Self-Judgment and Acceptance in Emotional Sobriety
Episode Overview
Don't judge your past self by today's standards. Emotional sobriety is a daily practice, not a final goal. Balancing personal identity with societal expectations can be challenging. Family relationships play a crucial role in recovery. Applying rational thinking and compassion is key to emotional sobriety.
"Never judge an earlier version of yourself by what you know today"
In this episode of 'Emotional Sobriety: The Next Step in Recovery', Thom Rutledge and Dr. Allen Berger tackle the tricky subject of self-judgment and acceptance. They explore how our past selves shouldn't be judged by the standards and knowledge we have today. Thom shares a humorous yet poignant story about a meltdown he witnessed, which leads to reflections on his own past struggles with fitting into office culture while dealing with addiction. Dr.
Berger discusses the concept of emotional sobriety as a daily practice that requires conscious attention to our responses and interpretations of the world around us. The episode also dives into a recent AA Grapevine article, 'Fishing Heaven', which becomes a metaphor for the lessons learned in sobriety. They touch on personal stories of fishing trips, family relationships, and the struggle to balance personal identity with societal expectations. The conversation is peppered with light-hearted moments, making it both engaging and relatable.
Thom and Dr. Berger remind you that emotional sobriety is about applying rational thinking, compassion, and clearly defining your beliefs and values. It's not about reaching a final goal but practising daily mindfulness and acceptance. If you're looking for an honest, sometimes funny, and deeply reflective take on recovery, this episode is a must-listen.