Rogue Counselor

Episode 1: Step One — Attachment, Powerlessness, and Recovery

In this first episode of our Recovery Series, Randy Hayden and I begin with Step One through two lenses:

From Under Earners Anonymous:
“We admitted we were powerless over under-earning—that our lives had become unmanageable.”

From Randy’s Easier Ways framework: “We admit that we suffer because we are attached to specific outcomes and expectations.”

At first glance, “powerless” can feel heavy—almost defeating. But in this conversation, we explore a powerful reframe.

What if powerlessness is not about weakness…but about attachment?
*Attachment to income.
*Attachment to identity.
*Attachment to outcomes.
*Attachment to how we think life should be unfolding.

When we cling to specific expectations, reality feels like an enemy. Under-earning, professional frustration, financial insecurity, or shame can begin to define us.

Step One invites us to pause and acknowledge where our lives have become unmanageable—not because we are broken, but because we are trying to control what cannot be controlled.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How attachment fuels suffering
• Why surrender is not resignation
• The role of shame in under-earning
• The power of horizontal, peer-to-peer support
• Why asking for help is strength, not failure

Randy shares how he adapted the 12-step model to be more inclusive and accessible, framing recovery not as punishment but as recalibration. We also explore the idea of a higher power—not necessarily religious, but as collective wisdom, shared experience, and higher consciousness expressed through community.

All hours spent engaging with this series are creditable through the Karmic Margin Call Project Time Bank.

Recovery begins with honesty.
Not about what’s wrong with us—but about what we’re attached to.