It wasn’t enough for us to simply stop acting out. That was never going to work in the long run. The solution to our acting out was a new way of living, and that was only possible by a Power greater than ourselves. We discovered this Power by living in the Steps. God meets us in the Steps, and the Steps are the new way of living. This new life is about giving to others, which brings people together.

In this encouraging episode of The Essay Podcast, hosts Bill R. and Kawy W. are joined by Susie B. from Idaho, USA, to explore the theme of positive sobriety. Together, they reflect on the reality that it’s possible to be sober from acting out, yet still feel stuck, disconnected, or unhappy. Susie shares her experience of moving beyond mere abstinence into a fuller, more joyful way of living—one marked by growth, connection, and true freedom. This episode is a powerful reminder that recovery is not just about what we leave behind, but about the life we step into.