Episode 497 – I Can’t – You Can – Take It

 

Today we have Shelby. She is 38 years old and from Windsor Ontario. She took her last drink on December 23rd, 2023.

 

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[04:10] Thoughts from Paul:

 

Paul seeks to soften the entry point to AA and simplify the first three steps.  For many the steps are intimidating. They are nebulous, part dogmatic and for some there are simply too many God or higher power references. But the do make it clear many times that this God (higher power) is of your understanding. You can even use a red stapler as your higher power – they will fully support you.

 

The first three steps of AA:

1)    We admitted we are powerless over alcohol

2)    We came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity

3)    We decided to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood him.

 

Which can be broken down to:

1)    I can’t

2)    You can

3)    Take it

 

Paul says he feels the most powerful part of AA isn’t the God stuff, it’s the group. The group is always stronger than the individual.

 

I can’t, the group can. Here you go. I’ll see you all again tomorrow.

 

[10:18] Paul introduces Shelby:

 

Shelby is 38 years old, lives in Windsor Ontario and works for a car manufacturer on the assembly line. For fun Shelby enjoys all sports, camping and hiking.

 

In high school Shelby was very athletic. When she was 15, she decided to focus on hockey and made it onto a junior team. She learned about hockey culture and part of that is drinking and partying. Due to traveling and playing hockey Shelby didn’t have time to drink much during high school.

While attending a development camp for hockey, Shelby had an injury that put her on the side lines. Throughout her time at Ohio State, doctors would tell her she was fine as she continued to suffer injuries that eventually required surgery. Shelby had dreamed of going to the Olympics and never considered she might not be able to.

 

She left school early and felt like a failure. Shelby knew her drinking was already an issue, and she needed a change of scenery. Shelby says she didn’t have an identity outside of being an athlete. Alcohol and being social became a distraction for her and she avoided playing hockey for a long time.

 

The older she got; the more Shelby didn’t feel like she had accomplished anything. Life