't enough to treat the disease; it requires a holistic approach involving meetings, reading, and living by the 12-step principles. One of the most compelling parts of the episode is Randy's reflection on gratitude. He shares how loving his life exactly as it is—practising gratitude for everything he has—acts as a 'rocket ship' to the next level of personal growth.
This philosophy has helped him maintain his sobriety and find joy in everyday moments. Randy's story is both inspiring and relatable, making it a must-listen for anyone struggling with addiction or seeking a deeper understanding of their own recovery process. His heartfelt advice and practical tips offer a beacon of hope for those on their journey to sobriety. So why should you listen?
Because Randy's journey from addiction to happiness is not just about sobriety—it's about finding peace, purpose, and joy in every aspect of life.