In this episode, we sit down with the remarkable Eric Parra, Managing Director of over a hundred sober living homes at Plugged In Recovery. Eric is not just a leader; he's a symbol of triumph over addiction. Having walked the path of recovery himself, he's on a mission to guide others out of the pit and into a life filled with purpose and connection.

What We Discuss In This Episode:

Eric Parra, has a story that spans the depths of addiction to the heights of recovery. From a challenging upbringing to a career in the Navy, Eric's journey is one of resilience, self-discovery, and the triumph of the human spirit. Now, he's on a mission to share his experiences and contribute to the recovery community. Get ready to be inspired as Eric opens up about his struggles, victories, and the transformative power of sobriety.

What We Discuss In This Episode:

1.The Power of Sobriety in Early Life: 

• Eric and Bart dive into the impact of learning life lessons early on and how it could have shaped their paths differently.

2. The Power of Fellowship in Recovery:

• Delving into the significance of outside 12-step meetings, Eric explains why the fellowship is crucial and why Plugged In focuses on connecting individuals to the broader recovery community.

3. The Dynamics of Sober Living:

• Eric breaks down the expectations in sober living, from the average length of stay to the mandatory commitment to work or engage in meaningful activities for at least 40 hours a week.

4. Eric's Unconventional Path to Leadership:

• Discovering how Eric transitioned from being in recovery himself to managing a house and eventually becoming an integral part of Plugged In's mission to expand its positive impact.

5. Eric's Personal Journey: From Chaos to Clarity:

• Eric opens up about his early struggles, the impact of ADHD and depression diagnoses, and how external substances became a way to cope. His military journey, two DUIs, and the turning point that led him to rehab.

6. Finding Redemption and Building a Life of Purpose:

• Reflecting on the role of the 12 steps, particularly Step 11 (seeking through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God), Eric emphasizes the transformative power of meditation in his recovery.

In this compelling episode, we unravel the layers of Eric's life, discovering nuggets of wisdom, inspiration, and the enduring power of recovery. Whether you're on your own journey or supporting someone else's, this conversation is sure to leave you with a renewed sense of hope and the knowledge that transformation is always possible. Tune in and let the healing begin.

In a world that often stumbles in the shadows, we're about to shine a light on resilience, gratitude, and the pursuit of a better life.

Remember, recovery is not just about sobriety—it's about rediscovering the beauty of life. 

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