Nelson H.

LOL Sober

Nelson H.

  • Abraham Lincoln and his "hot letters"

Abraham Lincoln and his "hot letters"

Tuesday 21st March 2023

Nelson H. shares how Abraham Lincoln's 'hot letters' can help manage anger and aid sobriety on 'LOL Sober'.
6 minutes
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LOL Sober
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Nelson H.
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Sobriety Toolkit
Navigating Challenges in Recovery
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Creative Recovery Journeys
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Abraham Lincoln's Hot Letters: A Tool for Managing Anger in Sobriety

The difference between thinking things, even thinking about things a lot. The difference between that and then writing them down is enormous to me.
Ever thought about how a historical figure like Abraham Lincoln handled his anger? In this episode of 'LOL Sober', Nelson H. shares a fascinating story that connects Lincoln's unique method of dealing with anger to the journey of sobriety. Lincoln would write what he called 'hot letters'—letters filled with his unfiltered anger and frustration, only to discard them afterward.
This practice might seem odd, but Nelson draws a parallel to the Fourth Step in recovery, where dealing with resentments is crucial. By putting pen to paper and expressing those fiery emotions, Lincoln found a way to cool down and gain perspective without causing further harm. Nelson humorously recounts how even Lincoln's general was asked to write such a letter, only to be told to toss it after reading it aloud.
The idea here is simple yet powerful: writing down your angry thoughts can help defuse them, making it easier to face the situation with a clearer mind. This technique is particularly relevant for anyone navigating the ups and downs of sobriety. By learning from Lincoln's approach, we can discover new ways to manage our emotions and lead healthier lives. Tune in to hear Nelson's take on this historical gem and how it can be a game-changer in your recovery journey.