Thom’s Nutshell:“The promise of perfection is a red herring. Don't be distracted from your pursuit of learning and improving.”Patrick celebrates eight years of sobriety and the gang discusses the importance of honoring recovery milestones.The 5 Points of Balance: Staying clear about our values and worth in the face of criticism (not letting others edit your sense of self).Calming our anxiety and comforting our emotional bruises or trauma.Grounded responding and not overreacting or under reacting when there is tension or anxiety.Confronting ourselves for our own integrity and able to meaningfully endure discomfort for our growth and development.Unhooking self, others and reality from unreasonable expectations.Our music is provided by the great southern artist Jefferson Ross. Learn more about Jefferson at jeffersonross.comVisit our website:www.emotionalsobriety.infoFollow us on social media:Instagram: thomrutledge2Joe C. Twitter: @Rebellion_DogsLearn more about Joe C., Secular AA and Rebellion Dogs here:https://rebelliondogspublishing.com  Friendly Circle Berlin workshops: https://friendlycircleberlin.org/events Allen’s book, 12 Essential Insights for Emotional Sobriety: https://www.amazon.com/12-Essential-Insights-Emotional-Sobriety/dp/1955415129/ Join Allen & Thom at our Thursday night, 7pm PST Zoom meeting on Emotional Sobriety and the Steps (login information below): https://zoom.us/j/330149513Password: 375986 For our ongoing workshop video series on Emotional Sobriety and the 12 Steps, visit our YouTube channel here:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHEM2-kqLkfp3I4c0jy-X-g Also, please join our “Emotional Sobriety and Recovery” FB Group at the following link:https://www.facebook.com/groups/120450976662519We’d love to stay in touch in between meetings. We appreciate feedback! Contact Patrick, our producer, at [email protected] for any questions or comments.