E253: Acceptance Is Not Giving Up

What do you do when your body forces you to slow down — and your mind wants to fight it? In this week’s episode, Matt and Steve dive into the real-life struggle of acceptance after Matt was sidelined by Lyme disease. No gym, no long walks, barely enough energy to get through the grocery store. It felt like life was slipping by… and the only way forward was accepting what is.

Acceptance is one of the core tools of recovery. But it’s also one of the hardest. It can feel like surrender. It can feel like failure. It can feel like giving up. But as we talk about in this episode, acceptance isn’t quitting — it’s acknowledging reality so we can respond with honesty, humility, and sanity.

We explore:

• How illness brought Matt face-to-face with limitations
• Why rest can feel like punishment
• The difference between being powerless and being helpless
• Leveling pride to ask for help
• How acceptance reduces frustration, anger, and burnout
• Why control and perfectionism make acceptance so challenging
• What the recovery program teaches us about letting go

If you struggle with slowing down, asking for help, or accepting the things you emotionally want to resist — this episode is for you.

We’d love to hear your story:

What does acceptance mean in your life?

Email us at matt@soberfriendspod.com or connect on soberfriendspod.substack.com

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