A2D - From Addict to Disciple

Today's episode is part 1 of two parts on the topic of closure. I believe it is crucial to make peace with our past or memories will continue to draw us back into relapse. In this podcast we look at aspects of closure and how to prepare ourself to move forward in life and recovery.

A client working on making amends said to me "I made a promise I couldn't keep no matter how hard I tried! I left them hurt and me with guilt and shame." Are you tired of the broken trust, damaged relationships, shredded hope and shattered dreams? In todays' episode we look at the impact of promises we've broken and how we can become someone who under promises and over delivers.

Today's episode looks at three quotes from the book Take the Stairs: 7 Steps to Achieving True Success by Rory Vaden. This is not a book review but I'll discuss the quotes from the standpoint of achieving success in recovery. We'll look at the critical aspects of the journey of recovery and how to choose the hard right thing over the easy wrong one.

Today's episode is a group session with my friends in recovery from the United States, South Africa and Australia. I'm sure you'll enjoy their openness and insight as they share their reactions to: "There's an anonymous quote that says 'We didn't come this far to just come this far.' How has your achieving recovery become a stepping stone for you to a lifestyle of perseverance and continuous improvement?"

Today's episode looks at the question, "Are you feeding the squatter?". This question was asked by Lynda Holt in her blog "Manage Your Mind" on www.bravescene.com.We'll look at the negative self-talk that has become a squatter in our brain, how it has affected our recovery and how to stop feeding that squatter. What steps can you take to evict the squatter in your brain?

Today's episode takes a look at the question "Do I have a sugar addiction?" Many people admit t o having a sweet tooth, but when they see the consequences of physical health or appearance, they try to "break free from the bondage to food!" Even if you don't have a sweet tooth , I'm sure you'll find things you relate to in this episode. Enjoy.

Dictionaries say being lonely is the same thing as feeling lonesome. But I have found that lonesome is a much deeper feeling of sadness, isolation and melancholy. I hope you enjoy our walkabout through Lonesome Park as we read the signs with quotes about being lonesome and the comments others have written in the journal. I encourage you to journal you're comments as you begin to walk past and away from that lonesome feeling.

In today's episode we look at mirroring, also called mimicry. This behavior often start in our infancy and can become an unconscious aspect of our behavior. But, too often in recovery a pattern of conscious imitation becomes a tool of manipulation used to maintain control of people, conversations and situations. American psychologist Joyce Brothers once said "Listening, not imitation, may be the sincerest form of flattery."

Have people told you "You have an addictive personality"? Do you believe you have an addictive personality because you always go from one addiction to another? Have you substituted a socially acceptable addiction for the drugs, alcohol or porn that got you in trouble? In today's episode we look at these questions and more. Enjoy and share it with your friends.

Today's episode is a group session with my friends in recovery from South Africa, Australia and the USA. The topic for our group discussion is "Happy people have learned to forgive and to give second chances." I know you'll enjoy as each of our six guys share their insight and their personal struggles in the area of forgiveness AND the power of an attitude of gratitude.

In today's episode I'd like to talk about a topic that has come up in a couple of rehabs, homeless shelters and community groups in the past few weeks in South Africa. I'll share comments that I heard from people who said "I may have been their son or daughter (or spouse or boyfriend, etc.) but I was NOT your choice! Many of the group participants also realized that they had given that same wound to their children because their drug of choice was their first choice!

In today's episode we look at the "People, Places and Things" that can trigger a relapse in recovery. It's important to understand that people, places and things are everywhere AND they are not going away! Often early in recovery we are told to control our triggers and we often feel that we need to control our people, places and things. This often leads to frustration as we realize we can't control them. This episode lists a variety of things we CAN do to control our reactions to them so they do not trigger relapse.

William Golding coined the phrase "failure of imagination" in his book The Lord of the Flies in 1954. In today's episode we look at how a failure of our imagination can shape our defeat in recovery. And we'll discuss the positive aspects of imagination: exploring new ideas, birthing creativity and solving problems can be a key to a successful recovery.

As I travel to rehabs, homeless shelters, prisons or meet with addicts one on one, a common question is "How do I build a strong support system?" In today's episode we tackle that question and ask you to dig deeper to see who really can't support our recovery but would actually undermine it or be neutral. I hope you enjoy learning to tell the difference between these and that you find the improved quality of life that comes from having a strong support system.

Today's episode is a walkabout through Class Clown Park. As you go on this walkabout the signs will lead you on a journey of why people become the class clown or the life of the party. Even if that isn't you, I encourage you to see how you relate to each sign's topic and the responses the guys wrote in the journals at each sign.

Today's episode is in response to feedback I got from the two previous episodes. Listeners were asking how to dig deeper into topics about homelessness, addiction, going off the rails. So today we'll look at estrangement and discuss aspects of it, like thoughts and feelings , utilizing the model of the Russian dolls from the From Ashes to Destiny curriculum. I hope you enjoy it.

What are the causes of trains going off the rails? What causes people to go off the rails? Why did you or your loved one lose control and begin behaving in a way that was not normal, not acceptable? How can we take a self-inventory to put corrective actions in place to be sure we don't go off the rails in the future?

Today's episode looks at how each of us defines home and what makes up a home. My hope is that it will stir thought in all of us whether we are unhoused or housed, in a shelter or a rehab, on the streets or never experienced homelessness. We'll be looking at a variety of quotes including: "Don't try to drive the homeless into places we find suitable. Help them survive in places they find suitable." by Daniel Quinn and "Home is where the heart can laugh without shyness. Home is where the heart's tears can dry at their own pace." by Vernon Baker

I've had several requests to do another episode on finding happiness. If you want to listen to earlier podcasts I suggest #72 and #206. In this episode we go on a walkabout and read journal entries from guys in response to quotes about happiness such as: "The purpose of life is to be happy" by the Dalai Lama. "The power of finding beauty in the humblest things makes home happy and life lovely" by Louisa May Alcott. "Happiness resides not in possessions, and not in gold, happiness dwells in the soul" by Democritus.

This episode is the final Wacky Wednesday episode as it covers the last chapter of the From Ashes to Destiny Curriculum. The story for this episode is the story of Toons who was a street corner drug seller who called it "honest work" because he didn't mug anyone or boost any stores for money because he got paid by the dealer in crack cocaine. Questions in this episode include: What foolishness are you caught up in? What makes you feel like a fool? What has total importance in your life that it can interrupt whatever you're doing anytime? What must you do to find your hope and future?

This Wacky Wednesday episode is from Chapter 17 of Phase 4 of the From Ashes to Destiny curriculum. We take a look at the first story from the chapter which is the story of Tim. He lost his job working with horses at the racetrack due to his addiction and horses were his life. Tim said he lost his life and had No Reason to Get Clean. What is your reason to get clean and to stay clean? Does your family know where you are right now? Why would you hesitate to let them know? These questions and more on today's episode.

Today's episode is a walkabout in Wake Up Call Park. Join me as we walk, read the signs and the journal entries of people who have gone on this walk before us. Some of the quotes in this park are: "First thing every morning before you arise, say out loud, 'I believe' three time." by Ovid. "Every morning you have two choices: continue to sleep with your dreams or wake up and chase them." by Arnold Schwarzenegger. "There's a morning inside you waiting to burst open into light." by Rumi.

This is the second Wacky Wednesday episode for today and it deals with the first story from Chapter 16 of Phase 4 of the From Ashes to Destiny curriculum. This story looks at two men who "fell out" or OD'd from heroin. Mohammed was saved by CPR and Narcan. Webster died and was moved to the bushes and robbed by his friends. Mohammed chose life and never did any drugs again. What experiences have you had or witnessed with OD? What changes would you make if you, like Mohammed, chose life? Webster's OD happened on his first bag after two months in rehab. What was his mistake? What would be your mistake that doesn't seem like a mistake in the moment?

Welcome to Wacky Wednesday! In today's episode we look at Brian's story from Chapter 15 of Phase 4 of the From Ashes to Destiny curriculum. This story has to do with finding spirituality in rehab and how Brian found transformation as a result of finding spirituality. What things have your eyes been opened up to in rehab, a homeless shelter, prison, a halfway house? How has your faith and understanding grown? How has it become your new foundation for character development? These questions and more in this episode.

Today's episode is a walkabout through Bald Face Lies Park. These types of lies are the ones where they are obvious lies and the one telling the lie doesn't really care if they get caught in the lie because they have more lies ready to tell. In the [ark we'll look at five categories of bald faced lies that addicts tell and how these lies affect their family, their friends and themselves.

This is today's second Wacky Wednesday episode and it deals with Chapter 14 in Phase 4 of the From Ashes to Destiny curriculum. We will look at stories about spiritual warfare and other aspects of attacks on you and your strength in recovery. What aspects of your life seem to always be under attack as you try to stay strong in recovery? How do you deal with these attacks? These questions and so much more in today's episode.

Welcome to today's Wacky Wednesday episode as we start Phase 4 of the From Ashes to Destiny curriculum. This episode is from Chapter 13 of Phase 4 and deals with the story of IOU. We look at those people who trouble us and what we have learned in recovery by influencing us to turn to others ideas and reject what they told us in rehab or in the program. IOU's story ends with him waiting for the morning bus to go back to rehab, but for him the morning never came. Are you ready to stop waiting for tomorrow, for your morning bus?

Today's episode is a group session with my friends in recovery from Australia, South Africa and the US. I know you will enjoy their insight and responses to this topic: "Therapists and psychologists often teach people to set healthy boundaries. But I often find that these don't work with addicts. The problem with healthy boundaries is the addict or recovering addict may feel their unjust, unfair or excessive AND react with resentment and a desire to test them."

This is the second Wacky Wednesday podcast episode for today and this covers Step 12 of the 12 Steps. We look at the first story from Chapter 12 in Phase 3 of the From Ashes to Destiny curriculum, The Story of Kathy. She found her spiritual awakening through a search for unconditional love. Have you found your spiritual awakening at this point in your recovery? How will you carry your message to others in addiction? What makes you hesitate to share it? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/a2d--from-addict-to-disci/support

This Wacky Wednesday episode looks at the challenge of Step 11 to "improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him." We look at the story of Jose and his heart change as he was in a rehab in the El Segundo section of Philadelphia. We see in Jose the importance of getting serious about the homework in recovery, digging deep and finding motivation to make recovery work this time. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/a2d--from-addict-to-disci/support

Recovery is like a jigsaw puzzle. One piece at a time. One day at a time. Many people that I work with in recovery talk about the "something missing" in their life or in their recovery. Many search frantically like someone searching for the puzzle piece that must have fallen on the floor or under the couch. Today's episode looks at what could be that missing piece in your recovery and how we can complete the puzzle. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/a2d--from-addict-to-disci/support

This is the second Wacky Wednesday episode for today and it deals with Chapter 10 of Phase 3 of the From Ashes to Destiny curriculum. In this chapter we look at Step 10 of the 12 Steps which has us take a personal inventory and to promptly admit our wrongs. Looking at the story of Val we ask questions including, What was Val's emotional pain? What emotional pain do you carry every day? How do you talk to someone about your emotional pain and how it causes bad decisions? What would be the red flags that would be a warning that you need to dig deeper into staying open and honest about your emotions? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/a2d--from-addict-to-disci/support

Today's Wacky Wednesday episode deals with the story of Nicky and Daisy from Chapter 9 of Phase 3 of the From Ashes to Destiny curriculum. This looks at Step 9 of the 12 Steps on making amends. After the story we look at questions about making amends with your daughter for not being there for them during your addiction. What's the difference between making amends and restitution? Is making amends saying I'm sorry for my behavior or can you apologize for the emotional pain you inflicted on the victims of your addiction? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/a2d--from-addict-to-disci/support

Today's episode is the result of lots of feedback after recent episodes where we heard stories of the young women who were being pimped by Germaine. He had told each one that he loved them. The common theme in the messages I received was that the women were not seeking drugs, they were seeking the feeling of being loved and the men they found got them hooked on drugs and turned them into hookers! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/a2d--from-addict-to-disci/support

This episode is the second Wacky Wednesday episode for today and it looks at Noreen's story from Chapter 8 of Phase 3 of the From Ashes to Destiny curriculum. This also is an introduction to Step 8 of the Twelve Steps which focuses on acknowledging the harm we did to people and being willing to make amends. In Noreen's story we look at questions including: How would you describe Noreen's mom's feelings about having to raise Noreen's daughter? What pain and heartache would need to be addressed in making amends? What simple acts of normalcy could facilitate reconciliation with people you have harmed in your addcition? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/a2d--from-addict-to-disci/support

This is the first of our two Wacky Wednesday episodes for today. This one is the story of Donald from Chapter 7 of Phase 3 of the From Ashes to Destiny curriculum. The topic of step 7 is to humbly ask Him to remove our shortcomings. Donald's story looks at his change from quiet and hard to talk with, to him asking for help and humbly talking about his struggles in addiction. What characteristics are shortcomings in you that hinder your recovery? How can you reach the point of humility? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/a2d--from-addict-to-disci/support

Today's podcast is a group session with my friends in recovery from Australia, South Africa and the US. I'm sure you'll find several nuggets of wisdom as they answer the following question. Which phrase can you identify with in your addiction, hitting bottom or aha moment of clarity? 1) I felt like I got a death sentence, 2) I'm the weakest I've ever been or 3) time to learn what strength is. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/a2d--from-addict-to-disci/support

This Wacky Wednesday episode is the story of Stew from Chapter 6 in Phase 3 of the From Ashes to Destiny curriculum. We look at what it means to be entirely ready to have all of your character defects removed. Are you ready to look at every stone and talk about each and every defect of character? What is your weakness that left you vulnerable to get hooked before you knew it? What work do you need to do to put a plan for change or rehab into motion? What weakness do you still have as a character defect which could unravel your recovery? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/a2d--from-addict-to-disci/support

Today's Wacky Wednesday is the first story in Phase 3 Chapter 5 of the From Ashes to Destiny curriculum. We hear Germaine's story. (episode # 256 introduces Germaine) Germaine had a moment where he was truly broken, all pretense was gone and he decided to stop being a pimp and drug dealer and return home to Georgia. Discussion questions look at: what is your true heart nature? What do you need to change to let your heart win over your addiction? What pretenses of power, control and manipulation would need to be gone? These questions and more should stir you to talking to someone. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/a2d--from-addict-to-disci/support

Today's episode is a walkabout through Landmines in Recovery Park. I go on this walkabout with Neil, a friend of Michael. Neil shares how it seems like everything that is a common part of recovery is feeling like another landmine in the field for him. Join us as he shares how emotional triggers, coping skills, mistakes, family and success are all landmines that keep exploding in his walk of recovery. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/a2d--from-addict-to-disci/support

Welcome to the second Wacky Wednesday episode for today. This is the beginning of Phase 3 of the From Ashes to Destiny curriculum which focuses on moral regeneration and positive character development. It also marks the return to the Twelve Steps and the chapter covers step 4. This episode looks at the story of Lisa her life in addiction, living in a home with 7 other women which was run by Germaine who kept all of the women addicted and in prostitution. But he also privately told each new woman who arrived "I love and I promise to take care of you." --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/a2d--from-addict-to-disci/support

Welcome to Wacky Wednesday. This episode is the poem written by Gregory Williams entitled "The Lord's Love". This is also from Chapter 12 of Phase 2 of the From Ashes to Destiny curriculum which is entitled "The Heart in Need of Restoration Not Rehabilitation. What's the difference between those two terms? How do we find restoration for our heart and our life in recovery? These questions and more await you in this podcast. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/a2d--from-addict-to-disci/support

In today's episode we listen to the journal entry of William, a 20 year old in Tower of Life Men's Shelter in Krugersdorp, South Africa. William shares his thoughts and questions. Who am I? What am I? I feel like a stranger. Feels like there's something missing in my life. Where is everyone? What happened to me? I'm sure you will be challenged and encouraged as you listen to this podcast epiosde. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/a2d--from-addict-to-disci/support

This episode is the second Wacky Wednesday podcast for today and it deals with the first story in Chapter 11 of Phase 2 of the From Ashes to Destiny curriculum. This chapter is entitled The Heart in Need of Fellowship and the story is the story of Ross as he was living in a half way house after incarceration for a sexual offense. Key questions from his story are: Where do you find real fellowship? How would you define it? Does isolation fuel bad choices? How can fellowship help you make positive choices and put you in control of your future? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/a2d--from-addict-to-disci/support

Welcome to Wacky Wednesday as we go through the first story from Phase 2 and Chapter 19 of the From Ashes to Destiny curriculum. This is the story of Neil and his childhood of rape and incest at the hands of his uncle. Neil shares the doubts, fears and pain that riddled his mind. How these memories convinced him that "everything ends in futility and frustration. When I met Neil in prison at age 50 he was still searching for someone he could trust. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/a2d--from-addict-to-disci/support

Today's podcast is a group episode with my friends in recovery from Australia, South Africa and the US. You'll enjoy their insight as they answer these questions. What did alcohol, drugs or porn give you the courage to do? When did you realize the courage was counterfeit? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/a2d--from-addict-to-disci/support

Today's second Wacky Wednesday episode is from Chapter 9 of Phase 2 of the From Ashes to Destiny curriculum entitled The Heart Holding On to Fear and Pain. Discussion topics from this episode include questions like: What fears, anger, resentments, doubts, hatred are you holding on to? How do you begin to let go of them? How would you describe the distorted security and comfort you feel by embracing the familiar pain? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/a2d--from-addict-to-disci/support

Today's Wacky Wednesday is a story from Chapter 8 of the From Ashes to Destiny curriculum entitled The Heart of an Outcast. As we listen to Paul's story of being an outcast we have many questions to think about and discuss. Were you called names because of your appearance? Were you an outcast? What did you do to feel accepted? How were your feelings of self esteem and self worth? Did addiction numb those feelings? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/a2d--from-addict-to-disci/support

Our group of guys in recovery from Australia, South Africa and the US answer these questions on today's episode. What is the one thing in the world you loved doing most before you became an addict? What was it during your addiction? What is it now in your sobriety? I'm sure you'll be encouraged as you hear their answers about stolen joy in childhood, counterfeit comforters in addiction and restoration of a true identity in sobriety. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/a2d--from-addict-to-disci/support

Here's the second episode for today's Wacky Wednesday. The topic is Chapter 7 of Phase 2 of the From Ashes to Destiny curriculum. The title of the chapter is The Heart that Feels Alone, Abandoned or Rejected. We'll listen to the first story from this chapter about the childhood wounds of a man named Larry that I met in Lancaster County Prison in Pennsylvania. And we'll discuss questions including: How did your parental household dynamic affect your childhood? Did you ever feel that you were "just there?" Did you have a dormant childhood wound that blossomed in your teens and resulted in you being labeled rebellious? What words of rejection did you hear that scared you for life? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/a2d--from-addict-to-disci/support

In this Wacky Wednesday episode we look at two stories from Chapter 6 of Phase 2 of the From Ashes to Destiny curriculum. The chapter is entitled The Heart of Broken Dreams. As we dig deeper we look at questions including: Did addiction become your new dream life? What were your high school dreams? When did they die? What condemning words have you heard that killed your dreams? Thanks for listening to this episode. Feel free to send me any comments you may have. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/a2d--from-addict-to-disci/support