Another promise states “we will intuitively know how to handle situations that use to baffle us.” This promise was especially as I felt that I couldn’t handle anything. For the last ten years of my drinking and using was totally irresponsible when it came to handling situations. I ignored and detached myself from things that required my attention, such as IRS notices and credit card payment notices. I ignored paying the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). I Had the money to pay these things but didn’t feel it necessary to pay my bills until I got a “notion of intent to levy” from the IRS. Then I would get into action and try to get caught up. I just couldn’t be bothered with life. All I knew was that I needed a drink.
In situations that required social skills I was at a loss. One time at dinner with business associates, I discovered that I had been drinking from the wine carafe and not my glass. Needless to say, I was extremely embarrassed. I said nothing and decided I would drink out of my glass and get as drunk as I could to relieve myself of this embarrassment. For me Alcohol and drugs were my solution, not my problem. This is no longer true for me.
When I became sober, I had to learn how to do all sorts of things. For some reason I was afraid to take my car in for service. I was afraid to talk to the mechanic. Well, cars need service and I had to learn how to communicate with the mechanic. One other thing that I was afraid of was eating at a dinner table with other people. Sounds weird, doesn’t it? I felt like was being confronted by the other dinner guests. I couldn’t talk as I knew not what polite communication was. Fortunately, I learned how to do this and can know enjoy the company and take part in the communication at the table. I basically had to leave my comfort zone of isolation and join the human race again. It took me a while to be able to do the things that normal people do. Once I confronted a situation/fear it got easier to do these things. I opened up a bank account. I wrote the IRS a letter and began the process of paying my taxes. Then I became able to handle situations that used to baffle me. What a relief! No more late charges on my statements. I enjoyed going out to eat with people or have them over to my home for lunch or dinner. I experienced being intuitively inclined to things that were just part of life and being a sober person. I handled my finances and didn’t bounce checks any more. I could babysit for a friend and was not afraid to do so.
For me this promise eliminated a lot of fear for me. I am now a member of the human race instead of being passed out on the floor or in my car. The 12 Promises articulate what can happen if we work for them. It is well worth the time and effort that it takes to be emotionally comfortable around people.
