I've been questioning the direction of this podcast for a while now, and I've decided to take my own advice and take a pause. I'm going to take a break for a few months to reassess, reconfigure and reorganize to make sure I'm maximizing my efforts and time and providing you with the value that you deserve. I've been flying by the seat of my pants for quite some time and that's not how I want to show up any longer. When I started this podcast I was neck deep in 12 step recovery, and I thought that was exactly what I'd be talking about here...think again! After leaving AA I didn't ever make a new plan, I threw the plans out the window and went with the topics that showed up in my daily life. I'm glad I did and was able to help some of you with my experience. "There once was a man who stood on the bank of a large lake, and had never been on the other side. He built a wood canoe so he could cross this enormous body of water. When he got to the other side, he hoisted the canoe on his shoulder and carried it around everywhere he went. His experience on the other side of the lake was mostly about keeping up with the canoe, and not the experience itself of discovering a new reality he had not known before...Make good use of any understanding, concept or tool...as it relates to the end of your suffering. Then you may discard it because it served its purpose. Do not be like the man who carried his canoe around on his back after the use of the canoe was no longer necessary." -These are notes from Over The Edge by Jim Palmer I found AA and 12 step recovery to be my canoe... The pause is a concept I learned about in AA. To take a beat to assess and give yourself time to respond rather than react on impulse. I'm overdue for a pause. I plan to return after summer with a new plan, resolve and message. Where could you use a pause in your life? You are so loved. #goodwords #goodwordspodcast #ramdass #spirituality #integration #thesoberbartender #podcast #soberbartender #recovery #wedorecover #sober #soberlife #multiplepathways #harmreduction #education #advocate #reducethestigma #recoveryfromlife #recoveryofself #recoverydharma #smartrecovery #12steps #soberpodcast #recoverypodcast #courseinmiracles #meditation #hangoverfree #quitdrinking #sobertravel #sobersummer #feelings #feelingsarentfacts #feelingishealing #youareenough #youarenotalone #youareloved #loveyourself #equanimity #acceptance #itiswhatitis #shift #optimism #perspectiveshift #perspective #createyourreality #free #overwhelmed #stress #copingmechanisms #peoplepleaser #honesty #success #innerpeace #drwaynedyer #lovingwhatis #byronkatie

Just before recording this I was praying for guidance and direction regarding our adoption journey. As I opened my eyes and went to record-my phone rang...it was the niece of a friend from the golf course who is an invaluable resource to have in our corner!! I cried tears of joy as she talked to me about who she is and what she does in the state of Texas! Is it odd...or is it God?? I think I know the answer to that! This week I'm taking a break from addressing challenges and issues to offer some of my favorite Good Words from Thich Nhat Hanh, Ram Dass, Wayne Dyer, Eckart Tolle, Rumi and Deepak Chopra. Just listen in and let their insight wash over you. Save your troubles for another day. Today, in this moment, join me in just being. You are so loved. #goodwords #goodwordspodcast #ramdass #spirituality #integration #thesoberbartender #podcast #soberbartender #recovery #wedorecover #sober #soberlife #multiplepathways #harmreduction #education #advocate #reducethestigma #recoveryfromlife #recoveryofself #recoverydharma #smartrecovery #12steps #soberpodcast #recoverypodcast #courseinmiracles #meditation #hangoverfree #quitdrinking #sobertravel #sobersummer #feelings #feelingsarentfacts #feelingishealing #youareenough #youarenotalone #youareloved #loveyourself #equanimity #acceptance #itiswhatitis #shift #optimism #perspectiveshift #perspective #createyourreality #free #overwhelmed #stress #copingmechanisms #peoplepleaser #honesty #success #innerpeace #drwaynedyer #lovingwhatis #byronkatie

I'm doing a series on topics given by YOU-the listener. Each week I'm answering a question or addressing an issue with Good Words. This week's question is "I'm not drinking right now, how do you go to things that are not your favorite or make you uncomfortable and not drink? What did you do when you first stopped and went to uncomfortable things that you already know you don't enjoy?" I can definitely answer this one! I offer a variety of coping strategies and techniques but what I really offer is the way out of the discomfort...spoiler alert-the only way out is through!! You've got to get comfortable feeling uncomfortable sometimes. You've got to be kind to yourself and know that it's not only okay, but normal to feel uncomfortable in some situations. Don't get caught up in the story that you shouldn't feel this way or that way, you do feel that way and your okay. You're safe. What's uncomfortable is avoiding the feeling or fighting reality. You are so loved. #goodwords #goodwordspodcast #ramdass #spirituality #integration #thesoberbartender #podcast #soberbartender #recovery #wedorecover #sober #soberlife #multiplepathways #harmreduction #education #advocate #reducethestigma #recoveryfromlife #recoveryofself #recoverydharma #smartrecovery #12steps #soberpodcast #recoverypodcast #courseinmiracles #meditation #hangoverfree #quitdrinking #sobertravel #sobersummer #feelings #feelingsarentfacts #feelingishealing #youareenough #youarenotalone #youareloved #loveyourself #equanimity #acceptance #itiswhatitis #shift #optimism #perspectiveshift #perspective #createyourreality #free #overwhelmed #stress #copingmechanisms #peoplepleaser #honesty #success #innerpeace #drwaynedyer #lovingwhatis #byronkatie