Recovery Daily Podcast

Rachel (Miller) Abbassi

Recovery Daily Podcast is hosted by Rachel (Miller) Abbassi, a recovering alcoholic and stroke survivor. With 7 years of sobriety, Rachel regressed into severe post-stroke neurological vision impairment and chronic migraines. The first episode starts only days after recognizing that she must start her journey of rehabilitation again and pull herself away from a career she loves. Rachel discusses her approach to living a joyous life. She believes that the greatest healing comes from sharing her experience, strength, and hope with others in recovery. Follow the podcast to join the journey! read less

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Recovery Daily Podcast Season 2 Trailer

Recovery Daily Podcast Season 2 Trailer

✨HAPPY NEW YEAR! ✨ Step into the heart of transformation with the all-new Season 2 of the Recovery Daily Podcast. Each episode is a mosaic of raw, heartfelt stories designed to uplift and inspire. Join me as I navigate the ebbs and flows of recovery, with strength and hope that echos with resilience. In this season, I’m rolling out the red carpet for YOU with a special segment, "Your Stories, Our Journey." This is more than a podcast; it's a movement where your voice, your triumphs, and your hurdles can be part of the conversation. In “Reads & Recovery I’ll select books or articles related to recovery, mental health, and wellness, and offer in-depth discussions. I’m also going to focus on how creative outlets like painting and writing can aid the recovery process in the "Creativity in Recovery" segment. And monthly “Listener Challenges” will help us to celebrate little victories throughout this year. Get ready to be moved, find connection and growth, and to see yourself in the stories. Season 2 is not just about moving through recovery; it's about thriving in it. Tune in, join the conversation, and be a part of something bigger than yourself. Welcome to the Recovery Daily Podcast, Season 2 – where we believe that growth and joy is within our struggles. Where we lean in to discomfort to discover that the joy we seek is always within us. Share your story, questions, or comments with me and become a part of our "Your Stories, Our Journey" segment. Your experience could be that one thing someone needed to hear to start healing. Let's weave our stories together, build a safety net, and cast it out. What struggle have you overcome or helped a loved one with? Submit now via https://recoverydailypodcast.com/contact/. Find me on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or visit my website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠recoverydailypodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Recovery Daily Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube @recoverydailypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Episodes

Balancing Act: Shifting from Empathy to Compassion

Balancing Act: Shifting from Empathy to Compassion

In today's episode of the Recovery Daily Podcast, we're exploring the nuanced differences between empathy and compassion. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they reflect distinct emotional processes within us. Empathy involves feeling another person's emotions as if they were our own, while compassion recognizes someone else's suffering and gives us a strong desire to take supportive action to alleviate their pain. Today I talk about the signs of over-empathy, such as emotional overload, physical symptoms, neglecting self-care, and difficulty setting boundaries. I share personal experiences to illustrate these points and discuss how over-empathy can lead to emotional exhaustion without making meaningful progress for anyone. Shifting from empathy to compassion involves creating a balance between understanding others and maintaining our own emotional health. I explore strategies like practicing mindfulness, setting boundaries, developing emotional resilience, focusing on solutions, and seeking support. By adopting a compassionate approach, you can care deeply for others while also safeguarding your own well-being. I also provide practical tips for managing situations where over-empathy might consume you, such as taking empathy breaks, offering support wisely, and practicing self-compassion. Join me as we work towards a healthier dynamic in our relationships, ensuring we don't sacrifice our mental health in the process.

Learn To Say No: Prioritize Your Health in Recovery

Learn To Say No: Prioritize Your Health in Recovery

In today’s episode, I talk about balancing self-care with participating in the joys of life. I explore the emotional effects of having to decline invitations, not out of unwillingness, but as a necessary step to protect our well-being. Whether it’s turning down alcohol-centered social gatherings to maintain strong sobriety or canceling plans due to health concerns, every no carries its weight. I discuss the internal battle of wanting to participate in life's pleasures but recognizing when these desires conflict with our health needs. From feeling the sorrow of missing out to battling the self-pity that can follow, I provide insight into transforming these feelings into gratitude. Listen as I share personal stories on shifting from a mindset of loss to one of appreciation. Learn how embracing gratitude can counteract self-pity and open doors to new passions and possibilities. Whether it's finding joy in sewing instead of kayaking or appreciating quiet moments over bustling social events, I discuss how gratitude can lead to a richer, more fulfilling life. Tune in to discover how the practices developed in sobriety can be powerful tools in facing new challenges in stroke recovery, and how saying no might just be the yes you need to give to yourself. Join me as I navigate these complex emotions and learn that hidden gifts come with choosing our health and happiness first.

Learning To Love Better: A Gift Of Recovery

Learning To Love Better: A Gift Of Recovery

In today’s episode, I discuss how recovery reshapes our understanding and expression of love. Join us as I explore the shift from empathetic overload to balanced, healthy relationships, and how confronting our adversities transforms our approach to love and connection. Our journey in recovery guides us through a transformative process of self-discovery and self-care. We are learning how to express love toward ourselves. Hear about how our relationships evolve from shared pain to shared growth, transforming mutual suffering into mutual support. Discover how adversity doesn't just challenge us—it refines us, stripping away the superficial and leaving us with what truly matters: our health, our values, and our core relationships.

Mixed Emotions: Color Wheel of Emotions

Mixed Emotions: Color Wheel of Emotions

In today's episoce I talk about the color wheel of emotions. There is a lot of depth to what we're feeling, and when we can pinpoint exactly what emotions are a part of it, we can take the most effective steps toward healing pain, addressing resentments, and nurturing our relationships. So, in this episode I explore how to use our emotions as information to guide self-reflection and mindfulness. Sometimes we need professional help to allow us to dig deeper because its difficult to see inside our own feelings. Their intensity can block critical self-reflection. Just like artists use a color wheel to mix paints, we can use the Emotional Color Wheel to identify how our feelings mix to better understand ourselves. The Emotional Color Wheel helps us break down the broad categories of emotions into more specific feelings. It divides emotions into primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, much like colors. Primary emotions are the basic emotions, like anger, sadness, and joy. But as we move outwards, these emotions blend and evolve into more nuanced feelings. All of our feelings have a root primary emotion. If I can figure out what that root emotion is I can address it by taking action. By digging in to our feelings this way, we can better understand the root causes of our emotions and how they affect our behavior and decision-making. Consistently seeking to understand our feelings helps us respond more effectively, managing our emotions and how we interact with others.

Better Version of Me: From Actions To Identity

Better Version of Me: From Actions To Identity

Today I explore the concept of keeping our feet firmly planted on the earth. I’ll discuss my recent experiences with vestibular therapy which has challenged my commitment to this new way of life just in simply practicing self-restraint to save myself from future symptoms. This translated clearly to me how what we do today impacts how we feel tomorrow. In recovery, there's a saying about "Keeping your feet planted on the earth.” And then if I focus keeping my head where your feet are I am staying present, focused, and engaged with my recovery and where I’m at each day. Over time, the things I do in recovery—these daily practices and decisions—start to shift from mere actions to integral parts of our identity. If I focus on the next right thing, I am present and helping my future self. If I future trip, I’m stealing away from my future self. Reflect on how your actions within your recovery are shaping your identity. Are they just tasks, or are they stepping stones to a new version of the person you are becoming? Recovery is building a life where our progress and successes are merely aspects of a new richer, fuller identity.

Speak with Purpose: True, Necessary, and Overly Kind Communication

Speak with Purpose: True, Necessary, and Overly Kind Communication

In this episode of Recovery Daily Podcast, I talk about intentional communication. Drawing inspiration from the wisdom of the 13th-century poet Rumi and insights from Socrates to Mary Ann Pietzker, we explore how asking three critical questions before we speak — Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind? — can impact our relationships. I discuss how to cultivate a communication style that's been effective for me in conveying kindness. I dissect each element of this communication strategy, examining how truth, necessity, and kindness can help prevent misunderstandings and reduce the need for making amends later. Join me as I share personal stories, including a revealing social experiment on kindness that highlights the challenges and rewards of being kinder than what feels natural. Learn how simple practices like pausing before responding, expressing gratitude, and performing random acts of kindness can change the dynamics of your interactions, lower general stress level around you, and enhance your emotional well-being. Whether you're navigating recovery, striving for better workplace relations, or strengthening relationships with friends and family, this episode offers valuable insights into making every word count for a more compassionate and connected life.

Easy Does It: Soften Your Gaze and Listen

Easy Does It: Soften Your Gaze and Listen

The mantra we’re discussing today is “Easy Does It.” In the context of Alcoholics Anonymous, "Easy Does It" serves as a gentle reminder to take things one step at a time. We ease into recovery, recognizing that it’s a marathon, not a sprint. For those of us in physical recovery, the mantra can be just as impactful. The urge to rush through or force progress can be strong. But this principle encourages patience and small, manageable steps. After my stroke and dealing with vestibular issues, I’ve had to relearn how to process the world around me. As a person who loved absorbing the beauty of nature through vigorous activities like hiking and kayaking, adapting to a more subdued pace has been frustrating. Just yesterday, while walking home, I had to soften my gaze to avoid discomfort in my head. Suddenly, the world opened up through sounds—first silence and then the birds—it was unexpectedly serene at a time that I was feeling physically unwell. That moment of serenity reminded me that there is much to be appreciated in stillness, in simply being present and letting our senses take turns with each other. “Easy Does It” can enable a mental and emotional recalibration as well. It has gradually helped me find a greater purpose and maintain focus without overwhelming myself. It teaches us that slowing down can actually speed up our recovery, because it allows us to heal at our own pace without additional stress. Take time to listen, to heal, and to be kind to yourself.

Pride: Knowing Its Invisible Barriers to Recovery

Pride: Knowing Its Invisible Barriers to Recovery

Pride can be a barrier to recovery, whether it be alcoholism, stroke recovery, or mental health issues. It can manifest in various ways, hindering progress and healing. Pride can lead to defensive behavior as one may try to protect their self-image and avoid admitting they are unable to manage life as it is. Pride might interfere with ones ability admit they need help, seek help, accept the help that is given, and share their fears and anxieties. To overcome the barriers created by our own pride, we need humility and openness and a focus on personal growth and health, rather than how we are perceived by others or comparing our recovery to that of others. By recognizing the collective wisdom and the experiences of those around us who have walked similar paths, we are more likely to seek and accept the help we need, breaking down the pride that was depriving us of flourishing.

Your Trusty Toolbox: Taking Consistent Daily Action in Recovery

Your Trusty Toolbox: Taking Consistent Daily Action in Recovery

These TheraSpecs glasses I've been wearing daily to manage my vestibular migraines have allowed me to start living more freely. It reminds me of the tools in my sobriety program that have enabled me to start living more freely as well. The only way to acquire these everyday tools is through taking action. I have to actively engage with my recovery tools daily to maintain this level of free living. Just as my TheraSpecs helped manage my migraine pain and make daily life more manageable, attending meetings and engaging with the recovery community helps alleviate the internal pain of alcoholism. These tools don't magically solve problems but provide the support needed to deal with life effectively. Just as with these glasses, if I remove the sobriety meetings and the 12 steps from my life, the pain will come back and it is immediate. There’s a common misconception that recovery is a passive experience, perhaps just resting. But that's not accurate. Recovery is active, not passive; we are constantly taking steps to strengthen the roots of our sobriety and physical healing. Every day, I’m doing something proactive for my recovery, whether it’s attending a sobriety meeting, support group, speaking with my women in my network, stroke survivors, vestibular patients, or practicing mindfulness, meditating, and self-care. One of the core principles of recovery is learning to face life on life's terms. This means accepting the realities of life without trying to escape through alcohol or drugs. Facing life, accepting realities, adapting, and changing is active. Escaping is passive and even defensive. The backbone of true recovery is action. I have to wake up and put my rose colored glasses on each morning—pun intended. Each action I take, no matter how small, is a part of building a sturdy, sober, joyful, pain free life. Think about what tools you have in your recovery and if you are actively engaging with them on a daily consistent basis. This is the way to healing.

Seeking Faith: A Broader Context For Life Experiences

Seeking Faith: A Broader Context For Life Experiences

How do we navigate the fine line between self-reliance and surrendering to something greater than ourselves? Today's episode digs into these questions and perspectives on faith-based recovery, regardless of who or what that faith is in. I talk about five things I trust to be true without a doubt. And how this exercise naturally raised the question for me, "do I trust God to be true and obvious to me?" Listen to hear how I unpack the answer to this simple question. As we seek faith in recovery, what is the role of independence? Independence is celebrated as a symbol of strength, but in the journey of recovery, going it alone isn't the best approach. Relinquishing some degree of our self-reliance is necessary. How do we find balance? One of my more challenging areas of faith-based recovery is discerning my will from that of a higher power. How do we distinguish between our will and the will of something greater? In this episode, I share how I put it in to action—mindfulness and self-reflection on motives, desires, and actions. It requires require honesty and humility. Whether through a structured program, personal belief system, or a blend of both, faith plays a pivotal role in healing. We believe in something greater; and let that belief guide us through recovery. Recovery is fragile. Faith can strengthen our roots in sobriety and healing in recovery.

How To Open a Pickle Jar: Honesty, Openness, and Willingness

How To Open a Pickle Jar: Honesty, Openness, and Willingness

In today's episode, I talk about "Two Stepping" versus "Twelve Stepping" in recovery. I talk about what these terms mean, why they matter, and how honesty, openness, and willingness together are the key to unlocking twelve-stepping in your sobriety. In AA circles, "two-steppers" are those who acknowledge their powerlessness over alcohol—Step One—and jump straight to helping others, Step Twelve, without really walking through the steps in between. The process of self-exploration never happens which inhibits you from understanding who you really are when the alcohol is taken out of the equation. We use the steps to figure out what is blocking us from loving ourselves. Skipping steps often stems from fear. Some who struggle with the full Twelve Steps might be dealing with undiagnosed conditions like depression, PTSD, or other mental health issues. Without addressing these, making progress in recovery is really difficult. True recovery involves more than just showing up to meetings; it requires a deep, internal work that a meeting alone can't complete. Honesty, Openness, and Willingness are like the instructions for opening a pickle jar. Listen today to find out how these come in to play to allow you to enjoy the pickle and the importance of undertaking the entire recovery process with diligence and sincerity.

Finding Sanity: Anchored Through Sobriety

Finding Sanity: Anchored Through Sobriety

In today’s episode, I'm discussing the transformation from chaos to clarity that sobriety brings. I share how sobriety helped me find an anchor in what seemed like an unfair life. For many of us, alcoholic behaviors removed the colors in our view of the world, painting everything as bleak and dismal. I remember feeling like life was fundamentally unfair, a perception heavily tinted by my own actions, and yet I believed I deserved every bad thing that happened to me. Isolation became my overprotective shield, keeping me from asking for or accepting help. But in doing so, I was just making life harder for myself. In sobriety, I realized I didn’t have to navigate life alone. Submitting to the process was tough; it felt like giving up the independence that I clung to out of fear—fear of abandonment and rejection. Recognizing a power greater than myself was pivotal. It shifted my perspective from seeing everything and everyone as a threat to understanding that I could trust others and be part of something bigger. I share a story from my college days to illustrate the irrational thoughts I was acting on—I call it the tale of Rachel 1.0, a version of myself that I no longer identify with, but one that taught me valuable lessons about who I was as an active alcoholic. What does sanity mean to you?

Before the Decision: Decoding Pre-Relapse Brain Activity

Before the Decision: Decoding Pre-Relapse Brain Activity

In today's episode, I discuss the intersection of neuroscience and recovery to explore how the brain subtly prepares for relapse long before we're aware of it. A psychological study about this unseen decision offers hope about recognizing early warning signals of our impending actions. I also discuss personal "red flags" that signal I'm headed down a bad road, emphasizing the importance of recognizing early indicators. By identifying behaviors such as increased isolation, neglecting personal care, and reverting to old, negative thought patterns, we can intervene before these signals spiral into more severe consequences. Moreover, this episode provides practical, proactive strategies to encourage mindfulness, including maintaining open communication with your support network, taking meditation breaks, and regularly revisiting coping strategies. I aim to empower us with the knowledge to understand and monitor our brain's subtle cues, enhancing our ability to maintain sobriety.

Summer Sobriety: Staying Strong Through Sunshine and Celebrations

Summer Sobriety: Staying Strong Through Sunshine and Celebrations

As the sun casts rays, and our days fill with the amazing energy of summer, it's a wonderful time to talk about sobriety. During the season of festivals, pool parties, and outdoor dinners, we need to go a bit further than just maintaining our sobriety. We need to celebrate it! Summer brings a unique set of challenges for those of us in recovery. For many, it's a time of vacations, celebrations, and alcohol. Being an alcoholic applies year-round—summer included, a time filled with scenarios where I used to drink. Interestingly, since summer only rolls around once a year, this means I've only practiced staying sober in this season seven times so far. So I get to practice again in the coming months and wanted to share a bit about my experience with summer as an alcoholic. This morning, our reading from "Living Sober" titled "Looking Out for Overelation" struck a chord with me. It reminded me that I'm still practicing not drinking when I'm happy, relaxed, celebrating, having fun. It's one thing to guard against drinking when we're stressed or upset, but equally important to maintain that vigilance during good times, too. My summer drink has been replaced with slurpees and snow cones. I absolutely love them! And there are so many ways to celebrate without alcohol. Keep your favorite non-alcoholic beverages handy, surround yourself with supportive friends, and find fun in the new activities. Listen to this episode for more on enjoying life's warmest days, sober and present.

Faith In Action: The Role of Faith In Stroke Recovery

Faith In Action: The Role of Faith In Stroke Recovery

In today’s episode, I talk about role faith can play in various types of recovery—be it alcoholism, stroke, or vestibular disorder. I share my experience with faith, detailing how it has protected my sobriety and how I'm harnessing it to support my emotional well-being and recovery from a stroke. I start by exploring the foundations of my faith, reflecting on childhood memories of church and the desire to connect with something greater. These early impressions evolved into a critical support pillar in my recovery toolkit. I discuss my higher power, which taught me the importance of honesty, kindness, and courage in my recovery path. Discover how faith provided me with the wisdom to discern between what I can control and of what I must let go. Further, I explore practical ways faith can aid recovery, providing acceptance and peace, inspiring hope and motivation, and fostering a supportive community. Learn how faith can be integrated into daily routines and therapy, and how setting meaningful goals can provide direction and strength. Join me as we discuss the role of faith in accepting our current state and the courage to take action to build a faith big enough to hold you, even when you are broken. Resource referenced in today's episode: Comfort for Dark Days, is a 7-part online Bible study led by a fellow-sufferer, sharing her own hard-won comfort. For more information, visit https://comfort.safechkout.net/.

Reads And Recovery "My Stroke of Insight" by Jill Bolte Taylor

Reads And Recovery "My Stroke of Insight" by Jill Bolte Taylor

In this Reads and Recovery episode , I provide a book review of the memoir "My Stroke of Insight" by Jill Bolte Taylor. Join me as I discuss my take on the remarkable story of a Harvard-trained neuroscientist who turned a near fatal even— a massive stroke—into a groundbreaking exploration of the human brain and its miraculous capacity for recovery. I dissect Dr. Taylor’s battle through devastation and her road through recovery as she gives practical lessons that can aid stroke survivors. This episode touches on mental health, neuroplasticity, and personal transformation in the face of life-altering events. Whether you’re a stroke survivor, a caregiver, or someone fascinated by the human mind’s complexities, this book is worth picking up. Tune in to find inspiration for balanced and present living with a boost of neurological health on overall well-being.

Eight Years Strong: Celebrating Sobriety

Eight Years Strong: Celebrating Sobriety

Welcome, listeners, to a very special episode of the Recovery Daily Podcast. Today, I'm celebrating eight years of sobriety. Eight years of growth, challenges, LIFE happening, and transformation. This episode is a testament to the power of consistency and the beauty of a sober life. I share a few pivotal moments from my journey. Moments that were turning points for my sobriety, spirituality, and faith. The day it all changed within me, and I was no longer alone, was in San Fransisco on a business trip. A crescendo of hopeless, lonely chaos in my own head came to an end. I remember realizing that I no longer had to feel alone, and I haven't ever since. In addition to my growing faith, my family, friends, and sobriety community love me on days its tough to keep stepping forward. Every year brings its own lessons. This past year, I've focused a lot on the idea of resilience. My understanding of resilience, willingness, and acceptance have evolved. I use the tools I talk about in this podcast—mindfulness, meditation, compassion—towards myself and others to stay on the beam. Another key lesson? Gratitude. I want to express my deepest gratitude to all of you, my listeners. Your support has been pivotal in my recovery. Knowing you're out there helps me. It keeps me coming back. So, thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

Endless Growth In Recovery: A New Freedom and Happiness

Endless Growth In Recovery: A New Freedom and Happiness

Welcome to another episode of the Recovery Daily Podcast. Today's topic is the endless growth potential in recovery as long as we sustain the eagerness to grow. Recovery doesn't have a final destination. It is a lifelong journey of self-discovery and improvement. With each step forward, we unlock new levels of freedom and happiness, uncovering insights and opportunities that continue to propel us forward. Today I explore the Promises of Alcoholics Anonymous, affirmations that resonate with those recovering from alcoholism and can be applied when navigating major life challenges. These promises highlight changes that come from dedicated self-development—freedom, serenity, and a newfound peace are just the beginning. I discuss how each promise also speaks volumes to stroke survivors, offering hope and a roadmap for recovery. I discuss practical strategies to maintain and fuel your eagerness to grow despite the setbacks. Staying motivated and engaged in your recovery helps many survivors to continue to reap the rewards of their hard work.

Self-Inflicted Suffering: Understanding Emotional Complexities

Self-Inflicted Suffering: Understanding Emotional Complexities

In today's episode, I visit a past deeply rooted belief that I deserved to suffer when I was actively drinking. I talk about ways I would inflict pain on myself—through drinking, neglecting my needs, and isolating from those who care about me. These became habits over time, and they are the manifestations of a belief that I didn't deserve better. I share a turning point in my life where I realized that happiness isn't reserved for a select few—it's a right we all possess and that my self-pity wasn't unique. This realization lit the path to my recovery and self-acceptance. I also explore the power of prayer and forgiveness as steps towards healing. By extending good wishes to others, I learned to release my own past pain. Memories of past pain, acceptance, and hope for the future can coexist. I discuss how embracing the full spectrum of our emotions can aid our understanding of ourselves and how we interact with the world. Through sobriety, I've witnessed a transformation within myself—from overwhelming insecurity to manageable fear, from a bruised ego to nurturing self-talk. These shifts have been important in building healthier relationships and maintaining my sobriety.

The Gift of Imperfection: Keep Stumbling Beautifully Along

The Gift of Imperfection: Keep Stumbling Beautifully Along

Today, I talk about why making mistakes can be something to look forward to, especially in recovery. I start with a bold statement: "I will make a mistake today, and I can't wait!" Sounds odd, right? But think about it—perfectionism, the need to be the best, it's exhausting. It's a pressure cooker of unrealistic expectations. It's okay if things don’t look perfect, or if they don’t mirror someone else’s success. What really matters is that we're authentic, not flawless, and enjoy the "doing part." Reflecting on our past, mistakes during our drinking days often led to chaos and regret. But in sobriety, mistakes look different for me—they’re opportunities. They don’t derail me as much, and I can see that chance to learn and strengthen my skillset. Each of us has a unique role that only we can fill, and our flaws are part of that. They make us human and relatable. They help us connect with each other, and our partners. I want us to start looking forward to making mistakes. Yes, you heard that right! Every mistake is a step forward because it teaches us, it humbles us, and it carves space for growth. If we can accept this, we can grow with grace. Embracing this can radically change how we see ourselves and interact with the world.