July 22: The Call You Keep Putting Off

You have five numbers in your phone from people in recovery. You’ve called none of them. What’s stopping you?

Proverbs says when pride comes, shame follows. But with humility comes wisdom. That’s a simple trade. Pride ends badly. Humility makes you wiser.

Not calling is often pride wearing a disguise. “I don’t want to bother anyone.” “They’re busy.” “I don’t really need to.” “I’ll call when there’s something worth calling about.” Under all of that is something simpler. You don’t want to need help. Needing help feels weak.

But people in recovery give out their numbers because they want you to call. They remember being new. Many of them will tell you that calling helps them as much as it helps you. When you call, you’re not a burden. You’re part of how they stay sober too.

Calling when things are fine is the secret. Most people only think about calling when they’re in trouble. By then, it feels too hard to dial. If you get in the habit of calling on ordinary days, then calling on a hard day is natural. You already know the person. They already know your voice.

It doesn’t need to be a long call. “Hey, it’s me. Just checking in. I’m doing okay today. How are you?” That’s it. Two minutes. If they don’t answer, leave a message. That counts too.

This is humility in its most practical form. You’re admitting you can’t do this alone, and you’re acting like it.

Think about what wisdom looks like in your life right now. It looks like a person who knows their limits and has people to lean on. It looks like someone who hears a hard truth from a friend and doesn’t storm off. You can’t get that wisdom from a book alone. It comes through people, and people come through the phone.

One thing today

Call one person in recovery today, even if nothing is wrong. Keep it short. If you can’t reach anyone, leave a voicemail and try another number.

A prayer

God, I don’t like needing people. But I do. Take away the pride that keeps me from picking up the phone. Help me make one call today, and help me listen well when someone calls me. Amen.

If you’re calling because a craving hit, the alcohol cravings page has more ideas for the next few minutes.

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