Episode 59 - Ocean's Apart

In Episode 59, Denise and Jackie celebrate a massive milestone: Denise’s 40th anniversary of sobriety. From office surprises with Martinelli’s to heartfelt messages from her community, Denise reflects on the vast difference between her life today and the "bedraggled" 19-year-old she was during the 1984 LA Olympics. As the city prepares for the 2028 games, she shares the joy of being a functioning, "eagle-eyed" professional who can finally enjoy the world with clarity and presence.The duo also dives into the nuances of success and education. With both of Denise’s daughters now in grad school, they discuss the "full circle" beauty of academic achievement in a family where earlier generations didn't have the same access. Denise opens up about her past shame regarding her own unconventional education and how she has come to embrace her unique way of learning and leading. Plus, they touch on the intersection of Passover and Easter, the importance of being a "vault" for others, and why mental health remains a vital practice.Key Times:00:01:33 Denise’s 40-year sobriety milestone and office celebrations00:06:50 The Full Circle Olympics: Comparing 1984 vs. 202800:10:40 Navigating sugar cravings and coping mechanisms in recovery00:20:16 Grad school, breaking generational cycles, and Ocean Vuong00:23:56 Earned success: Being "Eagle Eyes Freed" in the workplace00:32:30 Embracing different learning styles and letting go of academic shame00:36:30 Being "The Vault": Trustworthiness and listening to Fifth Steps00:45:37 Family, holidays, and the joy of gluten-free masa00:51:53 The closing gratitude practice and deep breathingTopics Covered:Celebrating 40 years of sobriety and reflections on long-term recoveryThe excitement of the 2028 LA Olympics pre-saleSubstitutions in recovery: Managing sugar, coffee, and nicotineThe generational impact of education and academic achievementProfessional growth and pattern recognition ("Eagle Eyes")Overcoming shame related to traditional education pathsThe responsibility and honor of being a "safe person" for others' secretsMerging family traditions: Passover, Easter, and cultural heritageSelf-care as a form of gratitude and the importance of hydrationJoin 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