The Holiday Season... a time for family, social gatherings, cold nights and warm fires. For many people, these moments are also filled with alcoholic drinks in hand, and the notion is that if you're not drinking along, you're also not having as much fun. For those who struggle with alcohol and other substance use, this is a time that can be a significant struggle where you may wish you could avoid gatherings all together. We are grateful to be able to share an honest conversation about sobriety as we enter this season.Ellen Elizabeth joins us to share her journey with alcohol and substance abuse, her hardest moments and how it directly impacted herself, her family and her career. Her road to recovery is an inspiration to all! Especially if you or someone you know struggles with alcohol and substance, this episode is a great resource to share along as Ellen's story leaves us with a sense of hope, encouragement and even resources to guide others on the recovery journey.*******Ellen is a 36 year old Colorado native who is celebrating over 4 years of sobriety and the proud mother of twins. She lives with her family of 4 in Colorado Springs, CO and currently works in Corporate Ethics for a well known defense contractor. Ellen loves animals, especially her dog Diego, as well as the multitude of outdoor activities Colorado has to offer and is very passionate about the French language.When not working or engaging in the joys of raising twins, she enjoys being a wellness influencer on many different social media platforms to anyone struggling with addiction or infertility. Ellen is here to support anyone struggling now, anyone who is in recovery, or family members of those struggling.www.itsellenelizbeth.cominstagram.com/itsellenelizabeth*******The Third Place Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners into the hard conversations that we have a tendency to avoid.We “go there” on things such as…How anger is beautifulHow to find presence amidst chaosHow to have difficult conversationsHow to be an allyHow to live with griefThe Third Place is a safe place where curiosity is encouraged, differences are welcomed, and empathy is embraced through healthy dialogue.We've forgotten how to talk to each other… Life has become polarized and dualistic - you’re either with me or against me. To embrace the complex human experience is to see the world through other’s eyes. The Third Place podcast helps with the disconnect. This looks like less conflict and tension and more like a peaceful existence with others. The Third Place podcast restores the art of dialogue.For additional resources and if you're interested in supporting the work of The Third Place Podcast, check out our Patreon page.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-third-place/donations