The pit of my stomach is churning. My neck and shoulders are tense. I don't have any energy. My whole body is out of whack. If you felt like that or if you feel like that, keep listening.

Welcome to episode 204 of the recovery show. This episode is brought to you by

Patricia Lucy, Chris, and Elizabeth. They used the donation button on our

website. Thank you Patricia, Lucy, Chris, and Elizabeth for your generous contributions.

This episode is for you. We are friends and family members of alcoholics and addicts who have found a path to serenity and happiness.

We who live or have lived with a seemingly hopeless problem of addiction understand as perhaps few others can. My name is Spencer, and I'm your

host today. Before we begin, we would like to state that though we at the Recovery Show

may be in a 12-step program, we represent ourselves rather than the program. During this show we will share

our own experience. The opinions expressed share are strictly those of the person who gave

them, take what you like and leave the rest. He hoped that you will find something in our sharing that speaks to your life.

I'm going to start with a reading as usual. This is from our daily reader, Courage to Change. This is from January 21.

Before Al-Anon, I could never tell the difference between what was and what was not my business.

I felt I had to take care of everyone around me until I couldn't stand it anymore.

I usually kept this up until I became physically ill. My body tried to tell me to pay

attention to my own needs but I simply wasn't ready to listen.

Al-Anon helps me to listen and learn from my body, my soul, and my higher power.

How do I do it?

I try to check in with myself on a regular basis.

Am I hungry, lonely, or tired?

If so, I can make a point of stopping what I'm doing long enough to

attend to my needs. When I pay attention to the messages I'm being given I have a

better chance of detaching from other people in situations should that be appropriate.

...