Charles M. – Acceptance – Recovery From Codependency And Rejection – 2014

About This Speaker Tape

Melissa and Charlie map out the grueling process of self-acceptance, moving from the 'predator mode' of seeking external validation to a quiet internal peace. Melissa traces her path through a 'sick-ass relationship' that mirrored her active addiction, the isolation of her first solo apartment, and the eventual realization that she couldn't fix her outside—weight loss or a new house—without fixing the inside. Charlie dismantles the insanity of his early sobriety, including drilling a hole through a wall to share cable with an estranged wife, and pivots to his current life as a caregiver for three children with fetal alcohol syndrome.

Both speakers emphasize that self-acceptance isn't a static state but a daily grind of working the steps and leaning on a sponsor to stop being a 'self-centered jerk.'

Topics

Timestamps

• 0:45 Melissa discusses the mistake of entering a relationship early in recovery.
• 2:30 Melissa describes her 'predator mode' and the need for constant validation.
• 4:15 Mention of working the second, fourth, and fifth steps to uncover personal values.
• 6:20 Melissa describes the feeling of being 'dirty' in the shower despite using soap.
• 8:45 Melissa discusses the role of therapy in addressing codependency and family rejection.
• 11:30 Charlie begins his share, discussing the 'insanity' of his early sobriety living arrangements.
• 14:10 Charlie discusses the challenges of parenting children with fetal alcohol syndrome.
• 16:45 Charlie describes his 5:30 AM phone calls with Rex as a source of sanity.
• 18:10 Luke shares a brief thought on self-acceptance and the fifth step.
• 18:40 Closing with a moment of silence and the Third Step Prayer.