by Paul Churchill | Aug 18, 2020 | Podcast
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Alan took his last drink December 23, 2019. With almost 6 months (at the time of recording) this is his story of living alcohol free (AF).
Announcing 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 here and use the promo code OPPORTUNITY to waive the set-up fee.
Odette’s weekly installment of: Finding the Better You.
The New York Times article “Should We Be Drinking Less?” is from July 10th, 2020. It’s the stark contrast to articles which tout having 1-2 glasses of wine has healthy benefits or how rose will help you through motherhood. The idea that moderate drinking is acceptable actually keeps people drinking because it’s seen as ok in the eyes of society.
There is a shift that is happening and people are questioning the narrative of what’s acceptable when drinking.
[7:47] Odette introduces Alan.
Alan lives outside Atlanta and is 49 years old. His last drink was the day before Christmas Eve 2019. He drank everything and was blackout drunk that night. His 15 year old daughter had been at a friend’s house and came home to find her father passed out in a chair with a spilled glass of wine. The next morning knowing his daughter had seen that changed the course of his life. He didn’t want to live that way any longer.
Alan’s daughter mentioned above is actually one of triplets. He has three 15 year old children and has been married to his wife for almost 18 years. He’s in software sales and is trying to figure out what he likes to do for fun now that he’s sober. He enjoys health and fitness and has a Peloton.
[18:37] Walk me through your drinking career.
Alan said that he began drinking in high school and it started out normal, transitioned into college and that drinking atmosphere. College for him was one big party. He continued the pace of college drinking afterwards. He worked for a year in Aspen and drank 7 days a week. He returned to Atlanta, while his drinking slowed, he was always concerned about where the next drink was coming from and this is when his drinking became abnormal. Alan believes he was covering up fear with his drinking. Fear of fitting in, fear of getting a good job, fear of making enough money, fear of meeting the right girl, fear of getting a big title. The fear was gone when he drank.
[27:15] Tell me about joining Café RE and how was that first month?
Alan said Café RE was the springboard to connection. He didn’t realize the connection was so powerful with other people looking to live the same life. After feeling like he had been driving in foggy conditions for 10 years, the fog cleared and he was able to see finally.
[33:36] What works for you when you have a craving?
Alan said he has learned a ton of tools in Café RE. The biggest one is from Paul’s book, Alcohol is SH!T, which says to “play the tape forward”. While he can romanticize the drink on his porch, Alan can also now see where that one drink will lead. He’s seen the movie, he knows the ending and it’s not good!
[36:11] How has your family dynamic changed?
Alan said about 3 months in his wife looked at him and told him he was like a new person. He is present now. While he’s always been a father who was physically there, he always existed in the fog. He told his daughter that he was getting help for his drinking and that’s a huge accountability step for him, one he can never go back on.
[41:00] What have you discovered about yourself?
Alan said he’s learned he can juggle a lot of things in life. He has the ability to handle what life throws at him.
[42:51] If you could talk to day 1 Alan, what would you say?
Connect with likeminded individuals as soon as possible. Do not attempt to do this alone.
[43:20] Had you tried to stop drinking previously?
Alan said he probably tried about 4 times seriously. But never had connection, resources, understanding or community. He always went at it alone and would call himself a Dry Drunk.
[44:52] Rapid Fire Round
- What do you bring to a BYO party?
Bubly, 1 can of Monster Energy drink
- What is a drinking myth you’ve seen debunked?
Myth: You can’t have fun without drinking.
Truth: You can have SO much fun without drinking (and the next day!)
- Do you celebrate milestones?
Yes, but the journey is never ending.
- What are some words of wisdom you can share with listeners?
If you are thinking about this path, I promise you life is better without the booze. The fog will lift!
You may have to say adios to alcohol…
if you’re at the airport bar and the gate is right across from you, but you intentionally miss your flight so you can keep drinking.
Odette’s challenge this week:
Share the NY Times article with someone you know. Plant the seed of living a life away from alcohol.
Affiliate Link for Endourage:
For 10% off your first CBD order with Endourage visit this link and use the promo code elevator at checkout.
Upcoming events, retreats and courses:
- 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 here and use the code OPPORTUNITY for waive the set-up fee.
- You can find more information about our events here.
The book, Alcohol is SH!T, is out. Pick up your paperback copy on Amazon here! You can get the Audible version here!
Resources:
Connect with Cafe RE – Use the promo code OPPORTUNITY to waive the set-up fee.
Recovery Elevator YouTube – Subscribe here!
Sobriety Tracker iTunes
Sobriety Tracker Android
Sober Selfies! – Send your Sober Selfie and your Success Story to –info@recoveryelevator.com
“Recovery Elevator – How about we just stick to La Croix, sound good?- I love you guys”
by Paul Churchill | Jul 27, 2020 | Podcast
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe to the Recovery Elevator Podcast Apple Podcasts | | More
Andrew took his last drink June 02, 2020. With 9 days (at the time of recording) this is his story of living alcohol free (AF).
Finding the better you with Odette. Today’s topic: Setting boundaries.
According to https://positivepsychology.com/ Healthy boundaries are those set to make sure that you are mentally and emotionally stable. You can also think about it as our boundaries might be ridged, loose or completely non-existent. The lack of boundaries may indicate that we do not have a strong identity or that we are intermeshed with someone else or something else: insert alcohol. Odette lobbies for protecting your energy, which is a version of creating boundaries. Set and honor your boundaries. When you set new boundaries and start living them it might feel uncomfortable, and that’s normal. It gets easier and better when you stand up for yourself and share your boundaries with others. Check in with yourself often.
[8:25] Odette introduces Andrew.
Andrew is 37 years old and lives in Brisbane Australia. When Andrew and Odette first began talking about scheduling this interview, Andrew had more than 35 days AF. He did some field research and is now back with 9 days AF.
He drives trucks for a living, is married and has 3 boys under the age of 7. For fun he likes to ride his trail bike.
[14:19] Can you give listeners a history on your drinking?
Andrew’s first drink was at age 13. Instantly he fell in love with alcohol. He liked the person he became when he drank. When he was 15 he worked in construction with older guys and that gave him access to alcohol. As an adult the drinking increased and increased, but he never thought it was a problem until his late 20s. Andrew has known over the past 10 years that he didn’t drink normally. He drank more than people and alcohol became an identity. His first son was born when he was 30 and he tried to grow up. Andrew noticed he couldn’t stop drinking.
Andrew said his relationship changed from having fun as a couple to serious and his wife mentioning that it needs to be different. They couldn’t go to the shops without his kids mentioning “oh we need to go to the bottle shop for dad”.
[21:34] Did you hit a bottom or what made you decide to pursue an AF life?
Andrew said all the relationships in his life began to fail. He never blamed the alcohol but blamed the other person. A few years ago having a surgery that required him to stop drinking 2 weeks prior and his wife laughed at that suggestion. He wasn’t able to stop and drank up to surgery and that’s when he realized it was a problem.
[22:40] Did you seek help when you decided to try and stop drinking?
Andrew said he simply decided he wasn’t going to drink. He did reach out to a doctor who prescribed some pills that didn’t have any effect. His drinking continued on and off over the next few years. He often found himself googling if he was an alcoholic or not. This led right into the current COVID pandemic. Andrew decided he wanted to find a better life for himself, his wife and his kids.
[24:00] Did you attempt moderating before quitting?
Yes, Andrew said he tried to moderate his drinking. Being a truck driver for a living, he always had to have 0.0% alcohol to drive. He tried to promise himself he would only drink on weekends, but instead worked out how many drinks he could have in the afternoons and still have 0.0% alcohol level for work the next morning.
[26:06] Can you expand on the 6 week dry camp associated with your work?
Andrew explained that it wasn’t a company sponsored event. It was the work he was doing at the time and they lived on campus for a period of time. The campus he was on, was dry. He made it the 6 weeks, and on his way home he stopped for alcohol. He picked up exactly where he left off even through he was feeling proud for making it the 6 weeks.
[28:06] How had fatherhood changed?
Andrew said he’s more present now and is noticing how much his wife had been picking up in the area of childcare. He worries about different things now and he cares more about what is right and wrong.
[28:06] Tell us about a day in your life right now, what tools are you using?
Andrew said he’s still learning, this is a new journey for him. The traditional help isn’t available right now, everything is only online. He has discovered podcasts and listens as much as he can. He hopes to join an in person AA group.
[34:23] Have you received any negative feedback around your decision?
Andrew hasn’t received one negative comment from the people he’s told. Everyone is supportive, from family to friends to work colleagues.
[37:46] What possibilities are you excited for?
Andrew said in the long term he wants to have better and different relationships with his family. He’s looking to purchase a home with the money he’s saving from not drinking.
[38:54] If you could talk to Day 1 Andrew, what would you tell him?
You will encounter slip ups, but don’t beat yourself up. It‘s ok to not be perfect. Every day you don’t drink is perfect. There are no wasted days.
[39:40] Rapid Fire Round
- What is a lightbulb moment you’ve had in this journey?
How different the world is sober. These a lot of good in small things.
- What is a memorable moment you’ve had so far?
Knowing that I have enough strength to actually do this.
- What is your favorite AF beverage?
Slurpees.
- What parting piece of guidance can you give to others?
Just jump in and try. Build the muscle, keep working at it.
You may need to ditch the booze if…
You drink drive on the way home, but you actually ride a motorbike.
Odette’s challenge this week:
Set a new boundaries and try it out!
Affiliate Link for Endourage:
For 10% off your first CBD order with Endourage visit this link and use the promo code elevator at checkout.
Upcoming events, retreats and courses:
- Ditching the Booze – The What, the Why and the How. REGISTRATION IS OPEN! The new course will start 8/4/2020. It’s free for Café RE members. Not a Café Re member? Sign up here and use the code OPPORTUNITY for waive the set-up fee.
- There will be about DTB course starting 11/3/20.
- You can find more information about our events
The book, Alcohol is SH!T, is out. Pick up your paperback copy on Amazon here! You can get the Audible version here!
Resources:
Connect with Cafe RE– Use the promo code OPPORTUNITY to waive the set-up fee.
Sobriety Tracker iTunes
Sobriety Tracker Android
Sober Selfies!- Send your Sober Selfie and your Success Story to –info@recoveryelevator.com
“Recovery Elevator – When you say no to somebody else, you say yes to yourself. Remember to stay weird and protect your energy- I’ll see you next Monday.- I love you guys”
by Paul Churchill | Jun 29, 2020 | Podcast
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe to the Recovery Elevator Podcast Apple Podcasts | | More
Hannah took her last drink on April 16, 2020. With 45 days sober (at the time of recording) this is her story of living alcohol-free (AF).
Paul has created a new meditation. It’s 20 minutes long and is specifically geared towards cravings. You can get it here for free.
Odette opens talking about the upcoming long weekend, which is the 4th of July. She asks “how can we leverage the current state of the world / the current pandemic and our desire to not drink this upcoming holiday weekend?” A celebration that is centered around food and also drinking, what does this mean for our own choices. There is an assumed permission slip that allows you to start drinking at whatever time you want. Given the state of the world and smaller gatherings happening, it might prove to be easier to not drink.
Here’s a list of how to not drink this weekend
- Bring your own drinks, make it special!
- Tell someone you don’t want to drink. It’s ok to ask for help
- Let yourself have fun.
- Have one goal for the day- Don’t drink.
- Leave if you’re uncomfortable.
[9:00] Odette introduces Hannah.
Hannah lives in Las Vegas. She is 30 years old. She has worked in the medical field in the past but will begin teaching soon. For fun recently she’s been doing puzzles. She enjoys hiking, being outdoors, and working out.
[12:33] How have you been feeling in these early days?
Hannah said she previously had some time away from alcohol under her belt but had started drinking again. So, she was prepared for stopping again. This time it was emotional, but no physical withdrawal symptoms. She feels good and is looking forward to this path.
[14:12] What happened that made you decide to drink again?
Hannah said in January 2019 she tried to do dry January again, but only made it about 15 days. She restarted February 1st and this lasted for her until almost September. While she was for a time able to moderate her drinking, once quarantine began the drinking became a daily thing and she was feeling pretty awful, mentally, and physically.
[16:02] What started you on this path to wanting to live AF? What’s your drinking background?
Hannah said she took her first drink around 14 or 15. When she was 17, she lost her mother to addiction and alcohol became her outlet to escape. She had a year of partying harder than any teenager should have. Two weeks after she turned 18, she found out she was pregnant and sobered up, promising her child a better life. She did eventually return to alcohol. While she was succeeding on the outside, she was drinking a lot. Around 25 years old she was experiencing high anxiety and was noticing how alcohol wasn’t serving her.
[20:38] Did you have a rock bottom moment or what pushed you to take action?
Hannah said there wasn’t a true rock bottom moment, but there were a lot of moments that weren’t the smartest: falling, driving drunk, drunk injuries. It was just the understanding that alcohol was what was causing her to feel bad all the time. The shame spiral was real.
The end of 2018 was a heavy drinking period for Hannah and she did 15 days of dry January 2019 but drank. And in February 2019 was her first attempt at living AF.
[28:07] Does your son notice the difference in you drinking vs not drinking?
Hannah said he hasn’t ever said anything directly, but she knows he noticed when she was drinking in the past. As he gets older she wants to share more with him about her stopping drinking.
[30:26] Walk us through a day in your life now. What’s in your recovery toolbox?
Hannah said that she tries to wake up and get a workout in before work. Waking up early and doing something for herself helps make her day better. This also helps her identify her emotions for the day. After work she and her boyfriend will cook, listen to audiobooks, keeping herself busy is important.
[32:28] Has it been easy having an honest conversation with your boyfriend about your drinking? (Her boyfriend still drinks)
Hannah said it’s been difficult; she was emotional in the beginning when she first stopped drinking and had to watch him drink a beer or two. He however has been very supportive. He checks in with her and is often the sober person with her. They no longer keep alcohol in the house.
[34:59] What’s your favorite NA drink?
Pamplemousse La Croix.
[35:25] What have you learned about yourself in this journey?
Hannah said over the years she has developed some coping mechanisms, but there’s still more work to be done. She wants to work on being more open and honest with those close to her. Expressing her feelings honestly and talk and not keep it all inside will be helpful.
[36:20] What gets you excited in life right now?
Hannah said that being there for her son as he gets older. Also, a new career in teaching is exciting. Being fully present.
[38:05] Did you get any pushback from friends when you decided to stop drinking?
Hannah said when she first went AF in 2019, a few friends gave her pushback about it. But this time around she’s trying to being more honest with friends. In the moment there are always people who question why she’s not drinking.
[39:22] If you could talk to Day 1 Hannah, what would you say to her?
Just wait it out. Life is so much better without alcohol.
[40:00] Rapid Fire Round
- What is a lightbulb moment you’ve had on this journey?
How quickly I can progress without alcohol.
- What is a memorable moment sobriety has given you?
Being in the moment and not being hungover.
- What are some of your favorite resources?
Recovery Elevator podcast, Café RE, talking to more people who don’t drink, Sober Happy Hour, Quit Lit,
- What parting piece of guidance can you give to listeners?
If you think you have a drinking problem, you probably do. Only you can decide that.
You may need to ditch the booze if…
If you go to the store, buy a bottle of wine, pour ½ down the drain so you won’t drink it all, drink that and then return to the store to get another bottle of wine.
Odette’s challenge this week:
Take a picture of your 4th of July contribution. Share on Instagram and tag us @recoveryelevator on Instagram so we can give you a virtual high five!
Upcoming events, retreats, and courses:
- Ditching the Booze – The What, the Why, and the How. We will be offering this again, starting 8/4/2020 and 11/3/20. It’s free for Café RE members. Not a Café Re member? Sign up here and use the code OPPORTUNITY to waive the set-up fee.
- You can find more information about our events
The book, Alcohol is SH!T, is out. Pick up your paperback copy on Amazon here! You can get the Audible version here!
Resources:
Connect with Cafe RE– Use the promo code OPPORTUNITY to waive the set-up fee.
Sobriety Tracker iTunes
Sobriety Tracker Android
Sober Selfies!- Send your Sober Selfie and your Success Story to –info@recoveryelevator.com
“Recovery Elevator – Stay cool, stay weird, stay safe and stay healthy- we love you guys,”
by Paul Churchill | Jun 22, 2020 | Podcast
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe to the Recovery Elevator Podcast Apple Podcasts | | More
Jamieson took his last drink on August 7, 2019. With almost 10 months sober (at the time of recording) this is his story of living alcohol-free (AF).
Odette opens the podcast talking about “permission slips” and specifically giving yourself permission to feel certain things. She quotes Brene Brown, “For personal permission slips, you are in charge of your own behavior – so you’re giving yourself permission to feel or act a certain way. It is setting an intention for how you want to behave in difficult situations.”
Here are some permission slips Odette gave herself after her first week as the new voice of the podcast: to be scared, to make mistakes, to ask for help, to feel uncomfortable, to fail, to succeed, to try again, to love myself. Writing these out she gained courage, the courage to run towards what she wants.
[5:23] Odette introduces Jamieson.
Jamieson is 28 years old and lives in Kansas City, MO. He works in special education and is starting grad school in the fall. He is single. For fun he enjoys making music, reading, playing video games, hiking, going camping, and traveling.
[7:49] Can you give us a background on your drinking?
Jamieson said he started drinking when he was around 13 or 14 years old. But at the time it was a shot glass worth of wine at dinner every night. The first time he was drunk was when he was 16 or 17.
He never really felt like he ever had a normal relationship with alcohol, but problematic drinking began around the age of 21. In college he was always trying to be cool like everyone else, alcohol was an easy resource to make him feel cool and ease his social anxiety.
[10:50] What happened after you noticed your drinking increasing?
Jamieson said it became very consistent and an everyday thing. At the age of 22, he went without alcohol for one year. After a year of being a dry drunk, he decided he didn’t have a problem and returned to drinking. He continued drinking until his last drink in August 2019.
[13:58] After your year sober, and return to drinking, did you know in the back of your mind that eventually, you would stop drinking?
Jamieson said in the back of his mind, he always knew something wasn’t quite right about his drinking. The quiet voice in the back of his mind slowly crept into the forefront of his thoughts and he couldn’t ignore it any longer.
[14:51] Was there an event that made you go sober again?
Jamieson said it was a combination of things. Between multiple rock bottoms/events and seeing his younger brother struggle with alcohol as well, he realized he needed to cut alcohol out.
[20:15] What was your plan on the day of your last drink?
Jamieson said to himself “let’s just see how long I can go” and at about 2 weeks’ time, he was feeling pretty good and went to a Refuge Recovery meeting. That was a turning point for him.
[24:50] You mention that Buddhism has really changed your life, can you chat about that?
Jamieson said he’s been interested in Buddhism for a long time but was never able to fully dedicate himself to it while drinking. Mindfulness and meditation are not friends with alcohol and substance abuse. Meditation has been a key component in his sobriety.
[31:47] What else is in your recovery toolbelt?
Jamieson said podcasts and focusing also on leading a healthier lifestyle/routines. Being on top of himself for the little things like making his bed and brushing his teeth daily. He’s also begun practicing yoga.
[34:29] Did you feel like there were new triggers for you when COVID began?
Jamieson said it had a big impact on his routine. His school was on Spring Break at the start and they didn’t return afterward. He said it was abrupt and unexpected at how quickly it happened. His routine was a large part of his “staying sane” in sobriety. The lack of routine pushed him to seek out more meetings.
[37:04] What are your thoughts on self-awareness growing?
Jamieson said he has noticed he’s much more self-aware since he stopped drinking. He has learned more about addiction and specifically alcohol addiction and his compassion has grown towards others. He finds himself being less judgmental.
[39:32] What’s a narrative in your life that you would like to re-write?
Jamieson said he felt for a long time his issues with substance abuse, anxiety, and depression were his fault. He was messing up his own life because he wasn’t a good person. Jamieson has worked on forgiving himself over the past 9 months. Through Refuge Recovery and Buddhism he has learned that it’s not your fault you are this way, but it is your responsibility to deal with it.
[44:32] You’re so young, how has stopping drinking changed your social dynamic?
Jamieson said his social life was getting worse with his drinking. All of his friends have been supportive. He finds he’s able to appreciate spending time with his friends and his family now.
[48:15] Rapid Fire Round
- If you could talk to Day 1 Jamieson, what would you say to him?
Be patient with yourself and know you are stronger than these problems and alcohol.
- What is a lightbulb moment you’ve had on this journey?
Realizing that I don’t have to wake up every day feeling like garbage.
- What is a memorable moment sobriety has given you?
Every time I do something I couldn’t do while drinking.
- What are some of your favorite resources?
Refuge Recovery, Buddhist based recovery platforms, Recovery Elevator podcast, yoga, and AA.
- What parting piece of guidance can you give to listeners?
If you’re struggling with drinking and think you have a problem, start looking into literature and different communities that are out there. When you find a community you like, put yourself in there. Try it for a little while without any promises.
You may need to ditch the booze if…
You’re so hungover and sleep-deprived you are barely capable of picking someone else up from rehab.
Odette’s challenge this week:
Write yourself a permission slip. Snap a photo of it, share on Instagram, and tag us @recoveryelevator on Instagram so we can give you a virtual high five!
Upcoming events, retreats, and courses:
- Ditching the Booze – The What, the Why, and the How. We will be offering this again, starting 8/4/2020 and 11/3/20. It’s free for Café RE members. Not a Café Re member? Sign up here and use the code OPPORTUNITY to waive the set-up fee.
- You can find more information about our events
The book, Alcohol is SH!T, is out. Pick up your paperback copy on Amazon here! You can get the Audible version here!
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Cafe RE– Use the promo code OPPORTUNITY to waive the set-up fee.
Sobriety Tracker iTunes
Sobriety Tracker Android
Sober Selfies!- Send your Sober Selfie and your Success Story to –info@recoveryelevator.com
“Recovery Elevator – We took the elevator down, we gotta take the steps back up, we can do this- love you guys,”
by Paul Churchill | Jun 8, 2020 | Podcast
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe to the Recovery Elevator Podcast Apple Podcasts | | More
Paul opens today’s episode talking about the short term & long term plans for Recovery Elevator:
Paul is taking a break from the podcast and he will be focusing on the Recovery Elevator YouTube channel and creating meditations.
1-3 year plans: Recovery Elevator Retreat Center
Long term goals: adding more Café RE groups
Let’s all start putting thinking bigger and putting Big Energy out into the universe for Recovery Elevator.
[12:09] Paul welcomes Odette, the new voice of Recovery Elevator.
Odette’s last drink was 12/17/18. She is from San Diego, originally from Mexico and is married with two kids. They love the outdoors as a family. Odette enjoys learning about tea, puzzling and cooking. She often runs and uses her indoor bike for exercise.
[16:08] Paul: What have you been up to since Episode 231?
Odette is grateful for her recovery during this time of Covid-19. During her first year sober it’s all about relearning habits, restructuring life and setting new routines. Her year two has been about uncovering a lot of deeper seeded emotions and being more honest with herself.
[19:15] Paul: Can you cover what brought you to wanting to live an alcohol free life?
Drinking felt like a déjà vu of Odette’s previous addiction. (She is also in recovery from an eating disorder.) She had already walked this path and could her inner voice telling her that if she kept drinking the way she was, it would end badly. Her rock bottom was an emotional rock bottom.
Odette has always felt like she wanted to be normal and because drinking is normalized in our culture she didn’t initially want to step away. Choosing to do the thing that is not considered normal would again put her in a spotlight. However, she knew internally this was the path she needed to take. For more on her story go listen to episode 128 & 231.
[23:00] They talk about Odette’s path with the podcast.
Odette likes relating to people. She will share when she hears her own story in others. She enjoys sharing books she’s reading and things she is listening to. Sharing a-ha moments.
[24:09] Paul: What are some topics you will cover moving forward?
Practical tips and recovery tools. Focusing on her recovery toolbelt and listening to what’s working for other people. Spiritual concepts and how those can be brought into our lives. Fun facts, history and what she can learn from others. Hearing from others and having the audience suggest topics.
[25:23] Paul: Same format?
For now, Odette plans to stay within the same format of an introduction and then having an interviewee. She loves talking and sharing and is really excited to take this forward, she is nervous at the same time. This is about a movement of living alcohol free and she wants to honor the path Paul has established.
[28:00] Paul: Talk about evoking Rule 22 on this journey.
Odette’s father was silly when raising his own family. She grew up with flawed parents, yet they showed her there was always a path of fun to be found. The life she’s living isn’t a dress rehearsal, it’s the only you she has and it’s too short to not have fun.
[30:06] Paul: Spanish or English?
English. But there may be an opportunity in the future for episodes in Spanish.
If you want to share your story you can email odette@recoveryelevator.com
[32:32] Odette turns the tables and interviews Paul. Can you talk about your decision to step down?
Paul acknowledges that he needed to take a break. He thought he needed to start over again, instead of asking for help and delegating a lot of what he’s been doing. The community that he has created came to him with suggestions on how Recovery Elevator can keep moving forward. With some restructuring, there is now a path.
[37:20] Odette: Overall how do you feel?
Paul says he feels incredible. That past year and a half has been the most spiritual he has ever experienced. And even more, the past 3 months he found his body cleansing itself of anything that didn’t need to be there.
[39:13] Odette: Tell us about some of the most fun experiences in your travels this past year.
Watching a woman connect with an elephant in Thailand. The elephant laid down on its side and the woman laid on top. Watching the elephant breathing and the two of them connecting was powerful.
While in Australia someone from an AA meeting asked if he wanted to go feed the seagulls. Paul put aside his serious side and went to feed seagulls for an hour and a half.
[41:51] Odette: What’s flowing through your creative side right now?
Music has been creeping back into Paul’s life over the past 5 years. He’s been making meditation music. Also 3D meditations where you are walked through your future self, in the present moment. Focusing on the Recovery YouTube channel as well.
[46:20] Odette: Will we hear from you during your break?
Yes, Paul would love to pop in from time to time.
[52:30] Paul: Where do you think we can take this?
Odette says we can start small: have a podcast in Spanish for example. As large as: Traveling across the globe for service projects. A recovery center.
She sees this growing in all directions. The opportunities are endless.
[55:08] Rapid Fire Round
- What’s a lightbulb moment you’ve had on this journey?
Odette: I can’t accept myself if I don’t start with myself. I can’t ask for help, if I’m not helping myself first
Paul: We don’t fight an addiction that’s been trying to guide us.
- What’s your favorite AF drink?
Odette: all Tea, anything with ginger, grapefruit Bubly.
Paul: Cold tonic with square ice cubes and tiny peach slices.
- What’s on your bucket list in this AF life?
Odette: to run a marathon and working in the recovery field.
Paul: finding a new home base, follow the body.
- Favorite recovery resources?
Odette: Café RE, Eckart Tolle, Pema Chödrön, Glennon Doyle, friends and Marco Polo.
Paul: You, Café RE, the listeners, meditation.
- What parting piece of guidance can you give to listeners?
Odette: What you resist, persists.
Paul: Use the mind and locate the body.
This episode brought to you by:
Gruvi, use this link and enter the promo code: Recovery Elevator for 15% off your order.
Upcoming events, retreats and courses:
- Ditching the Booze – The What, the Why and the How. We will be offering this again, starting 8/4/2020 and 11/3/20. It’s free for Café RE members. Not a Café Re member? Sign up here and use the code OPPORTUNITY for waive the set-up fee.
- You can find more information about our events
The book, Alcohol is SH!T, is out. Pick up your paperback copy on Amazon here! You can get the Audible version here!
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Cafe RE– Use the promo code OPPORTUNITY to waive the set-up fee..
Sobriety Tracker iTunes
Sobriety Tracker Android
Sober Selfies!- Send your Sober Selfie and your Success Story to –info@recoveryelevator.com
