S1 E40 A Ballet Dancers Story of Surrender & Change with Eugene Barnes

Mindful Sobriety The Podcast

In this conversation, Amanda interviews Eugene, who is connected to The Phoenix, a sober active movement. Eugene explains that The Phoenix is a welcoming community for anyone in recovery, whether long-term or short-term, and even for allies and those who are sober curious. The Phoenix offers a variety of events and activities, from CrossFit to rock climbing to social events like coffee socials and karaoke. Eugene shares his personal journey of finding The Phoenix through a Google search and how it has helped him in his recovery. He also discusses his career as a ballet dancer and the challenges he faced, as well as his experience with addiction and the decision to leave the ballet world. Eugene shares his journey of addiction and recovery, highlighting the importance of having someone who truly knows and cares about you. He talks about hitting rock bottom and the moment his mother made him realize the despair and death that awaited him if he didn't change. Eugene emphasizes the significance of surrendering and seeking help, and how it transformed his life. He also discusses the value of staying present, accepting where you are, and trusting the journey. Eugene shares his daily self-care routine and the importance of prioritizing relationships.

Keywords

The Phoenix, sober active movement, recovery, community, events, activities, ballet, addiction, career, addiction, recovery, rock bottom, surrender, seeking help, transformation, present moment, self-care, relationships

Takeaways

• The Phoenix is a sober active movement that welcomes anyone in recovery, including allies and those who are sober curious.
• The Phoenix offers a wide range of events and activities, from fitness classes to social gatherings, providing a supportive and inclusive community for individuals in recovery.
• Eugene found The Phoenix through a Google search and was drawn to its mission of connection and breaking the stigma around physical activity and recovery.
• Eugene shares his personal journey as a ballet dancer and the challenges he faced, including the pressure to perform and the impact of addiction on his career.
• Leaving the ballet world and finding The Phoenix allowed Eugene to embrace a new path of recovery and personal growth. Having someone who truly knows and cares about you can be a catalyst for change.
• Surrendering and seeking help are crucial steps in the recovery journey.
• Staying present, accepting where you are, and trusting the journey are key to personal growth.
• Prioritizing self-care and relationships is essential for overall well-being.

Titles

• Leaving the Ballet World: A New Path of Recovery
• Finding Support and Connection through The Phoenix Prioritizing Self-Care and Relationships in Recovery
• Embracing the Present Moment and Trusting the Journey

Sound Bites

• "The Phoenix is a sober active movement... welcoming everyone."
• "Getting active is such a vital part of recovery."
• "I came through The Phoenix through a Google search."
• "I just want someone to tell me that you're messing up."
• "Once you know what it feels like to begin to heal or to love yourself a little bit in the beginning, you'll always know if we do return to use, we'll always know this is maybe not for me."
• "The people we love, like your coworkers at Macy's that were continuing to advance you clearly cared about you, but they didn't really know what was going on in your heart, like your mom did."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to The Phoenix

02:30
The Benefits of Getting Active in Recovery

04:55
Discovering The Phoenix Through a Google Search

10:00
From Ballet Dancer to Recovery Advocate

13:12
The Power of Support and Love in Recovery

30:42
The Power of Surrender

32:32
The Emotional, Mental, and Spiritual Toll of Addiction

33:53
The Role of Relationships in Recovery

36:59
Prioritizing Self-Care and Following Your Energy

46:12
Finding Support: The Phoenix and Beyond the Bar

56:25
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56:52
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