James Egidio is the founder of Trinity Recovery Coaching, the first and only non-profit recovery coaching website. He is very passionate about saving lives and helping those who are seeking to be free of substance abuse disorders. His passion has resulted from his own story of faith, hope, love, and forgiveness.

Born in July of 1963 in the town of Bellville, New Jersey, he was one of two children born to lower-middle class parents. In 1969, his family moved to Las Vegas, where at age 5 he realized his passion for golf. As a 10 year old he won his first state junior golf tournament.And by age 14 was playing golf with a 4 handicap. Unfortunately, that would soon change.

He and his father suffered through a horrible relationship, where Dad progressively became more and more abusive, both verbally and physically. Learn more about James and his powerful story of hope, restoration and success by visiting one of these two sites:
 https://recoverycoachingalliance.org
https://trinityrecoverycoaching.org

My guest is the author of "Crush Stress While You Work". In addition to being an author, Lolita is a Stress Management Coach, a public speaker, and a workshop leader. 

Her presentations focus on: (1) Relax While You Work, (2) Work Smarter, Not Harder, and (3) Collaborate with Confidence. In her book the relatable and humorous writing style opens your eyes to the tools you already have and empowers readers to beat workplace stress, starting today.

To learn more about Lolita go to http://www.beamazingyou.com 

Growing up Lee was always the funny one who no one took seriously. His grades were just "good enough" to enter the U of Wisconsin, where he drank a lot of beer, had a blast, met his wife and then was asked to leave because his grades weren't good enough.

After tech school, Lee was a successful entrepreneur in a variety of businesses but those were lost in the recession of 2007 - 2009. This was a major turning point in his life. He was trying to maintain the illusion of success while hiding massive losses and the fear of what others would think, if he asked for help with his drinking, held him back. As the losses mounted his drinking rapidly increased, drinking more to escape the fear and consequences.

Lee's friend attended Eagle Brook Church in Minnesota, the friend convinced Lee's wife and daughter to attend church there, Lee was reluctant but knew there was a recovery ministry there called Quest180. Finally, he went to Quest but continued his drinking, even though 100 times per day he was telling himself it was time to quit.

Finally, on a cold night in January of 2013, Lee disappeared from his house, going on a blackout drive around the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. After returning home in the wee hours of the morning, he was awakened in his bed by the presence of a police officer who had responded to his wife's call for help. His words to the female police officer were "God, I give up!" He immediately felt peace in knowing that somehow everything was going to work out.

Today, Lee is a leader with the Five Stone Media group (www.fivestonemedia.com) - they are currently working on a curriculum called "Story Builder" that will be an individual or group study process that will teach participants three things: a) learn the value of their story to God and to His plan, b) how to be prepared to tell their story, and c) knowing when and where to share their story.

Jennifer Hesse resides in White Bear Lake, MN and is an educator, having taught history & government in Forest Lake High School for 25 years, she's also a strategic business consultant, and a high-impact public speaker. Jen helps people who are looking to pivot in their life and/or business find their next steps into a new future. Jennifer believes every person has within them the power to create a life they love. She has a passion to bring value everywhere she goes. 

You can connect with Jennifer on her website at https://happen2yourday.com or check out her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/JenniferHesseBiz/ 

Episode 173   Step 8 – Made a List of All the Persons We Had Harmed

From the Life Recovery Bible, the full version of Step 8 is “We made a list of all the persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.”

The verse from the Life Recovery Bible that really drives home the overall need and purpose for this step is found in Luke, Chapter 6, verse 31: “Do to others as you would like them to do to you.”

Who is the toughest person to forgive? Yourself! But until you and I forgive ourselves we’ll not be able to grow in recovery. If you’re not able to forgive yourself then how can you expect to forgive others? It’s also important for you to evaluate all your relationships. And then, when you’re ready and your list is completed – offer forgiveness to those who have hurt you and make amend for the harm you’ve done to others, except when to do so would harm them or others.

The three key points below offer a general overview of what Step 8 typically involves:

• Made a list of all persons we had harmed: In Step 8, individuals in recovery are encouraged to create a comprehensive list of all the people they have harmed directly or indirectly as a result of their addictive behavior. This can include family members, friends, colleagues, and others.
• Became willing to make amends to them all: This step involves developing a willingness to take responsibility for the harm caused to others and to make amends or restitution wherever possible. It's about recognizing the consequences of one's actions and being open to making things right.
• Prayed to God to help us become willing: Step 8 often emphasizes the importance of seeking spiritual guidance and strength to become willing to make amends. This may involve prayer, meditation, and seeking the support of a sponsor or accountability partner to assist in the process of making things right with others.

We closed this episode with a quote from Phillip Yancey, a Christian author: “I can do nothing to make God love me more. Likewise, nothing I do will cause God to love me less.”

acourageousrecovery.com