Episode 37 - We Did A Thing

Emergency Protocol

Content Warning: This episode discusses suicide and may be distressing for some listeners.

Denise and Jackie reflect on their first in-person meeting, which started awkwardly but became fluid as the ice melted. They’re so happy to have brought to life a welcoming, neutral, and free space for people to attend, share, and feel heard. The meeting was one of the many commitments Denise has been juggling lately. She acknowledges that while being part of a community is valuable, so too are rest and balance.

They then reflect on the third step of the 12 steps, the importance of deciding to commit to recovery. Each woman shares her personal experience of choosing to live and seek help. Both professionally and personally, having a supportive place to go to makes all the difference. They then discuss the concept of affinity groups. There is potential for affinity groups to emerge naturally from the community they created. Even though it has sometimes felt slowgoing, they reflect on the progress their community has made as well as themselves on their journeys.

If you’re interested in being a future podcast guest or want to attend our meetings (once they’re up and running), send us an email at [e-mail] with your thoughts and any other questions you have! We can’t wait to hear from you. We’ll see you soon.

Topics Covered:

• First in-person meeting
• Balancing commitments and community
• H.A.L.T.
• Role of decision in recovery
• The not-so-gray area
• Shift into action
• Importance of connection and belonging

Resources Mentioned:

• Join our upcoming meetings: https://forms.gle/4VxnNUnev1RoRJMCA
• ACA https://adultchildren.org/
• AA https://www.aa.org/

Follow Us:

• Follow Jackie: jackiefreed.la
• Follow Denise: @denise.freed
• Follow us on Instagram: @12stepsforeveryone
• Follow us on TikTok: @12stepsforeveryone