Ever wondered how to turn a negative comment into a positive change? In this episode of Recovery Elevator, Odette kicks off by sharing her experience with feedback and how it inspired her to 'do better'. After receiving a critical comment from a listener, she chose to see it as an opportunity for growth, reminding herself and her audience that everyone is worthy of improvement and understanding. Odette's segment sets the stage for a powerful story of resilience and transformation.

Meet Kevin, a 59-year-old printer from Philadelphia now living in Florida. With just over three months of sobriety under his belt, Kevin opens up about his battle with alcohol. His journey began at the tender age of seven when he started mixing drinks at his grandparents' card games. Fast forward to adulthood, and Kevin found himself deeply entrenched in drinking habits that were hard to break. What makes Kevin's story compelling is his practical approach to managing cravings.

He shares how changing his environment helps him resist the urge to drink, whether it's stepping outside for fresh air or engaging in a different activity. Kevin also emphasizes the importance of AA meetings in his recovery process, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. The in-person connections he made through AA played a crucial role in his commitment to sobriety. This episode isn't just about Kevin's story; it's about the broader theme of self-improvement and growth.

Odette's reflections on feedback and Kevin's practical tips for staying sober offer valuable insights for anyone on their own recovery journey. Whether you're struggling with addiction or supporting someone who is, this episode provides a mix of inspiration and actionable advice that can make a real difference.

Kevin shares his early days with alcohol and how he found strength in sobriety and feedback on Recovery Elevator.

Kevin's Journey: Finding Strength in Sobriety and Feedback

Kevin took his last drink April 11, 2020. With just over 3 months away from alcohol (at the time of recording) this is his story of living alcohol free (AF).   Odette’s weekly installment of: Finding the Better You…..   Receiving feedback and how to do better. After a negative comment / feedback from a listener, Odette took the comments and the feedback and is seeing this as an opportunity to do better. It seems these days that “do better” is being used more and explored. This was the universe reminding her that she is worthy, the listener is worthy, and everyone is worthy. She has gratitude and love for the listener because they allowed to her see something from a different perspective. If you have feedback, please send an email to <a href= "mailto:odette@recoveryelevator.com">Odette</a>.   [7:23] Odette introduces Kevin.   Kevin is 59 and originally from Philadelphia, he has lives in Florida for the past 20 years. He’s a printer and works for the schoolboard. He’s married and loves cooking, traveling and doing charcoal portraits.   [9:13] Can you give listeners some background on your drinking?   Kevin said that when he was 7, he became the drink maker at his grandparents’ card games. He would have some whiskey and ginger ale himself. In 4th grade he was bullied, so he would go home at lunch to eat but also to do a few shots of liquor so he could deal with that. In high school he fell in with a crowd that drank and also sold drugs. He continued in that pattern until he met his now wife at the age of 33. He quit the drugs, but his drinking continued to escalate. In 2017 he spent 3 days in a psych ward, leaving there he sent to AA and a counselor, but it never really took, and he relapsed.   [12:26] Did anybody notice that all this was happening when you were so young?   Kevin said that he was a latch key kid, so his use of alcohol wasn’t noticed. And when he was in high school, he was always out of the house and with friends, so again, it wasn’t noticed. However, he says that while in high school he knew he had a bad alcohol problem on his hands.   [14:22] Did you ever reach out to somebody in those early days or was alcohol normalized in your family?   Kevin said his grandfather owned a bar and his parents had an active social life and he was a bartender at different points, so alcohol was always a part of his life.   [15:03] How did alcohol cause conflict in your marriage(s)?   Kevin said in his first marriage they were both very immature and it wasn’t ever going to last. With his second wife, he emulated her and wanted her to be proud of him. It never worked out however and he felt he was always disappointing her.   [16:40] What happened that made you want to reach out and get help?   Kevin said there were a lot of moments. Between injuries, unhealthy arguments and car accidents there were lots of red flags. He always thought he had it under control. He doesn’t have an off switch.   [18:55] What happened in April of this year?   Kevin said this time he wanted to get sober and committed to AA, he didn’t have another second chance in him. He was tired of playing the alcohol game, wondering where he would get more and having alcohol control his life.   [20:49] What do you do when you get a craving?   Kevin said he changes his environment right away. He gets out of where he is and tries to get a new headspace. In about 30 minutes time the craving is gone. He doesn’t call them alcohol cravings, but more the idea of alcohol gets in his brain.   Kevin uses the Merriam Webster app and it gives him a “word of the day”. He takes that word and tries to apply it to his sobriety throughout the day. This gives him a fresh perspective to sobriety over and over.   [23:00] Tell me about your family dynamics?   Kevin said for 24 years he was a tornado leaving a path of devastation through his marriage. They are trying to figure things out and he wants his wife to be happy and have a good life.   [26:02] What is your favorite thing about the AA program?   Kevin said the communication and connection with other people in recovery.   [28:20] Are there any other resources that have been helping you in this journey?   Kevin said he always has something going on to fill his time. Between podcasts and reading or going to meetings.   [28:58] What’s your favorite NA drink?   Iced coffee, with coffee ice cubes.   [29:36] Did you notice a change in your sugar intake?   Kevin said he never had a sweet tooth until he stopped drinking. But now he adds honey to his oats! He’s trying to scale back his sugar intake.   [30:52] What’s your go-to response when someone offers you a drink?   Kevin said he tells people “I’m an alcohol and I’m living it sober”. He has no reservations about telling people.   [31:30] Do you notice any pushback from people who you tell?   Kevin said the friends he has in Florida are accepting and have been nothing but positive.   [33:07] What are you excited about right now?   Kevin is excited about the future. He wants to get involved with helping other people in recovery.   [34:47] Has your sleep improved?   Kevin said he wasn’t a great sleeper throughout most of his life, so while that pattern remains, he’s no longer sluggish and his body doesn’t hurt. He feels rested.   [31:30] Do you have to do virtual meetings during the pandemic?   Kevin said his room has been open throughout the pandemic and he is a little unsure if he would have had success doing virtual meetings. He needs the in-person/human connections.   [39:28] Have you been able to identify triggers?   Kevin said he drank for so long that he’s unsure if he actually has triggers. He drank simply because it was part of his life.      [41:13] Rapid Fire Round    <ol> <li>What is a lightbulb moment you’ve had during this journey?</li> </ol>   Realizing he could go through the day without alcohol.   <ol start="2"> <li>What would you say to your younger self?</li> </ol>   Love and value yourself. You matter. You have something to offer.   <ol start="3"> <li>What’s your favorite flavor of ice cream?</li> </ol>   Coffee with chocolate covered espresso beans on top.   <ol start="4"> <li>What parting piece of guidance can you give listeners who are thinking about ditching the booze?</li> </ol>   It’s important to stay focused and keep your sobriety in front of you. Stay focused on your interests and keep your mind active. Stress is a killer.   You may have to say adios to booze...    If you come back to your table from an open bar with 4 drinks and 2 shots in your hand and ask if anyone wants anything themselves.   Odette’s challenge this week:   Try to build a practice around your negative self-talk. Swap out the negative with a kinder message for yourself. Give yourself the love you need.     Affiliate Link for Endourage: For 10% off your first CBD order with Endourage visit this <a href= "https://endourage.com/affiliate-partner/recoveryelevator" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">link</a> and use the promo code elevator at checkout.    Affiliate Link for Amazon: Shop via Amazon using this <a href= "https://www.recoveryelevator.com/amazon">link</a>.   Upcoming events, retreats and courses: <ul> <li>Recovery Elevator’s first ever REgionals! Join us for our online zoom conference this October 23-24th. This event is for Café RE Members only. Not a member yet?! Sign up <a href= "https://recovery-elevator-sandbox.chargifypay.com/subscribe/yqhq6p9gmrr2"> here</a> and use the promo code OPPORTUNITY to waive the set-up fee.</li> <li>Ditching the Booze - The What, the Why and the How. The new course will start 11/3/20. It’s free for Café RE members. Not a Café Re member? Sign up <a href= "https://www.recoveryelevator.com/cafere/">here</a> and use the code OPPORTUNITY for waive the set-up fee.</li> <li>You can find more information about our events </li> </ul>   The book, Alcohol is SH!T, is out. Pick up your paperback copy on Amazon <a href= "https://www.amazon.com/Alcohol-is-Sht-Paul-Churchill-audiobook/dp/B07XFGVMQ9/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=alcohol+is+shit&qid=1590430998&sr=8-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>! You can get the Audible version <a href= "https://www.audible.com/pd/Alcohol-is-Sht-Audiobook/B07XGDMXQF?qid=1569247192&sr=1-2&pf_rd_p=e81b7c27-6880-467a-b5a7-13cef5d729fe&pf_rd_r=TY51EJJZJ0XQDPRMN0MA&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>!     Resources:  <a href= "https://www.recoveryelevator.com/cafere/">Connect with Cafe RE</a> - Use the promo code OPPORTUNITY to waive the set-up fee. <a href= "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuWac9dxkn3J93xJOka3L2g">Recovery Elevator YouTube</a> - Subscribe here! <a href="https://appsto.re/us/z8w_5.i">Sobriety Tracker iTunes </a> <a href= "https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.recovery.sam.sobrietycalculatorPro"> Sobriety Tracker Android </a> Sober Selfies! - Send your Sober Selfie and your Success Story to  -<a href= "mailto:info@recoveryelevator.com%20?subject=You%20don't%20have%20to%20quit%20drinking%20to%20quit%20drinking">info@recoveryelevator.com</a>   “Recovery Elevator – “Be the light and shine bright, you have the power to make a difference – I love you guys”

RE 291: Do Better

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It isn't a NO to alcohol, but a YES to a better life!  Best selling author Paul Churchill, along with Kristopher Oyen interview people who have stepped away from alcohol in their own lives. Each week this podcast does a deep dive into an exploration of what a booze free life might look like from various perspectives and opinions. 

If you are sick and tired of alcohol making you sick and tired, we invite you to listen to Recovery Elevator. Check out what an alcohol free life can look like as others share their own stories of sobriety. If you are sober curious, newly sober, supporting a loved one or living your best life already in recovery, then you are in the right place.

This podcast addresses what to do if you’re addicted to alcohol, or if you think you’re an alcoholic. Other topics include, does moderate drinking work, does addiction serve a purpose, what happens to the brain when we quit drinking, should you track sobriety time, is A.A. right for you, spirituality, and more. 

Similar to other recovery podcasts like This Naked Mind, the Shair Podcast, and the Recovered Podcast, Paul and Kris discuss a topic and then interview someone who has ditched the booze.

Recovery Elevator

Ever wondered how to turn a negative comment into a positive change? In this episode of Recovery Elevator, Odette kicks off by sharing her experience with feedback and how it inspired her to 'do better'. After receiving a critical comment from a listener, she chose to see it as an opportunity for growth, reminding herself and her audience that everyone is worthy of improvement and understanding. Odette's segment sets the stage for a powerful story of resilience and transformation.Meet Kevin, a 59-year-old printer from Philadelphia now living in Florida. With just over three months of sobriety under his belt, Kevin opens up about his battle with alcohol. His journey began at the tender age of seven when he started mixing drinks at his grandparents' card games. Fast forward to adulthood, and Kevin found himself deeply entrenched in drinking habits that were hard to break. What makes Kevin's story compelling is his practical approach to managing cravings.He shares how changing his environment helps him resist the urge to drink, whether it's stepping outside for fresh air or engaging in a different activity. Kevin also emphasizes the importance of AA meetings in his recovery process, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. The in-person connections he made through AA played a crucial role in his commitment to sobriety. This episode isn't just about Kevin's story; it's about the broader theme of self-improvement and growth.Odette's reflections on feedback and Kevin's practical tips for staying sober offer valuable insights for anyone on their own recovery journey. Whether you're struggling with addiction or supporting someone who is, this episode provides a mix of inspiration and actionable advice that can make a real difference.

Paul Churchill

Paul Churchill

RE 291: Do Better

RE 291: Do Better

RE 291: Do Better

Monday 14th September 2020

About this podcast

Recovery Elevator

Kevin's Journey: Finding Strength in Sobriety and Feedback