Feeling the Feelings ft. Holland

gAy A: The Queer Sober Hero Show

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In this episode of Gay A: The Queer Sober Hero Show, host Steve is joined by the amazing Holland, who shares his journey to recovery, approach to spirituality, and how sobriety has transformed his life. Holland, who celebrates a sobriety date of February 2, 2022, opens up about growing up in Hawaii and Alaska, their struggles with addiction, and finding their way back to recovery after a series of challenges. Holland also discusses the importance of service, humility, and staying connected to their queer and recovery communities.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Holland’s early years in Hawaii and Alaska and their experience with addiction starting at a young age.
• The challenges of balancing recovery and spirituality and how embracing ambiguity with their higher power has been a game-changer.
• How sobriety has allowed them to process big feelings and lean on tools like therapy, service, and community connection.
• The power of service in recovery, from giving rides to newcomers to being active in the service structure of AA.
• Navigating friendships, relationships, and dating as a queer person in recovery and the importance of setting boundaries and standards.
• Holland’s daily practices for maintaining sobriety, including meditation, gratitude, and embracing humility in their professional and personal life.
• A focus on progress over perfection and the mantra, “Let go, let God,” that keeps them grounded.

Memorable Quotes:

• “Being sober means I get to feel all the big feelings and then rely on tools to not do the crazy next steps.”
• “I never want to be too big to clean up chairs because that’s where I meet future sponsees.”
• “You don’t have to pay back taxes for the person you were. You deserve good things now.”

Resources Mentioned:

• Book: Every Feeling Is Big – A poetry book about heartbreak and relationships in recovery. [Available on Amazon.]

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