The Mechanical Application of Steps 8 and 9 — Tommy T.

About This Speaker Tape

Tommy T. shares a raw and humorous account of his journey from a chaotic life of addiction to 30 years of sobriety. He describes hitting a severe bottom at age 35, characterized by $138,000 in debt to loan sharks and mobsters, multiple DWI arrests, and felony charges for weapon and narcotics possession. He speaks candidly about the wreckage of his early life, including his strained relationships with his parents and the guilt of abandoning a child.

The core of his talk focuses on the transformative power of Steps 8 and 9. Tommy emphasizes the importance of a structured, mechanical approach to the steps under the guidance of a strong sponsor. He details the emotional weight of making direct amends to his mother and father, and the spiritual release he experienced after writing a letter to his deceased grandmother.

Tommy concludes by illustrating how the application of these principles restored his career and family life. After admitting his dishonesty to his employer, he not only regained his union job but eventually rose to a top executive position in New York City school facilities. He reflects on the transition from being a deadbeat father to a loving husband and parent, attributing his total life reversal to the promises found in the program.

Topics

Timestamps

• 0:00 Introduction and lighthearted jokes about the Tennessee Roundup
• 5:15 Details on hitting bottom: $138k debt and felony charges
• 10:45 Childhood trauma and the safe haven of his grandmother's house
• 16:30 The impact of the Big Book workshops on Staten Island
• 22:15 Working the first few steps with sponsor Lucky George
• 27:40 The experience of the fourth step and overcoming the 'monkey chatter'
• 33:20 Executing Step 9 amends with his mother and father
• 42:10 Restoring his professional integrity and regaining his union job
• 50:50 Finding love and building a healthy family with his wife Cheryl
• 56:10 Closing reflections on the Nine Step Promises