# Just for Today - April 29th, 2026 with Stephanie M. - "What if...."

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Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-anonymous-podcast-1258007/just-for-today-april-29th-2026-with-stephanie-m-what-if.md
Podcast: [The Anonymous Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-anonymous-podcast-1258007)
Published: 2026-04-29T07:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the--anonymous--podcast/episodes/Just-for-Today---April-29th--2026-with-Stephanie-M----What-if-e3ihl4o
Audio file: https://anchor.fm/s/256ace38/podcast/play/119116376/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2026-3-27%2Feba0feca-19a6-99a7-604c-22bcbb4bddac.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-anonymous-podcast-1258007/episodes/just-for-today-april-29th-2026-with-stephanie-m-what-if
Duration seconds: 1098

## Resource

Overcoming the paralyzing cycle of 'what if' anxiety requires shifting focus from future fears to present actions. This discussion explores how trusting a higher power and staying active in service prevents self-sabotage.

## Highlights
- Main idea: Living in the present relieves the mental burden of past regrets and future anxieties
- Failure mode: Using 'what if' scenarios to predict disaster creates self-fulfilling prophecies of doom
- Practical takeaway: Building momentum in recovery comes from small, daily actions and spiritual discipline
- Practical takeaway: Staying connected to a sponsor and literature provides necessary guidance when self-reliance fails
- Failure mode: Counting yourself out of the fellowship or service because of perceived unworthiness or lack of progress

## Topics

Recovery, Addiction, Spiritual Growth, Anxiety Management, Service in Recovery, Mental Health, Faith, Self-Improvement

## Chapters
- 1:00 — The Burden of 'What If': An exploration of how ruminating on potential disasters creates a cycle of disappointment and fear.
- 2:30 — Transitioning to 'What Is': Moving from fear of the unknown to comfort in the reality of the present moment.
- 3:40 — Founding a Meeting: Stephanie shares the challenges and rewards of establishing a new recovery group in a rural area.
- 6:20 — The Power of Service: Discussing how showing up for service and trusting a higher power leads to long-term stability.
- 8:50 — Leaping on Faith: How to overcome the tendency to cut oneself short by stepping out of fear and into action.
- 10:10 — Seeking Spiritual Guidance: The importance of prayer, meditation, and sponsorship to avoid the pitfalls of self-centeredness.
- 15:20 — Avoiding Self-Exclusion: Why addicts often disqualify themselves from sharing or helping, and how to stay open and willing.

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## Transcript

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