Shows
Steps to the SpiritThe Oxford Group’s Influence (part 1)Send us a textAlthough I am still speaking about the Oxford group, I have changed the podcasts from an introduction to the Oxford group to how it actually influenced the beginnings of the 12 step program. Hence, I gave a new title to the rest of this series, which is, “The Oxford Group’s Influence”.The influence of the Oxford group reinforces my belief that this is a God-given program, or at the very least, we God inspired program. As you have, hopefully, read, the Oxford group seems to be credited with only three or four o...2025-06-0814 minSteps to the SpiritThe Beginnings of a Way of Life! (Part 8)Send us a textYes, I realize that I was going to write a summary of these past episodes concerning the Oxford group and its connection to the 12 steps. However, the more I thought about it the more I realized that I needed to speak more about the last episode and the Four Absolutes we have inherited from the Oxford group. Whereas the 12 step program is not a direct continuation of the Oxford Group concepts, they are, in my opinion, totally derive from the Oxford Group Movement.So, I’m going to use this episode to...2024-07-2814 minSteps to the SpiritEpisode Interruptus - My GodSend us a textI feel like I would like to squeeze in this episode in order to let you know my position as far as God is concerned. After all, I am saying that I am spiritual and that I believe these step programs have been given to us by God. I also talk a lot about my relationship with God and how it affects my way of life. So I think it is only fitting that you are aware of where I am coming from. I think you should know how I think and feel...2023-06-2615 minSteps to the SpiritStepping Outside – Step One (Part 1)Send us a textWe have spoken quite a bit in the last couple of years out each step and the gifts that are associated with them. The steps themselves (including the gifts), are certainly nice reading but not very practical as I am able to make use of them in my day-to-day life. In the next few episodes I would like to talk about how I have used the steps and the step program in my everyday life.I am not really sure how this is going to work, or if it will work...2023-06-1213 minSteps to the SpiritGifts From God – Review (Part 3)Send us a textThis is the final episode about the gifts that accompany the steps. In this episode I will speak about steps number 8 through 12. Of course, steps 8 and 9 are the last of the action steps. Steps 10 and 11 and 12 are commonly referred to as the maintenance steps. We will be talking about those and the gifts that accompany them. Next week, in episode number 24, I will most likely be speaking about applying these steps in our everyday life. I have asked in this episode that those of you who are listening will provide me with a...2023-06-0513 minSteps to the SpiritGifts From God – Step 10 Perseverance (Part 4)Send us a textFirst , I would like to mention that from here on out I am going to try to get these podcasts out on Sundays. Hope that doesn’t inconvenience you, but my original thought was to publish these on Sunday at 6 PM and somehow I’ve slipped to publishing them on Saturday. I think I can attribute that to being 78 years old!Next, my thoughts about step 10 and the gift of perseverance is obviously going to an unusual four parts. I am doing this I remembered how important a part of step 10 in t...2023-03-1312 min
Kerry Lutz's--Financial Survival NetworkThe Power of Planning - Chuck Knabusch #5701Summary: You can’t control everything that happens in life, which makes having a backup plan that much more important. Here to talk about the significance of planning is Chuck Knabusch, a bestselling author and leadership expert helping to guide other leaders through the planning and execution process. Chuck discusses strategies for planning within a business—suggesting that it is best to plan for the unexpected and run through scenarios that haven’t occurred yet. Attaining outside perspective is also a key component of this process so that you can be sure to consider all possibilities and prepare yourself. Listen...2023-01-1813 min
Kerry Lutz's--Financial Survival NetworkDemystifying Cryptocurrency - Chuck Palm #5682Summary: It’s mid-December and Bitcoin is trading upwards of $18k. Cryptocurrency is gaining popularity and, if you are curious about how and why it works, then you will definitely want to tune in to this episode. I sit down and chat with Chuck Palm, the author of Demystifying Cryptocurrency, and we discuss his motivations for educating others on cryptocurrency as well as his personal view on crypto. Chuck addresses questions of stability, longevity, and acceptance of cryptocurrency within the global economy, as well as its overall utility. Tune in for more insight. Useful Links: Financial Survival Network2022-12-2115 minSteps to the SpiritStep9: Making Amends. (Part 2)Send us a textThis is the part of this step that is absolutely made for my two archenemies, Mr. Ego and his sidekick, Master Rationalization! The questions I must ask myself are the following. Will I truly feel that making amends to that person will do more harm than good (for them)? Or am I simply trying to protect myself? This can be a gray area but, if I truly am concerned, (for the right reasons), then I probably should eliminate that person. There might be a way to make amends anonymously. In any event, amends...2022-07-3113 minSteps to the SpiritStep 9: Making Amends. (Part 1)Send us a textIn theory, much of this step has been done when we did step 4. It would be hard to imagine any people or institutions that would not automatically transfer to the 9th step list. However, like it or not, we are human and subject to pangs of conscience or plain old forgetfulness. In any event, we need to go over this list of folks we have harmed, (in any way), because the more wreckage of the past that we can truly and honestly put behind us, the smoother the road ahead. If you are...2022-07-2412 minSteps to the SpiritStep 8: Making a List, Checking it Twice. (Part 2)Send us a textNow that I have this list of all of the persons I have harmed, what’s next? Here I am, excited and looking forward to my new way of life, a life lived under the care and direction of my Spirit, and BAM! I thought the hardest steps were behind me. Steps 4 & 5, while ultimately a blessing, were the toughest ‘action’ steps so far. I had to dig deep to overcome the protests of my ego. Now, here we are again! No problem!Once I am willing to allow my Spirit to direct...2022-07-1712 minSteps to the SpiritStep 8: Making a List, Checking it Twice. (Part 1)Send us a textStep 8 is all about interpersonal relationships and how our behaviors caused others harm. There are many, many ways we cause harm. There are, of course, the things we say or do to others. We might lie, steal, or cheat. We not only hurt people by what we say to them but just as much, if not more, by what we say about them. When doing this list, it was also necessary for me to think about things like anger and jealousy that I had toward others. All of these things from my past...2022-07-1012 minSteps to the SpiritStep 7: Humble Pie is Delicious! (Part 2)Send us a textI believe we all know the meaning of humility, even if we might not want to face our lack of it in our lives. For me, there has even a lack of spiritual humility, especially when I am convinced by my ego that I can ‘go it alone’, and not need the guidance of my Spirit.This striking-out on my own, this crazy attempt at independence, is the exact opposite of humility. I’m saying, I don’t want your help, God, (because, if I ask for it, my ego will not like...2022-07-0313 minSteps to the SpiritStep 7: Humble Pie is Delicious! (Part 1)Send us a textHumility: Once you think you have it … you don't! This is my way of remembering what humility is. This step is all about being humble. I have brought all the previous steps together and this is the place to which they have brought me – humbly, on my knees!If you have been working at this 12-step program, you know that to get to this point, it has been a 'super-human' undertaking. I have surrendered! I have taken a hard look at myself. I have admitted that I had become, basically, an 'out...2022-06-2613 minSteps to the SpiritStep 6: Am I Entirely Ready? (Part 2)Send us a textAs I said in the previous episode, this step does not require a whole lot of explanation. In episode 24 I spoke about the gift of readiness and that I really needed to take a hard look at my willingness to surrender.Now, I would like to spend just a few minutes on what I am willing to surrender. I have this list of character defects and I would like to refer to it as my ‘baggage full of dirty laundry’. Now, let me examine once more, what exactly it is that I am...2022-06-1913 minSteps to the SpiritStep 6: Am I Entirely Ready? (Part 1)Send us a textThis is, basically, a step of reflection and introspection. After finishing step 5, they say it is good to go to a quiet place and really think about what has transpired. They say that we can feel like a great weight has been lifted from us. They are correct, at least that’s the way it was for me. I felt like I could finally use the word ‘honest’ in the same sentence as my own name. Now this program is asking me to take one last look at all of these character defects, or wro...2022-06-1212 minSteps to the SpiritStep 5: Admission: Do I Need a Lawyer? (Part 4)Send us a textThis is the last part of this step and I want to talk about the phrase, ‘the exact nature of my wrongs’. In the fourth step, it is a good idea to take a moral inventory of both the god and problematic traits we possess. Now, however, I am not here to blow my own horn. I am here to lay my issues on the table and get some insight and suggestions about improvements.Notice, these are not our wrongs we are talking about. It is the exact nature of our wron...2022-06-0511 minSteps to the SpiritStep 5: Admission: Do I Need a Lawyer? (Part 3)Send us a textI have thoroughly examined those parts of this step that have to do with my honesty with myself and my willingness to level with God about what I have done with my life. Now is the time to tackle sharing my discoveries about myself with another person. If you find this to be a nerve wracking and daunting task, well, welcome to your ego. Many of us get to this point in spiritual recovery and think, whoa, I didn’t sign up for this. I’ve had a hard enough time just looking at t...2022-05-2912 minSteps to the SpiritStep 5: Admission: Do I Need a Lawyer? (Part 2)Send us a textIn this 2nd episode, or 2nd part of this step, I am going to look at just what is meant (to me), to admit these wrongs to myself. Whereas the last part had to do with taking an honest look at my relationship with God, and basically, making sure we are on the same page, this part helps me to take a hard look at the human me.Please, understand, these parts are not mutually exclusive. There will be a lot of overlap between them. After all, the goal is, at...2022-05-2213 minSteps to the SpiritStep 5: Admission: Do I Need a Lawyer? (Part 1)Send us a textPlease pardon my humor in the title. Yet, you may want to keep it in mind as you look for the right person to share you4th step. In this and the next three episodes, I’m going to talk about four parts of this step. This first episode has to do with ‘admitting to God’ the exact nature of our wrongs. At first blush, it seems a little unnecessary, sacrilegious, even, that I think there is stuff I have been able to hide from God. Well, I’m going out on a limb her...2022-05-1512 minSteps to the SpiritStep 4: An Honest Look at Myself (Part 4)Send us a textJust to wrap up this this 4th step, I would like to speak a little about looking toward the next step, step 5.In a nutshell … DON’T!I know that those of you who are involved with these steps are, as a rule, bright folks. You are not doing each step in a vacuum. You have, as I did, looked ahead at the steps that follow. If you are like me, you may have said to yourself, “Uh, oh, I’m going to have to tell SOMEONE ELSE about...2022-05-0812 minSteps to the SpiritStep 4: An Honest Look at Myself (Part 3)Send us a textIn this 3rd episode about step 4, I talk about the words “searching and fearless”. These words were the antithesis of any morality I had back in the day. My words back then would have been more like, “complacent and ‘scared to death’” My Spirit, on the other hand, substitutes ‘love’ for any of my words! When I said YES to God, all vocabulary became useless, at least in a spiritual sense. If I need strength, or insight, or perseverance, they all were available in the form of love. That is the result of the 1st...2022-05-0113 minSteps to the SpiritStep 4: An Honest Look at Myself (Part 2)Send us a textI am going to skip around a little in this step. In this 2nd episode about step 4, I’ll talk about the word “moral”. What does moral mean? Well, here is what it means to me when I am trying to use these steps as a spiritual guide for my life. Morals are those guidelines, a spiritual yardstick, if you will, that I apply to the actions I have performed in my life to evaluate whether I have performed them in an acceptable or unacceptable manner. These actions can be right or wrong, depend...2022-04-2413 minSteps to the SpiritStep 4: An Honest Look at Myself (Part 1)Send us a textThis step is the perfect example why the steps are in this order. When I was in the throes of my addiction and even when I became addiction free, this 4th step was a huge challenge. It was like asking a person with a mental illness, (insanity, if you will), to make a rational judgement about their life. They usually can’t, unless they start to clear up what is causing their mental ‘fog’.After accepting the first 3 steps, I developed a sense of God’s love, a feeling of ‘blessed assurance’...2022-04-1713 minSteps to the SpiritStep 3: In God’s Care (Part 4)Send us a textIt can’t get any better than this! With my little human mind, I have the incredible opportunity to align myself with God, the Creator of everything, and the source of perfect love! I have made the decision. I have surrendered. I have affirmed my consecration to God by saying, with my entire being, the eternal, miraculous, and spiritual, YES!My life (and yours, if you have joined me) is chanced forever. Most likely, there will be no outward signs; no glowing, no perfection, and no recognition by humanity. I...2022-04-1012 minSteps to the SpiritStep 3: My Will and My Life (Part 3)Send us a textThe following is a definition I found of ‘will’, and it works for our purposes here:Will: the power of control over one's own actions or emotionsFor me, this has been no less than surrender, and I think that word/idea really explains it. So, what does surrender mean to you? Is it like opening an artery and letting your life as you know it flow out of you? Or, on the other hand, can you see it as I have learned, a tactical surr...2022-04-0312 minSteps to the SpiritStep 3: Turn it Over (Part 2)Send us a textExactly what does the phrase, ‘turn it over’, mean? We see this used in 12 step programs and it is obviously from this 3rd step. I may even have seen a poster saying, “Turn It over’. Of course, the best saying that exemplifies this step is, ‘Let Go and Let God’!In this episode, I will talk about how this phrase is used and what it means to me.2022-03-2613 minSteps to the SpiritStep 3: Decision: The Spiritual ‘YES’ (Part 1)Send us a text I am about to make the most important decision of my life! No pressure, right? There are many ways, or words, I use to describe this surrender to my spirit and God. It is the infinite, or absolute, or ultimate, or eternal yes. I prefer, simply, ‘the Spiritual Yes’.No matter how I describe it, the one thing that is certain is that there is nothing, not one assertion or decision on earth that can compare with it. It is the decision that, when made with absolute sincerity, makes is holy (conse...2022-03-1912 minSteps to the SpiritStep 3: Decision Time (Overview)Send us a text So, if you have been listening, I had a sort of epiphany when I did the episodes on step 2. There was never a doubt in my mind that the 3rd step was the most important and life changing. However, I now realize that without the belief I found in step 2, there would be no God on which to base the next ten steps!Now, I must take that information, that belief, and use it to make the most important decision of my life and my future.It is time t...2022-03-1313 minSteps to the SpiritStep 2: A Power Greater than Myself (Part 4)Send us a text I’ll conclude step 2 by speaking a little about my/our insanity. What does “restore me to sanity” mean? A dictionary meaning says sanity is: the ability to think and behave in a normal and rational manner.Well, I’m not even sure I knew what sanity was, no less, be restored to it. As a matter of fact, I still wonder if my addiction actually kept me from going off the deep end.2022-03-0613 minSteps to the SpiritStep 2: A Power Greater than Myself (Part 3)Send us a text In this episode I will finish up with my experience of God and how I connect with God on a daily basis.Warning: There will NOT be any bright lights, angels, or voices from above in this episode! I’m sure you can find stories of such things all over the internet. I don’t knock them or disbelieve them. For me, however, it has not happened that way. I am a simple, ordinary guy who, I believe, is part of the same spiritual realm as you are. When I bega...2022-02-2715 minSteps to the SpiritStep 2: A Power Greater than Myself (Part 2)Send us a textBefore we are restored to sanity, I would like to speak a little (maybe a lot!), about my experience and path to the discovery of God within myself. Let me be crystal clear, for me, a Higher Power or Power greater than myself, is God! It is NOT a group, a person or sponsor or any other physical or earthly thing. God may be described as He or She, (I do not believe God has a sex. I think God is referred to as He or Father due to the social...2022-02-2016 minSteps to the SpiritStep 2: A Power Greater than Myself (Part 1)Send us a textSo, this is the step that my spiritual program is really based on. In step 3 I must decide my path and if I will be willing to allow my Spirit to lead me. However, it is in this step that I MUST declare my belief in God! It is with this awareness of God’s love, protection, and Power, that I am able to find the strength and support to continue on this path.The literature says, “what an order; I can’t go through with it”, but then immediat...2022-02-1315 minSteps to the SpiritStep 1: I Am Powerless (Part 3)Send us a textIn this episode I want to say just a little about the 2nd part of this step, admitting that my life is unmanageable. When I was finally ready to experience these steps in honesty, God helped me to see the ‘real’ me.Before I surrendered to my spirit, I was like a train wreck. Now I become ready to relinquish the control that I never even had. I realized that, looking at where I ended up and the actions that got me there were those of an insane person and that I de...2022-02-0613 minSteps to the SpiritStep 1: I Am Powerless (Part 2)Send us a textThe last thing I wanted to admit was that I was not captain of my own vessel. My ego, and its partner, rationalization, would never let go of their control without some kind of outside intervention! Maybe I should say, ‘inside’ intervention. My Spirit was, (as I believe everyone’s Spirit does), poking and pleading more and more. Yes, I had a sense it was there, but I managed to keep it at bay. Each time, after creating yet another shambles of my life, I said that the next time would be different. Now, I...2022-01-3012 minSteps to the SpiritStep 1: I Am Powerless (Part 1)Send us a textIn my 77 years I have attempted these steps in 3 ways. The first attempt was purely through and for my ego. My life was a mess and I simply wanted to feel and look good.The 2nd attempt was more sincere. I absolutely believed my life to be in shambles and I had become willing to change. I realized that by living my life in the same way as before, I would get the same results. As a result, I did make some changes in my life, however...2022-01-2314 minSteps to the SpiritMy Personal Spirituality (Part 3)Send us a textI know, the plan was to start the spiritual aspects of the steps, but, it kept gnawing at me that I kind of left you hanging when I described my great relationship with my Spirit and stopped. In actuality, it was a wonderful beginning and I thought it important to at least touch on that.So, this episode is about what to do with my life after discovering the presence of God. 2022-01-1613 minSteps to the SpiritMy Personal Spirituality (Part 2)Send us a textI continue with my spiritual adventure. In this episode I will talk about my hearing the pleas of my spirit and finally becoming willing to surrender all in order to gain so much more!In the next episode, I will talk about the steps as a spiritual way of life.2022-01-0915 minSteps to the SpiritMy Personal Spirituality (Part 1)Send us a textAs a start to this 2nd year of my podcast, Steps to the Spirit, I think it is only fitting that I explain my experience wit my spiritual discovery. Of coarse, I can’t describe this perfectly; I don’t believe anyone can. After all, I am using human words to try to describe a spiritual experience!I shall do my best and hope to encourage you (if you haven’t already), to find your own, very, very personal relationship with God.I’ll finish sharing my life/Spirit adventur...2022-01-0213 min
Steps to the SpiritWe Carry the Message but He Lived the MessageSend us a textChristmas is a special time for me, both as a Christian, and as a learner and worker of these 12 steps.Now, I hope, I am looking at Christmas as the true beginning of a story that ends with receiving the Holy gift of Spirit.So, for this final episode of my first season of podcasts, I will share my thoughts of the Christmas season. I’ll also talk about the greatest person to ever “carry the message”.2021-12-2613 min
Steps to the SpiritThe Steps: A Way of Life or A Way of LoveSend us a textNow what? We have examined the 12 steps, admittedly, in a rudimentary way, and we are ready to forge ahead!In this episode, I want to talk about motivation – what benefit do I expect from them? Of course, I can use them to change my lifestyle and put those things that ‘held me back’, behind me, or, will I use them to discover my true self?In this episode, in preparation for Season 2, beginning on 01/01/22, I’ll do a run through of the steps and touch on the spiritual power they can...2021-12-1913 minSteps to the SpiritStep 12: The Gift of Compassion (Part 5)Send us a textIn part 5 of step 12, we will talk about the all-encompassing payoff of doing my best with this program – practicing these principles in ALL my affairs!I will also talk about how to get the most from a twelve step program.I will end with a prayer I wrote years ago, I tried to cover all of the steps in one prayer. The next 2 episodes will be 1 week before Christmas and Christmas day. Then, beginning on New Year’s day, 2022, I’ll begin a new discussion of the steps, strictly from a...2021-12-1214 minSteps to the SpiritStep 12: The Gift of Compassion (Part 4)Send us a textIn part 4 of step 12, we will discuss “carrying the message”. What are the different ways to allow my newly found light to shine and thus, help others?Also, what was meant by “others”?2021-12-0513 minSteps to the SpiritStep 12: The Gift of Compassion (Part 3)Send us a textIn part 3 of step 12, we will talk about timing and what is meant by “as a result of this course of action”. When can I start 12th step work? Is it sometimes dangerous for me?2021-11-2812 minSteps to the SpiritStep 12: The Gift of Compassion (Part 2)Send us a textIn part 2 of step 12, we will compare the different forms of this step. The original step 12 was worded “had a spiritual experience” and has since become “a spiritual awakening”.2021-11-2112 minSteps to the SpiritStep 12: The Gift of Compassion (Part 1)Send us a textStep 12 is the third, and last, maintenance step, as well as the final step. However, this step can just as easily be thought of as the spiritual container for all of these steps. This step encourages us to adapt our very lives to the tenets of these steps, and to allow them to direct us in a new way of life. It also lays the groundwork for us to help one another in a true spirit of love. In this episode, a little overview of step 12.2021-11-1413 minSteps to the SpiritStep 11: The Gift of Communication (Part 5)Send us a text To remind you, step 11 is the 2nd of the maintenance steps. In Part 5, I will finish up step 11 (I know, finally, right?) with an overview of what it means to me and why it is an integral and oh so necessary part of my life. The next episode will begin step 12, the final maintenance step. It will also be presented in multiple parts, due to its importance in my addiction free and spiritually full life – not to mention the joy of ‘giving back’! 2021-11-0713 minSteps to the SpiritStep 11: The Gift of Communication (Part 4)Send us a textTo remind you, step 11 is the 2nd of the maintenance steps. In Part 4, I will address exactly what it is that I am praying for. Of course, my idea of a relationship with God is that God always will provide exactly what I need and that asking is unnecessary. Then I ask for the power to achieve these things which, I feel is also already ours. However, perhaps prayer such as this reminds me of the gifts I have received and reinforces my humility. Next time, in Part 5, I’ll do a quick re...2021-10-3113 minSteps to the SpiritStep 11: The Gift of Communication (Part 3)Send us a textTo remind you, step 11 is the 2nd of the maintenance steps. In Part 3, I am adding another dimension to prayer, contemplation. In prayer and meditation, I speak to and think about, God. However, in contemplation, I feel as though the circle becomes complete as I wait for God to speak to me. I cannot try to describe the experience of learning to be ‘with’ God. It is purely personal, yet …!2021-10-2412 minSteps to the SpiritStep 11: The Gift of Communication (Part 2)Send us a textTo remind you, step 11 is the 2nd of the maintenance steps. In Part 2, I continue briefly about prayer and go on to meditation. I don’t seem to be motivated towards either of these forms of communicating with God, but I want to share my thoughts about them with you.Actually, I have changed the ‘gift’ I associate with this step from prayer to communication. It just seems more appropriate to me. The next episode (Part 3), will be my favorite form of prayer, contemplation.There could be 6 parts to this s...2021-10-1713 minSteps to the SpiritStep Away from DepressionSend us a textWe interrupt this podcast for an important announcement: These steps are guidelines for life! When I heard this week that depression has increased threefold since Covid, I had to present a few helpful (I hope), thoughts. Please, if you are experiencing depression, take a look at what a twelve step program has to offer, and how these steps can change your life.2021-10-1013 minSteps to the SpiritStep 11: The Gift of Prayer (Part 1)Send us a textStep 11 is the 2nd of the maintenance steps. If it is possible to have a ‘favorite’ step, then this would be mine. Steps 11 & 12 are simply loaded with possibilities for growth, both in my life, and my connection to my Spirit.I’m calling this Part 1 because I’m certain I will need at least 3 parts to give this step the attention it deserves.2021-10-0313 minSteps to the SpiritStep 10: The Gift of PerseveranceSend us a textThis is the first ‘maintenance’ step. It is a combination of steps #4 and #5, but designed to be done on (at least), a daily basis. Yup, sorry, we never get to ‘finish’ step 10 or, for that matter, steps 11 and 12. Hey, that’s what maintenance means.I have discovered that it is soooo easy for me to slip back into some of my old, undermining habits, especially when my archenemy, Mr. Rationalization, shows up!2021-09-2614 minSteps to the SpiritMy Holy Spirit ... My God (Part 3)Send us a textI finally answered ‘YES’ to the constant pleas of my Holy Spirit.I began a new experience with the 12 step program with the awareness that I desperately needed to surrender in order to ‘win’ a new control of my life. 2021-09-1917 minSteps to the SpiritMy Holy Spirit ... My God (Part 2)Send us a textContinuing Part 1, I talk about more incidents in my life that reinforced my lack of self esteem and brought me closer to despair.Finding God was becoming a matter of life and death.I stood at the turning point!2021-09-1214 minSteps to the SpiritMy Holy Spirit ... My God (Part 1)Send us a textWe finished the action steps with step 9 last week, and we will start on the last three (maintenance) steps next.However, this podcast is all about these steps helping us to discover God’s help, both in us and for us. I am adding a couple of episodes to let you know the personal meaning of God in my life, and how God is present in my daily existence.In this first part, I’ll relate how I became completely separated from the very idea of God in my life.2021-09-0514 minSteps to the SpiritStep 9: The Gift of CourageSend us a textSo, this is the action step where we follow through with actually making amends to those we listed in step 8.Of course, amends can take many forms, from a simple ‘sorry’, to paying back money, or more. The 2 main points I want to make are: 1. Get started and 2. Avoid rationalization.I’m also looking for feedback about the podcast after finishing up on the actual 12 steps. Thinking about “Steps for Life”, and how to use the steps as living tools.Contact me: chuck@stepstothespirit.com 2021-08-2913 minSteps to the SpiritStep 8: The Gift of WillingnessSend us a textWe refer to it sometimes, as the “wreckage of the past”. At this point, I have decided to let God influence my decisions, taken inventory, and asked Him to remove those things that keep me separated from Him.Now, possibly for the first time, I am ready to share my attempt to make my life ‘right’ with others. But, the 8th step is a thinking and willingness step. It is best done without aby thought of its actual fruition in the next step.2021-08-2213 minSteps to the SpiritStep 7: The Gift of HumilitySend us a textSo, now at the 7th step, I am ready to lay it all on the line in a continued surrender to God’s will, not mine! I muster as much humility as I can, (not much at this stage of recovery), and surrender to begin living my life according to God’s plan for me.Yes, it’s a powerful step I am taking and a powerful moment, (one of many), to begin a new way of life.2021-08-1512 minSteps to the SpiritStep 6: The Gift of ReadinessSend us a textFor a long while, when I was first involved with the steps, 6 & 7 never seemed tohave much importance. Folks always seemed to tout the big guys, like steps 3, 4,11 & 12.I now realize 6 & 7 are equally important. After all, I feel these steps to be God given, so I don’t think She threw them in there as fillers in order to make 12 steps! The 6th step is critical to reinforcing my commitment for change,2021-08-0814 minSteps to the SpiritStep 5: The Gift of Cleansing (Part 3)Send us a textThis episode is special because I got to introduce my best friend and wife, Pat! She has been in a position to listen to a few 5th steps and she shares how that was for her. We also share some of our spiritual thoughts about the 12 steps and ACIM.2021-08-0114 minSteps to the SpiritStep 5: The Gift of Cleansing (Part 2)Send us a textThis episode is more about MY spiritual experience with step 5. In the past I avoided the parts of my life that were too painful and well hidden, yet the most necessary to face and deal with. Next week, I will be joined by my wife and best friend, Pat.2021-07-2413 minSteps to the SpiritStep 5: The Gift of Cleansing (Part 1)Send us a textNow that I have collected all of this (mostly dirty) laundry in one place, it’s time to do the wash! This step provides me help to throw away most and clean, fold and save what is good. In this practical approach, I’ll save much more than in the spiritual approach in part 2.2021-07-1716 minSteps to the SpiritStep 4: The Gift of Honesty (Part 2)Send us a textWhile the basic doing of step 4 remains the same, the comfort level changes dramatically between the practical and spiritual approaches.In this recording, I talk about the spiritual security I developed as a result of ‘turning it over’ to God.2021-07-1114 minSteps to the SpiritStep 4: The Gift of Honesty (Part 1)Send us a textStfp 4 is the first of what I call, the action steps. The first three (awareness) steps, got me to realize I need help and direction, and … that it is available for the asking. I have decided to do steps 4 and 5 in 2 parts each. They are so important as a base for the following steps.2021-07-0413 minSteps to the SpiritStep 3: The Gift of Trust (Part 2)Send us a textThe continuation of Step 3, focusing on the spiritual aspects of this step. I know this episode runs a bit long, but this is the step that was instrumental in discovering my Spirit. It is the turning point to spiritual victory … via surrender!2021-06-2717 minSteps to the SpiritStep 3: The Gift of Trust (Part 1)Send us a textThe first 3 steps, and especially step 3, are referred to as the ‘turning point’ in a program of recovery. Whether you are using there steps in a ‘practical’ way, or for the true spiritual discovery they can provide, step 3 is key. This episode looks at the practical approach to the third step and episode 9 will look at the spiritual approach.2021-06-2013 minSteps to the SpiritStep 2: The Gift BeliefSend us a textI have always thought of these beginning steps as not much more than ‘a step in the right direction’ or things to consider in retrospect. However, as I became aware of the deeply spiritual nature of this way of life, I realized they are a crucial foundation that must be well fortified.2021-06-1312 minSteps to the SpiritStep 1: The Gift of EnlightenmentSend us a textI begin a look at the 12 steps, from both a practical and spiritual approach. I used to not give step 1 the importance it deserves, but it is in fact, a crucial foundation stone!2021-06-0512 minSteps to the SpiritMy Spiritual Approach to the StepsSend us a textIn the last episode I spoke about the practical approach to the 12 steps, while certainly able to heal our addictive nature, needs more substance to provide a truly changed lifestyle.2021-05-3015 minSteps to the SpiritThe Steps: My Way or the High Way!Send us a textHaving been around since 1935, there are many ways to look at and use these tools. In this episode, I talk about the first of 2 ways I think are predominant, the ‘practical’ way. Next week, the ‘spiritual’ way.2021-05-2313 minSteps to the SpiritSelf-Esteem, Going, Going, Gone!Send us a textIn this episode I gontinue my downward slide, oblivious to my loss of self.No matter how much I learned of addiction, it was worthless without an (honest) willingness to look within. Sorry, I said episode 4 in the audio.2021-05-1513 minSteps to the SpiritUndermining My Self-EsteemSend us a textIn this episode I hope to touch you on a “feeling” level, as I relate my early experiences as a child and teenager.It is not the experience that matters, but who we became as a result. In Episode 3, I will finish up with me and we’ll begin to look for a solution!2021-05-0813 minSteps to the SpiritIntro to my podcastSend us a textI (Chuck), tell you a little about me and why our Spirit is important to learn about.2021-04-2813 min
Leadership Happy Hour171 - The Innovator's Spirit With Chuck Swoboda"The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination." - Albert Einstein How are you holding up? Are you staying home? Washing your hands? Staying safe? How's your leadership life going? Are you finding that it's a little more difficult to do what you used to do without changing things up? You are not alone! On this episode, I had the pleasure of talking with innovation expert, Chuck Swoboda, about his new book: The Innovator's Spirit. This is a very relevant conversation for all of us as we are traversing through new territory. One key thi...2020-04-1352 min