Thanksgiving Squirrels and Sobriety: Nelson H. on LOL Sober
To thine own self be true is something we say all the time. What that means to me is that I call myself out when I'm squirrely. I need to do my damnedest to get unsquirrely.
Ever felt like a squirrel in a room full of nuts during the holidays? Nelson H. certainly has, and he’s here to share his candid experiences in this Thanksgiving episode of LOL Sober. With humor and honesty, Nelson takes us through his plans to talk about gratitude and family, only to find himself in a grumpy mood instead. It's a refreshing reminder that even in sobriety, not every day is picture-perfect.
Nelson recounts his recent trip away from home, enjoying the peace and quiet of a solo hotel stay. He indulged in the little freedoms of eating what he wanted and watching his favorite shows without interruption. But amidst the tranquility, he found himself missing the chaos of his family life. Back home, it was a different story—dealing with the noise and demands left him feeling 'squirrely', a term used in recovery circles to describe feeling off-balance or restless.
Throughout the episode, Nelson emphasizes the importance of recognizing when you’re in a squirrely state and taking steps to get back on track. Whether it’s attending meetings, calling a sober friend, or practicing self-care, he reminds us that staying connected to our sober network is crucial, especially during the holidays. His spiritual gas tank was running low, and he candidly shares how that affected his mood and mindset.
Nelson also touches on the concept of HALT—hungry, angry, lonely, tired—and how these states can trigger squirrely feelings. He encourages listeners to be honest with themselves about their emotional state and take proactive steps to maintain their sobriety. The episode wraps up with a heartfelt message about the importance of reaching out to others in your sober community who might be struggling.
If you’re looking for relatable advice on navigating the holiday season while staying sober, this episode of LOL Sober is both insightful and entertaining. Nelson’s blend of humor and real talk makes it a must-listen for anyone on the recovery journey.