Episode 87 - Sharpening Your AxEpisode 87 - Sharpening Your Ax
Recovery Is Possible
It is believed that Abraham Lincoln once said, "If I had an hour to chop down a tree, then I would spend the first 45 minutes sharpening my ax." Recovery is the same way; we spend a lot of time getting ready for the day when our sobriety is tested. I...
17:20•26 Dec 2021
Sharpening Your Ax: The Key to Staying Prepared in Recovery
“Remember what Abraham Lincoln said: given an hour to chop down a tree, you spend the first minutes sharpening your knife, and if you do that and if you build that program, you are greatly going to increase your ability to get through whatever life throws at you.”
Imagine you're about to chop down a tree, but instead of diving right in, you spend most of your time sharpening your ax. That's the kind of preparation Michael Van Meter talks about in this episode of 'Recovery Is Possible'. Drawing inspiration from Abraham Lincoln's famous quote, Michael delves into why being prepared is crucial for those on the path to sobriety.
Especially during challenging times like the holiday season, when triggers are everywhere, having a strong support system and reliable coping strategies can make all the difference. Michael shares his personal journey and professional insights, emphasizing the importance of building a solid sobriety network and attending meetings. He also highlights the significance of following a structured recovery program, seeking therapy, and addressing any co-occurring mental health issues.
With his background in law enforcement, Michael has seen firsthand how addiction affects his colleagues, making his advice both practical and heartfelt. Tune in to learn how to sharpen your ax and stay prepared for whatever life throws your way.

Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!
More From This Show
The latest episodes from the same podcast.
Related Episodes
Similar episodes from other shows in the catalogue.
