Stand where the sun rises

Stand where the sun rises

What makes a recovery story truly inspiring? In this short, punchy episode of **Alive and Free**, host Bob Gardner turns the spotlight on an unexpected topic: being willing to be wrong. Speaking directly to people worn out by anxiety, depression, trauma and addictions, he questions the popular phrase, "the truth will set you free." As he points out, "the truth by itself isn't convincing" and doesn’t automatically change anyone’s life.

Instead, he argues that freedom comes when "the truth dawns on you" – and that only happens if you’re open to the possibility that your favourite ideas about yourself and life might be off. Bob uses a powerful image: "You have to stand where the sun rises." He suggests that many people are "standing in the shade" of their own beliefs about who they are, what they deserve, how others should behave, or what recovery must look like.

These thoughts are like clouds that "make it an overcast day on the inside" and keep you from experiencing the light of truth, peace and love. He’s refreshingly honest about his own stubbornness, admitting he’s defended wrong ideas "tooth and nail" before finally dropping them.

That honesty makes the main question of the episode land even harder: "How were you wrong?" Bob invites you to try this whenever you feel a strong emotion – whether it’s anger in traffic, deep sadness, or even wild excitement – and look for where your story about the situation might not be accurate. Rather than pushing positive thinking or doom and gloom, the focus is simple: honesty.

For anyone dealing with addiction or emotional pain, this gentle but challenging question might be a surprisingly practical step toward real freedom. So, next time a big feeling hits, are you willing to ask yourself, "How am I wrong here?"