Letting Go of Control: Self-Will and Recovery
Episode Overview
Trying to control everything leads to conflicts. Rule 62: Don't take yourself too seriously. Self-justification hinders recovery. Facing oneself honestly is crucial. Fear is often greater than reality.
'Don't take yourself too damn seriously'
In this episode of the Transitions Daily Alcoholics Anonymous Recovery Readings Podcast, Cindy L. from Fort Worth, Texas, takes you through a series of poignant recovery quotes and reflections. Focusing on the theme of self-will, the episode delves into how self-directed lives often lead to collisions with others, even when our intentions are good. The readings remind us that trying to control everything around us is not the key to happiness or success.
One of the standout points in this episode is the idea that most people, especially those struggling with alcoholism, tend to act like directors trying to manage every aspect of a play. This metaphor highlights how unrealistic and exhausting it can be to control everything and everyone around us. Instead, the episode encourages listeners to adopt Rule 62: 'Don't take yourself too damn seriously'. Cindy L.
also shares insights from the Big Book and other AA literature, focusing on the destructive nature of self-justification and the 'fine art of alibis'. Whether it's blaming circumstances or creating excuses for drinking, the episode underscores how these behaviours hinder recovery. The episode also touches on the importance of facing oneself honestly and the fear that often accompanies this process.
Yet, it reassures that the fear is usually greater than the reality, and taking a moral inventory can be a transformative experience. If you're someone who struggles with letting go of control or making excuses for your actions, this episode offers valuable reflections and practical advice. It's a gentle reminder that recovery is not just about abstaining from alcohol but also about changing one's mindset and behaviours.
Tune in for a mix of wisdom, humour, and heartfelt advice that can help you on your journey to sobriety. After all, as Cindy L. puts it, 'We had to drink because times were hard or times were good'. So why not listen and see how you can shift your perspective today?