Summary The hosts discuss the concept of 'acting as if' and how it relates to personal growth and recovery. They share personal experiences of emulating positive traits and behaviors from others in their lives. They emphasize the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences and being mindful of the people and media one engages with. The conversation highlights the value of learning from wise individuals and continually seeking new experiences for personal growth. In this conversation, Beth and Jersey Ed discuss the importance of critical thinking and the exchange of ideas. They emphasize the need to question everything and be open-minded to new perspectives. The conversation also touches on the influence of media and social media, highlighting the dangers of fear-based narratives and the comparison trap. They encourage listeners to enjoy entertainment and fiction while being aware of its impact. The conversation concludes with a reminder to be kind to oneself, learn from mistakes, and embrace the different stages of life. Takeaways Acting as if can be a powerful tool for personal growth and recovery. Surrounding oneself with positive influences and emulating positive traits from others can lead to personal development. Being mindful of the people and media one engages with is important for personal growth. Continual learning and seeking new experiences are essential for personal growth and development. Engage in critical thinking and exchange ideas with others to grow and expand your perspective. Question everything and be open-minded to new information and perspectives. Be aware of the influence of media and social media, and don't compare your life to what is portrayed online. Enjoy entertainment and fiction, but be mindful of its impact on your thoughts and emotions. Be kind to yourself, learn from mistakes, and embrace the different stages of life. Podcast Hotline- 800-989-6504 Call anytime (Non-emergency Number) Email- [email protected] Website- www.friendsinrecoverycommunity.org Facebook- Friends in Recovery - A Community of Support The Friends in Recovery Podcast is powered by your Likes, Follows, Subscribes, and Shares! There are many ways to help someone that is suffering from addiction. There are professionals here to help you from staging an intervention to getting counseling as a family member and anything in between. If you or a loved one needs help, reach out to our panel at [email protected]. Inquiries and interested speakers can reach us at [email protected] or call 800-989-6504 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/friendsinrecovery/message