Embracing Praise: Nelson H.'s Journey with Compliments in Recovery
The most important thing when somebody says a compliment, even if it makes your skin crawl, is I just say thank you and mean it: thank you, that's it.
Why do compliments sometimes make us squirm? In this episode of 'LOL Sober', Nelson H. dives into the awkward yet relatable world of accepting praise, especially during recovery. Imagine someone telling you, 'Great job!' and instead of basking in the glow, you cringe and want to hide. Nelson knows this feeling all too well and opens up about his struggles with self-worth and the conditioned rejection of positive feedback.
Nelson shares a recent experience where he received a compliment that made him uncomfortable. Despite wanting praise, he found himself batting away kind words like they were pesky flies. Why does this happen? Nelson believes it stems from a deep-seated belief that he's not worthy of praise, a mindset many in recovery can relate to. Throughout the episode, Nelson reflects on his journey from feeling like a constant failure to learning the art of graciously accepting compliments.
He discusses how setting unrealistic goals during his addiction left him with little self-esteem and how recovery has taught him the importance of self-compassion. Saying 'thank you' and genuinely embracing kind words have become part of his healing process. If you've ever felt uneasy receiving compliments or struggled with self-worth in your recovery journey, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice.
Nelson's candid storytelling and humorous take on serious topics make 'LOL Sober' a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of recovery while finding moments of joy and laughter.