Your Recovery Is Your Responsibility – Amy D.

About This Speaker Tape

A size 1 dress and 40 pounds less than she is now—that is how Amy D. looked when her father pulled her off a street corner in 2010. After a youth spent as a 'bad girl' in a one-horse Indiana town Amy's life spiraled through a decade of blackouts prostitution and the loss of her dignity.

She describes a 'wrath' that burned bridges and a period of 'fellowship sobriety' where she attended meetings but avoided the steps leading to a relapse on her 30th birthday in Memphis. Now 16 years sober she navigates the wreckage of her motherhood admitting she once smothered her children to relieve her own guilt. Through the guidance of a tough-love sponsor named Rhonda R. and later the grace of Delinda D

. Amy has moved from '12-stomping' newcomers to learning that truth without compassion is just mean. She remains obsessed with her program of action terrified of the piece of tape holding her life together.

Topics

Timestamps

• 0:45 Amy D. discusses her home group, Lambton, and the diversity of people there.
• 3:15 Amy D. describes the 'wrath' and rage she felt as a child in southern Indiana.
• 5:40 Laughter: Story about her childhood 'criminal' instincts and stealing beer.
• 8:20 Amy D. references the 'Doctor's Opinion' and the physical allergy of alcoholism.
• 12:10 Amy D. describes her 'gutter' behavior and the impact on her family.
• 16:40 Amy D. discusses 'fellowship sobriety' and the danger of skipping home group.
• 21:15 Amy D. recounts her relapse in Memphis and the subsequent descent into homelessness and prostitution.
• 26:30 Amy D. describes her first surrender on March 6, 2010.
• 29:10 Amy D. describes her relationship with her tough sponsor, Rhonda R.
• 34:20 Amy D. discusses her 'white light' spiritual experience during Step 7.
• 38:50 Amy D. discusses the difference between truth and compassion with her sponsor Delinda D.
• 43:10 Applause: Amy D. concludes her talk on the importance of active recovery and her daughter's trust.