The Power of Choice

Today we're talking about a really controversial topic, and that is the twelve steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. I was in AA for three years and the first step is to 'admit that we were powerless over alcohol - that our lives had become unmanageable.'

Today we’re talking about a really controversial topic, and that is the twelve steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. I was in AA for three years and the first step is to ‘admit that we were powerless over alcohol — that our lives had become unmanageable.’ This mantra made me doubt and second guess other things in my life. It became this constant noise in the background.

So today I want to talk to you about why I don’t actually believe that anyone is powerless and believing that you’re powerless can actually screw up any real successful attempt at change.

Topics Discussed:

[:51] About today’s episode.

[1:10] My experience with ‘connecting’ to the twelve steps of AA and admitting I was powerless.

[4:04] My mission with today’s episode: why nobody is powerless.

[4:32] The meaning behind what “powerlessness” is and why it is such a troubling concept for anyone trying to recover!

[11:54] What we’re really saying as helpers if we make those seeking help to proclaim they’re powerless.

[12:16] The problem with making someone believe they’re powerless and why it ultimately doesn’t help them get better!

[13:12] We are not powerless! Why being empowered and acknowledging our strengths and limitations help us confront the issues that really matter.

[17:24] If you know somebody who’s struggling with this or you are struggling yourself, how are you going to exert your power? How are you going to take back control? What are you going to do in your life to start claiming back the right to live the life you want?

[18:08] Screenshot this episode, tag me on any social media platform, and let me know what resonated with you!

Mentioned in this Episode:

IGNTD Recovery (Register and join the free workshop!)

TheAbstinenceMyth.com (Pay for shipping and I will send you the book for free!)

The Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

Rebranding our shame | Adi Jaffe | TEDxUCLA (Video)

The true struggles of transformation | Adi Jaffe | TEDxHuntsville (Video)

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