Resilience MythsResilience Myths
Emotional Sobriety: The Next Step in Recovery
Joe C. quotes Joseph Campbell: “We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” Thom’s nutshell for today: “Measure your progress in units of willingness instead of willpower, with degrees of self-acceptance rather than change." Allen, Thom, Joe and Patrick each talk about how their understanding of emotional sobriety has evolved over the past year, looking ahead to 2026. Learn more about Joe C., Secular AA and Rebellion Dogs here: https://rebelliondogspublishing.com Follow us on social media. Instagram: thomrutledge2 Joe C. Twitter: @Rebellion_Dogs Friendly Circle Berlin Workshop Group meets every Monday @ 7:30pm (Berlin), 6:30pm (Ireland & UK), 1:30pm EST, 10:30am PST Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5505019905 Allen’s book, 12 Essential Insights for Emotional Sobriety: https://www.amazon.com/12-Essential-Insights-Emotional-Sobriety/dp/1955415129/ Join Allen & Thom at our Thursday night, 7pm PST Zoom meeting on Emotional Sobriety and the Steps (login information below): https://zoom.us/j/330149513 Password: 375986 For our ongoing workshop video series on Emotional Sobriety and the 12 Steps, visit our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHEM2-kqLkfp3I4c0jy-X-g Also, please join our “Emotional Sobriety and Recovery” FB Group at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/120450976662519 We’d love to stay in touch in between meetings. We appreciate feedback! Contact Patrick, our producer, at pndirective4@gmail.com for any questions or comments.
35:24•1 Jan 2026
Resilience Myths: Redefining Emotional Sobriety
Episode Overview
- Shift focus from willpower to willingness for true progress.
- Embrace self-acceptance over striving for constant change.
- Supportive relationships can be crucial in overcoming adversity.
- Success should be measured by effort and attitude, not just outcomes.
- Vulnerability and authenticity are key to personal growth.
“"Measure your progress in units of willingness instead of willpower, with degrees of self-acceptance rather than change."”
What makes a recovery story truly inspiring? In this episode, Thom Rutledge and Dr. Allen Berger take listeners on a journey through the myths of resilience and emotional sobriety. Drawing from Bill Wilson's concept of emotional sobriety, the discussion centres on shifting focus from willpower to willingness, and from external achievements to internal acceptance. Joe C.
shares a compelling quote from Joseph Campbell, urging us to let go of the life we have planned to embrace the life waiting for us. The hosts and guests explore how emotional sobriety has evolved in their lives over the past year, offering personal anecdotes and insights that highlight the importance of self-acceptance and the role of supportive relationships in recovery.
The episode also touches on a fascinating study from the 1970s, revealing that children who thrived despite adverse experiences often had a supportive role model in their lives. Listeners are encouraged to reconsider traditional notions of success, inspired by John Wooden's philosophy that success is about effort and attitude rather than outcomes. The conversation is filled with light-hearted banter, making complex topics accessible and engaging.
As they discuss the transformative power of embracing one's emotions, they challenge the listener to reflect on their own journey towards emotional sobriety. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of how embracing vulnerability and authenticity can lead to profound personal growth. Are you ready to measure your progress in units of willingness instead of willpower?
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