Balancing Activism and Recovery: Insights from Amanda and Becky
For this reason, my motivation for being in recovery is not so I can gain power, not so I can learn how to fix something, not so I can learn how to have the upper hand, but so I can relax, let go and find serenity.
Imagine trying to juggle the demands of activism while maintaining your recovery journey. That's the core of this episode of The Recovery Show, where Spencer sits down with Amanda and Becky to explore this delicate balance. They dive into how Al-Anon's principles can guide those working for societal change, offering a unique perspective on finding serenity in a chaotic world. The conversation kicks off with the importance of acceptance, especially when dealing with people who hold different beliefs.
Amanda and Becky share how the Serenity Prayer and slogans like 'live and let live' have been crucial in their activism efforts. They emphasize the value of seeing the humanity in everyone, even those with opposing views. As the discussion progresses, the guests highlight the tools of recovery that help them maintain balance and avoid burnout. Self-reflection and self-awareness are key themes, as they talk about understanding their motivations for getting involved in social causes.
Slogans like 'progress, not perfection' and 'one day at a time' come up as practical advice for managing expectations. The episode also delves into how experiences with addiction inform their activism. Amanda and Becky discuss breaking cycles of dysfunction and gaining empathy through open AA meetings. They stress the importance of hearing diverse voices to build a deeper understanding of social issues. The conversation wraps up with a focus on finding peace in an unpredictable world.
The guests share how recovery has taught them to let go of the need to control everything, finding serenity by focusing on what they can change. This episode offers a compelling look at how recovery principles can intersect with activism, providing valuable insights for anyone navigating these challenging waters.