The Backpack Theory: Lightening the Load in Sobriety with Nelson H.
The bottom line I want to ask myself every day is: how much do I want to put in that backpack Today? Do I want it stuffed to the point where I'm about to tumble over backwards? Or do I want it to be reasonable?
Ever tried to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders? In this episode of 'LOL Sober', Nelson H. introduces his intriguing 'Backpack Theory' as a way to manage the daily struggles of sobriety. Picture this: life is like wearing a backpack, and every frustration, grudge, or piece of gossip is another item you toss in. The backpack gets heavier and heavier, making it tough to move forward.
Nelson shares a personal story about a family trip to Disney, where he learned a valuable lesson from a beach ball that could be deflated to fit into luggage—a perfect metaphor for dealing with life's burdens. Nelson dives into the two approaches to handling these burdens: either letting them pile up or 'deflating' them to make them more manageable.
He admits that sometimes he holds onto these weights because it feels like carrying the world's problems gives him a sense of importance. However, he acknowledges that this isn't sustainable for long-term sobriety. Through humor and candid reflections, Nelson emphasizes the importance of managing expectations and not expecting a life free from bothersome issues. He introduces the idea of a 'mini fourth step'—a quick, daily practice to deflate those burdens before they become overwhelming.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking for practical and relatable advice on maintaining sobriety. Nelson's blend of humor and heartfelt wisdom makes complex ideas easy to understand and apply. Whether you're new to recovery or have been on the journey for years, you'll find something valuable in Nelson's Backpack Theory.