Best ESSAY Magazine Podcasts (2025)

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ESSAY December 2025 - Editor’s Corner - John H., California, USA, Assistant Editor & The ESSAY Editorial Team [email protected] 1:21

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12d ago1:21

1:21

Rigorous honesty is the gateway to recovery in SA. At first, I thought that admitting the full extent of my problem and sharing my real history were impossible. What would others think? During Step Five, I confessed a long-held secret to my sponsor. I had expected an overly dramatic moment, but he didn’t overreact, and I also didn’t feel an overwhe…

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Incandescent anger 24:31

2d ago24:31

24:31

Politics today is driven by grievances that can never be assuaged. For democracy’s survival, we must grapple with this dynamic. Aeon audio explores the most profound and relevant ideas, told through essays that help us make sense of ourselves and the world. We ask the big, existentially significant questions and find the freshest, most original ans…

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Are doctors replaceable? 24:08

3d ago24:08

24:08

Medical error kills hundreds of thousands yearly. If AI is sophisticated enough to help, doctors must not stand in the way. Aeon audio explores the most profound and relevant ideas, told through essays that help us make sense of ourselves and the world. We ask the big, existentially significant questions and find the freshest, most original answers…

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Philosopher of pride 19:56

6d ago19:56

19:56

For Mandeville, humankind has a bottomless need to be liked: it is this perennial craving that forms the foundation of society. Aeon audio explores the most profound and relevant ideas, told through essays that help us make sense of ourselves and the world. We ask the big, existentially significant questions and find the freshest, most original ans…

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Jennifer Acker “On 15 Years of The Common” (The Common, Fall 2025) 36:25

6d ago36:25

36:25

Jennifer Acker, founder and editor in chief of The Common, speaks to Emily Everett about her essay “On 15 Years of The Common,” which appears in The Common’s recent fall issue. The piece is a reflection on the hard work and stick-to-itiveness it takes to train a horse—and keep a literary magazine running. Jennifer talks about how The Common has gro…

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Long live the aeonophiles! 20:27

7d ago20:27

20:27

The discovery of organisms that have been alive for many thousands of years requires a revolution in how we understand life. Aeon audio explores the most profound and relevant ideas, told through essays that help us make sense of ourselves and the world. We ask the big, existentially significant questions and find the freshest, most original answer…

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Art in the Age of Donald Trump 16:55

13d ago16:55

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Can painting make sense of one of the darkest chapters of American history? Lori Wilson reads Art in the Age of Donald Trump. About AMI AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, …

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The Battle Brewing in Alberta Schools Is Much Bigger than Book Bans 13:20

13d ago13:20

13:20

Groups with links to the far right, the Freedom Convoy and Christian nationalism are driving policy in Alberta schools. Lori Wilson reads The Battle Brewing in Alberta Schools Is Much Bigger than Book Bans. About AMI AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating t…

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Does the CBC Still Speak for Canada? 23:23

13d ago23:23

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The CBC was born in an age of shared ideals. The trouble is… that audience no longer exists Marjorie Nicolaou reads Does the CBC Still Speak for Canada? About AMI AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in Engli…

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A life of joy and work 34:20

9d ago34:20

34:20

I am banned from working now, but as I look back on my long, challenging career in Afghanistan I feel hope for the future. Aeon audio explores the most profound and relevant ideas, told through essays that help us make sense of ourselves and the world. We ask the big, existentially significant questions and find the freshest, most original answers,…

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Green dominion 25:40

10d ago25:40

25:40

Coursing through Catholicism is a radical tradition of environmental justice that will help combat the climate crisis. Aeon audio explores the most profound and relevant ideas, told through essays that help us make sense of ourselves and the world. We ask the big, existentially significant questions and find the freshest, most original answers, pro…

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ESSAY December 2025 - Dear ESSAY - Kirt B., Trustee & International Spanish Speaking Sisters 0:59

12d ago0:59

0:59

Dear ESSAY, I wanted to compliment you and your staff on the October Issue. Well done! The graphics are outstanding, and the composition of text and graphics is very impactful. The representation of our fellowship with articles from mixed sources, women, men, and international contributors is impressive and encouraging. It really is an impressive m…

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ESSAY December 2025 - What’s Going On in SA - Levi H., Nebraska, USA 3:47

12d ago3:47

3:47

My sponsor suggested that I periodically follow up with the professionals to give them an update on how the Fellowship is doing. Sometimes, this meant calling them again to give them a verbal update, but often it meant sending them an email update. I use the BCC line for these group emails. Again, I give permission to share these emails with anyone…

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ESSAY December 2025 - Crosstalk - Brad G., New York, USA 1:34

12d ago1:34

1:34

This member shares how following the “no crosstalk” guidelines fosters real respect for all the members in the meeting. Over my 25 years in the Program, the opening of a meeting always includes a request that there be no crosstalk. I have learned that crosstalk is giving advice to others who have already shared. I am reminded that I speak in the “‘…

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ESSAY December 2025 - Thoughts Produce Feelings - Luke H., Oregon, USA 1:28

12d ago1:28

1:28

He practices trusting truth from an infinite and caring God rather than trusting in finite, lying fears. I get a thought. The thought produces feelings. I react to the feelings. The thought was a lie.By Essay Magazine

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ESSAY December 2025 - Where Is Your Honesty? - Nelson, Venezuela 4:33

12d ago4:33

4:33

The Steps replace the addictive process with a Program of recovery. This happened almost 20 years ago, when I was just beginning this recovery Program. On my way to work, I was driving slowly when the vehicle behind me suddenly sped up and hit my car. It was a very minor collision, but I thought, “I can take advantage of this and get some money out…

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ESSAY December 2025 - From Monsters to Brothers - Evelyn T., Colombia 2:50

12d ago2:50

2:50

This member embodies the honesty necessary to make this amends from the heart. To every brother in SA who has treated me with respect and kindness, who notices the discomfort of being the only woman in an SA meeting or event, to those who strive every day to make SA a safe place for us, to those who have treated me like their daughter or sister, to…

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ESSAY December 2025 - Healing the Wounds in My Life - Peg V., Ohio, USA 3:14

12d ago3:14

3:14

Her sponsor helped her admit deep resentment towards her adoptive mother. Rigorous is “an adjective that means extremely thorough, exhaustive, or accurate.” Rigorous honesty is a commitment to complete truthfulness in all aspects of life, even when it's difficult or has consequences. Phew. To become rigorously honest is a process that develops thro…

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ESSAY December 2025 - Can’t Leave My Heart Out of It - Kwaku O., Ghana 2:19

12d ago2:19

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Honesty helps him take the Steps with sincerity of heart. Honesty starts with my heart. My head is going to think of all kinds of reasons to dodge the truth. When I was trapped in addiction, I listened to my head for reasons and excuses to continue to act out. I followed my head, but my heart was unsettled. With grace from my Higher Power, I found …

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ESSAY December 2025 - A Lot of Courage - Nathalie V., Antwerp, Belgium 2:16

12d ago2:16

2:16

Higher Power gives her the courage to turn her whole life over to the will of God. When I hear the words “rigorous honesty,” all kinds of things go through my mind: bringing the inside out, sharing with others, writing Tenth Step inventories, making phone calls, and sharing honestly and sincerely in meetings. In my recovery, it has already become c…

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ESSAY December 2025 - Holding Nothing Back - Anonymous 4:53

12d ago4:53

4:53

He learned through the Program to be honest in every area of his life. Rigorous honesty with myself is the best medicine for the disease because my disease comes out of denial—lying to myself and others. Before lust, I learned to fantasize and make up fun stories. I took that into my daily life when I discovered I could just lie to avoid trouble or…

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ESSAY December 2025 - Looking at the Sun - Kathie S., Devon, UK 4:55

12d ago4:55

4:55

Completely exposed before God with a willingness for Him to take away her defects gave her a vital spiritual experience. I have been in SA for five years, and am three years sober. I have been working through the 12 Steps with my sponsor, from the Step Into Action book. I am well aware that there are other methods in practice in SA, but I can only …

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ESSAY December 2025 - The Stark Reality - Paul Z., Georgia, USA 1:52

12d ago1:52

1:52

His Step One was seeing reality for the first time without the lies and admitting to himself that he was addicted. Rigorous honesty means the ability to share a feeling or situation with another person in a truly unbiased statement of fact. Addicts like to gloss over and shade the truth of events and characterize them from their point of view witho…

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ESSAY December 2025 - An Honest, Teary Letter - Abhinav, India 2:14

12d ago2:14

2:14

He stood at the turning point of his inventory and abandoned himself to God through complete honesty. Hi guys, I'm Abhinav, a grateful recovering lust addict and sexoholic, sober today one day at a time (ODAAT) from August 15 of this year by the grace of God. I started my journey with SA in April 2023, when a close person in my faith tradition sugg…

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ESSAY December 2025 - The Pursuit - Roland R., BC, Canada 4:06

12d ago4:06

4:06

Practicing rigorous honesty has enabled him to grow in integrity in every area of his life. When I was in a treatment centre to deal with my addictions, they asked me to write down three words I would want to be written on my tombstone. I wrote Honest, Courageous, and Loyal. In writing this, I realized that honesty was at the root of all three. Whe…

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ESSAY December 2025 - The Sure Foundation - Angelo A., Kansas 5:20

12d ago5:20

5:20

He found he could give himself entirely to this program on a solid foundation of honesty. When we read “How it Works” from the AA Big Book, I am encouraged by how little stands between me and recovery! Even being gravely emotionally and mentally disordered is not an obstacle (whew!). The one condition? To give myself to “this simple program” of the…

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ESSAY December 2025 - Discussion Topic 1:05

12d ago1:05

1:05

Roland mentions in his article, "The Pursuit," how honesty was vital in his new relationship with his wife. How important has honesty been in your recovery? Have you needed help in identifying when you have been dishonest?By Essay Magazine

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ESSAY December 2025 - Melting the ice inside - Anonymous sister from Russia 2:39

12d ago2:39

2:39

After years of being dominated by lust, this member is living life on a spiritual plane as a result of practicing the Program, with deep love for sponsorship. In my early childhood, I dreamed that something great was going to happen in my life. These were childish fantasies—on the level of a big castle, beautiful nature all around, a "prince," and …

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ESSAY December 2025 - Improvising - Winfried, Germany 2:12

12d ago2:12

2:12

God uses him to carry the message of recovery through his musical gifts. My name is Winfried, and I come from Germany. I have been sober since February 14, 2013, thanks to God's grace. I am an “amateur musician.” I always enjoyed improvising because there were no rules. I could play and press the keys that God showed me. Above all, it calmed me bec…

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ESSAY December 2025 - Where God Found Me - Hugo M., Boston, USA 2:55

12d ago2:55

2:55

By presenting himself as he truly is, God meets him there with His love that transforms. It wasn’t on the mountaintop where God found me, but in the dust. Not in the polished image I tried to uphold, but in the disorder of my soul. Over these past three months of sobriety, I’ve come to understand something I once feared: that my weakness is not an …

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ESSAY December 2025 - Daily Surrender, Steps 10-12 - Bachan, India 4:19

12d ago4:19

4:19

He learned the difference between white-knuckling (reliance on self) and true surrender (reliance on God). When I was still deep in my addiction, I thought I knew how to interact with women: I performed, I craved, I hunted for the thrill of being wanted. I called it “romance” and “connection,” but really, I just wanted to be needed and admired. Lus…

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ESSAY December 2025 - SA CFC - K. B., St Louis, USA 2:20

12d ago2:20

2:20

Daily Surrender, Steps 10-12 He learned the difference between white-knuckling (reliance on self) and true surrender (reliance on God). When I was still deep in my addiction, I thought I knew how to interact with women: I performed, I craved, I hunted for the thrill of being wanted. I called it “romance” and “connection,” but really, I just wanted …

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ESSAY December 2025 - A Deep Sense of Camaraderie - Scott H., Washington, DC 2:35

12d ago2:35

2:35

2025 SA/S-Anon NW Regional Retreat I attended the SA/S-Anon NW Regional Retreat in Post Falls, Idaho. Gratefully, this was my fourth NW regional retreat, and as someone who lives on the opposite side of the country, each one has been a blessing. It was five years ago, at the suggestion of my then sponsor, that I got involved with SA meetings in Por…

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ESSAY December 2025 - Marathon of Love 1:24

12d ago1:24

1:24

Last Saturday, September 20, the Group LA LIBERACIÓN from Bogotá, Colombia, held a nine-hour marathon meeting—a space to share, laugh, and enjoy time together as a group.By Essay Magazine

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ESSAY December 2025 - Let Go and Let God - Thomas P, WA, USA. 2:25

12d ago2:25

2:25

A retreat full of fellowship, fun, and growth while discussing difficult topics that led to unity in making SA truly a place for men and women together. Retreats are my favorite part of the SA program and a great way to meet fellows that I don’t normally see. This was my second retreat, and I enjoyed playing basketball, foosball, pool, ping pong, a…

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ESSAY December 2025 - Best Caption Contest 0:46

12d ago0:46

0:46

Congratulations to Glenn P. for winning first place and to Yanif G. for winning second place in the Best Caption Contest. Both captions are featured in this printed edition. Are you ready for another caption challenge? We invite you to craft the perfect recovery caption for the cartoon above, centered on February’s theme, “A Great Caution is Advise…

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ESSAY December 2025 - Coming Next 1:07

12d ago1:07

1:07

Our next edition’s theme is “A Great Caution is Advised.” This caution is in the White Book on page three, "We suggest that newcomers...not reveal their sexual past to a spouse or family member who does not already know of it, without careful consideration..." Similar caution is in the Big Book. Page 81 says, "If we are sure our wife does not know,…

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Undefinable yet indispensable 23:42

14d ago23:42

23:42

Despite centuries of trying, the term ‘religion’ has proven impossible to define. Then why does it remain so necessary?. Aeon audio explores the most profound and relevant ideas, told through essays that help us make sense of ourselves and the world. We ask the big, existentially significant questions and find the freshest, most original answers, p…

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דצמבר 2025 חיבור - מסתכלת אל השמש - קתי ס', דאבון, ממלכה מאוחדת 3:36

18d ago3:36

3:36

להיות חשופה לחלוטין לפני אלוהים עם נכונות רחבה שהוא יקח את הפגמים שלה נתן לה חוויה רוחנית הכרחית אני באס איי במשך חמש שנים, ואני מפוכחת שלוש שנים. עבדתי 12 הצעדים עם ספונסור שלי מתוך ספר צעד קדימה לפעולה. אני מודעת היטב שישנם עוד שיטות שמשתמשים בהן באס איי, אך אני יכולה להתייחס רק לסיפור שלי (שאני מניחה שהוא כנה מאד). זאת שיטה מפורטת, מחמירה עם חשב…

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דצמבר 2025 חיבור - לא מסתיר דבר - אנונימי 4:27

18d ago4:27

4:27

כנות מוחלטת עם עצמי הוא התרופה הטובה ביותר למחלה, מכיוון שהמחלה שלי נובעת מהכחשה - לשקר לעצמי ולאחרים. לפני התאווה, למדתי לפנטז ולהמציא סיפורים משעשעים. לקחתי את זה לחיי היומיום שלי כשגיליתי שאני יכול פשוט לשקר כדי להימנע מצרות או כדי להתמודד עם דברים לא נוחיםBy Essay Magazine

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דצמבר 2025 חיבור - המון אומץ - נטלי וי., אנטוורפן, בלגיה 2:37

18d ago2:37

2:37

הכוח העליון שלה נותן לה את האומץ למסור את כל חייה לרצון אלוהים כשאני שומעת את המילים "כנות בלתי מתפשרת", כל מיני דברים עולים לי בראש: להוציא את מה שבתוכי, לשתף עם אחרים, לכתוב צעדי 10, לעשות שיחות טלפון, ולשתף בכנות ובפתיחות בקבוצות. בהחלמה שלי, ברור לי היום שכל זה הכרחי לגמריBy Essay Magazine

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דצמבר 2025 חיבור - אני לא יכול להשאיר את הלב שלי מחוץ לזה - קואקו או. גאנה 2:06

18d ago2:06

2:06

הכנות עוזרת לי לעשות את הצעדים מתוך לב כן הכנות מתחילה בלב. הראש שלי ימציא אינספור סיבות להתחמק מהאמת. כשהייתי לכוד בהתמכרות, הקשבתי לראש שחיפש תירוצים וסיבות להמשיך בהתנהגות הפוגענית. פעלתי על פי הראש, אבל הלב שלי לא היה שקט. בחסד מכוח עליון, מצאתי את SA והתחלתי ללכת בעקבות הלב. הקשר שלי עם הכוח העליון מגיע בעיקר דרך הלב…

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דצמבר 2025 חיבור - לרפא את הפצעים שבחיי - פאג ו', אוהיו, ארה''ב 2:57

18d ago2:57

2:57

הספונסר שלה עזר לה להודות בטינה עמוקה כלפי אמא המאמצת שלה מחמיר הוא שם תואר שמשמעותו יסודיות עמוקה, כוללני או מדוייק. כנות מחמירה הינה מחויבות לדבקות מוחלטת באמת בכל היבטי החיים, אפילו כאשר זה מסובך או יוביל להשלכות מסויימות. וואו. להפוך לכנה באופן מוחלט הינו תהליך שמתפתח תוך כדי תהליך ההחלמה. למכורה הזאת לא היה שום מושג איך להיות כנה בתחילת המסע ש…

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דצמבר 2025 חיבור - איפה הכנות שלך? - נלסון, ונצואלה 4:23

18d ago4:23

4:23

הצעדים מחליפים את תהליך ההתמכרות בתכנית של החלמה זה קרה לפני כמעט 20 שנה, כאשר רק התחלתי את תכנית ההחלמה הזו. בדרך לעבודה, נהגתי לאט כאשר הרכב מאחורי לפתע האיץ ופגע באוטו שלי. זו הייתה התנגשות קלה מאוד, אבל אני חשבתי - "אני יכול לנצל את זה ולהרוויח מזה קצת כסף". אני רק אגיד שהוא הרס את כל החלק האחורי של האוטו שלי. ידעתי שהנזקים האחרים היו שם כבר קו…

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مقال ديسمبر 2025 - النظر إلى الشمس - كاتي س.، ديفون، المملكة المتحدة 5:48

18d ago5:48

5:48

أن تكون مُنكشفة بالكامل أمام الله مع رغبة منفتحة على مصراعيها له بأن يزيل عيوبها منحها تجربة روحية حيوية لقد كنت في س.م لمدة خمس سنوات، وأنا رصين لثلاث سنوات. لقد كنت أطبق الخطوات الاثنتي عشرة مع موجهي، من كتاب أخطُ إلى التطبيق. أنا أدرك جيداً أن هناك طرقاً أخرى مُتَبَّعة في س.م، لكنني لا أستطيع سوى رواية قصتي الخاصة (والتي أعتقد أنها الأمانة الصار…

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مقال ديسمبر 2025 - لا أخفي شيئا - مجهول 5:16

18d ago5:16

5:16

لقد تعلّم من خلال البرنامج أن يكون أمينا في كل مجالات حياته الأمانة الصارمة مع نفسي هي أفضل دواء للمرض لأن مرضي ينبع من الإنكار – الكذب على نفسي والآخرين. قبل الشهوة، تعلمت أن أتخيل وأختلق قصصاً ممتعة. لقد نقلت هذا إلى حياتي اليومية عندما اكتشفت أنه يمكنني فقط الكذب لتجنب المتاعب أو للتعامل مع الأمور غير المريحة…

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مقال ديسمبر 2025 - الكثير من الشجاعة - ناثالي ڤ ،انتويرب ،بلجيكا 2:50

18d ago2:50

2:50

تمنحها القوة العظمى الشجاعة لتسلم حياتها بالكامل لمشيئة الله عندما أسمع عبارة "الصراحة التامة" ، تخطر ببالي جميع أنواع الأشياء: جلب الباطن للظاهر، والمشاركة مع الآخرين، وكتابة جرد الخطوة العاشرة، وإجراء مكالمات هاتفية، والمشاركة بإمانة وصدق في الاجتماعات. في رحلة تعافيّ، أصبح من الواضح بالفعل أن هذا ضروري للغاية…

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مقال ديسمبر 2025 - لا يمكنني ترك قلبي خارج الأمر - كواكو أ.، غانا 3:18

18d ago3:18

3:18

يبدأ الصدق من قلبي. رأسي سيجد دائمًا كل أنواع الأسباب للتهرب من الحقيقة. عندما كنت عالقا في شباك الإدمان، كنت أستمع إلى رأسي بحثًا عن أسباب وأعذار للاستمرار في الانفلات. اتبعت رأسي، لكن قلبي كان مضطربا. وبنعمة من قوتي العظمي، وجدت س.م وبدأت أتبّع قلبي. ارتباطي بقوتي العظمي يكون غالبًا من خلال قلبيBy Essay Magazine

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مقال ديسمبر 2025 - شفاء الجروح في حياتي - بيغ ڤ , أوهايو , الولايات المتحدة الامريكية 4:22

18d ago4:22

4:22

الصراحة التامة هو التزام الصدق التام في جميع جوانب الحياة، حتى عندما يكون الأمر صعبًا أو تكون له عواقب (مع تنهيدة). أن تصبح صريحا بشكل مطلق هي عملية تتطور خلال مسيرة التعافي. لم يكن لدى هذه المدمنة أدنى فكرة عن كيفية أن تكون صريحة في بداية رحلتها، وأن تكون صريحة تماما كان يبدو مستحيلاً.By Essay Magazine

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مقال ديسمبر 2025 - أين هي أمانتك؟ - نيلسون، فنزويلا 5:15

18d ago5:15

5:15

تستبدل الخطوات العملية الإدمانية ببرنامج تعافي حدث هذا قبل ما يقارب عشرين عامًا، عندما كنت قد بدأت للتو برنامج التعافي هذا. في طريقي إلى العمل، كنت أقود ببطء عندما أسرعت المركبة خلفي فجأة واصطدمت بسيارتي. كان الاصطدام طفيفًا جدًا، لكني فكرت: "يمكنني استغلال هذا الموقف والحصول على بعض المال. سأقول فقط إنه ألحق الضرر بالجهة الخلفية كلها." كنت أعلم أن…