A Story of Hope & Recovery through AA w/ Maria Riley

A Thriving Catholic Podcast

#039 - Are you or someone you know struggling with drinking?
In this episode, we explore what the AA recovery process is like and how it can be a conduit for God's grace.
Catholic author Maria Riley joins me to share her story of hope and healing as she went through the AA process--and what incredible freedom and joy she has found on the other side of her addiction.
Some highlights of our conversation include:

• How you don't have to be a "raging alcoholic" (i.e. have DUIs, get drunk in front of your kids, or jeopardize your marriage) for alcohol to be keeping you "stuck"
• How alcohol is just what many of us "do" after our kids go to bed
• Mommy wine culture and "wine down" time
• What it's like to realize that alcohol isn't serving you
• The thought that helped Maria take action to end her "abusive relationship" with alcohol
• What it was like to go to Alcoholics Anonymous--and why you don't need to hit "rock bottom" to benefit from this program
• How alcohol is not the problem--it's the symptom
• How to live a happy and whole life without self-medicating
• Entrusting to God what is God's and taking care of the things that he's asking us to do
• That things will get worse before they get better--but how you can trust the process and heal your deep wounds
• And so much more

This conversation was so powerful.
Even if you don't struggle with any kind of substance addiction, I think you will get so much out of Maria's story!
Maria is a passionate Catholic author who loves writing to share the faith in simple, engaging ways. You’ll find her volunteering with her local parish when she’s not writing or mom-ing around with her four daughters.
She’s the author of the Catholic children’s chapter book series: Adventures with the Saints.
Maria lives in Kansas with her family, where they love reading and playing board games together. She earned a B.A. in English Communication Arts from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, TX, and she has spent most of her adult life in her vocation as a wife and mother.
Visit her at MariaRileyAuthor.com or on social media @mariarileyauthor

And don't forget to check out my new Podcast, The Catholic Pursuit of Excellence!
Thanks for listening!
Want to find out how I can help you live a thriving Catholic life?
You can apply for a FREE 30-minute "Revive & Thrive" Session with me right here.
In this session, you'll:

• Clarify your vision for exactly what you want and how you can efficiently and effectively achieve your goals
  
• Uncover hidden challenges and blind spots that may be sabotaging your success
  
• Leave this session renewed, inspired, and re-energized about having the vibrantly healthy and radiantly happy life you’ve always wanted

Spots are limited, so apply here to get a spot on my calendar now.