Episode 58 - Universal Mother

In Episode 58, Denise and Jackie welcome listeners to the podcast’s new era as 12 Steps for Everyone. Moving away from the name "Emergency Protocol," the mother-daughter duo explains how these steps serve as guardrails for both recovery and mental health, whether you're taking it one day at a time or just trying to conquer "Laundry Mountain".Recorded on the first day of spring, the conversation focuses on Step 5: sharing our inventory with vulnerability, integrity, and a safe, trustworthy person. They explore how an outside perspective helps us identify our own part in a "mess", where we might be overstepping or where we are shirking responsibility. Jackie shares a timely experience of facing uncomfortable accountability in therapy, while Denise reflects on her upcoming milestone of 40 years of sobriety.The episode also highlights the importance of being a "vault" for others and the power of emptying the "shame box" to realize we are never truly alone in our experiences. From the spiritual concept of the "Universal Mother" to spreading whimsy with "silly critters," they remind us that maintaining mental health is a powerful form of resistance. They close with their signature gratitude practice and a reminder to drink some water.Key Times:00:00:03 Welcome to "12 Steps for Everyone": The podcast rebrand00:01:43 Step 5: Vulnerability, integrity, and finding a safe person00:03:11 Identifying "our part": Finding clarity through external perspectives00:05:17 Jackie’s therapy update: The discomfort of accountability with Mina00:07:03 Learning to be "the vault": The responsibility of being a trustworthy listener00:08:22 Emptying the "shame box": Breaking isolation through shared secrets00:11:15 Denise’s milestone: 40 years of sobriety and evolving support networks00:12:15 Mutual sponsorship: Navigating long-term recovery connections00:23:09 The "Universal Mother": Trusting that things work out for you00:27:33 Spreading joy with "silly critters" and mini ducks00:31:00 Mental health as a form of resistance00:34:46 The closing gratitude practice and deep breathingTopics Covered:The rebrand from Emergency Protocol to 12 Steps for EveryoneStep 5: Sharing your inventory with vulnerability and integrityAccountability in therapy and sponsorshipThe importance of being a "vault" and a trustworthy confidantBreaking the isolation of shame by sharing the "darkness"Navigating long-term sobriety and "mutual sponsorship"The concept of the "Universal Mother" during travel shenanigansSpreading whimsy and joy through "silly critters"Mental health as resistance and the importance of practical self-careClosing gratitude and breathing practiceJoin our upcoming meetings: https://forms.gle/4VxnNUnev1RoRJMCA (Zoom meeting on Saturday at 10am PST; please fill out the form to receive the link and password!)Follow Us:Follow Jackie: jackiefreed.laFollow Denise: @denise.freedFollow us on Instagram: @12stepsforeveryoneFollow us on Tik Tok: @12stepsforeveryone