About this episode
Paul summarizes the Retreat, which took place in Bozeman, Montana. SHOW NOTES [13:22] Paul Introduces Kristin 238 days sober, Amy 11 years sober, Dave 12 days sober, and John with 18 and ½ years of sobriety. [15:55] Paul- What did you think the retreat was going to be like? Dave- I didn't have any set expectations. It has been sharing, but so much more. I have connected with every single person here. [16:50] Paul- What surprised you so far on this retreat? Kristin- I was surprised at how easy it was to talk to everybody here. I am not extremely comfortable around strangers. Since we have been in the online community the past year, it was easy to chat with everyone. Amy- I enjoyed the camaraderie. It is beautiful here. [27:30] Paul- Tell us what made you decide to come, and a little about your story? Kristin- My drinking career didn't start until 2001. I realized about 5 years ago that I had a problem, and tried to moderate. My bottom was New Years Eve. I have not lost any friends in sobriety. It's been a wonderful 8 months. Dave- I grew up in a household of Tea Totalers. I got into a high stress job with expense accounts. The "sick and tired of being sick and tired" resonated with me. There is a new chip on my shoulder. Amy- I started drinking when I was 13. I had the epiphany that this was the missing link. I didn't think there would be this much joy in sobriety. You can't love other people until you love yourself. Everything I wanted alcohol to give me, I got sober. John- My drinking career began in high school. My mom passed away when she was 47, many family members had alcohol related deaths. I became a daily drinker from college to 40 years old. January 5th of 1999 is when I got sober. My biggest breakthrough was writing a letter to my mother who had passed away. I stay sober due to the people in my community. This podcast episode was brought to you by Hello Fresh. For $30 off your first week of Hello Fresh visit hellofresh.com and use the promo code recoveryfresh30 Connect with Cafe RE - Use the promo code Elevator for your first month free Sobriety Tracker iTunes Sobriety Tracker Android Sober Selfies! - Send your Sober Selfie and your Success Story to info@recoveryelevator.com "We took the elevator down, we gotta take the stairs back up, we can do this!"