Breaking Free from Emotional Dependency
Episode Overview
Acknowledge and accept others' feelings without judgement. Emotional sobriety means acting for yourself without being selfish. Deep connections require laying aside unrealistic demands. Self-centredness often leads to emotional disturbances. Practical advice from William Schaberg's '30 Things' book.
Feelings have a primal validity that cannot be denied. They are what they are.
Ever wondered why some relationships seem so hard to maintain? In this episode of 'Emotional Sobriety: The Next Step in Recovery,' Thom Rutledge and Dr. Allen Berger, joined by Joe C., dive into the tricky world of emotional dependency and how it impacts our ability to connect with others. Inspired by William Schaberg’s '30 Things: Practical Advice for Living Well,' they unpack the idea that self-centredness and unrealistic demands can often lead to emotional disturbances.
The trio discusses how laying aside judgements can make our world 'wider, broader and far more interesting,' as Schaberg puts it. Thom shares a personal story about being corrected by his therapist for telling his partner she had no right to feel a certain way. This eye-opening moment helped him realise that acknowledging and accepting others' feelings without judgement can lead to deeper, more meaningful connections. Dr.
Berger adds that true emotional sobriety involves acting for oneself without being selfish and for others without being selfless. The episode also pays tribute to Kris Kristofferson, highlighting his influence on the hosts and their journey towards emotional maturity. They reflect on the emotional highs and lows following the International Conference of Secular AA, making the conversation relatable for anyone who's experienced similar emotional rollercoasters.
If you're looking to improve your relationships and understand the importance of emotional sobriety, this episode is a must-listen. It offers practical advice, heartfelt stories, and a dash of humour to keep things light. Are you ready to make your world a bit wider and more interesting?