The 5,000 pound phone

One of the hardest things I had to learn to do is to use the telephone as a tool in recovery.  Oh, my gosh, and to ask for a person's phone number was a really big deal.  I avoided this for a long time.

I encourage my sponsees to collect numbers as if collecting pearls.  Then pickup the phone and dial those numbers!  At first, it's good just to say something like, "Hi, ________, this is ________ do you have a moment?  I'm just calling to say hello and to practice using the phone in connecting with others while between meetings.  How are you doing?......Thank you for talking with me.  Hope you have a wonderful day!"  

At first, I really didn't want to bother anybody.  The thoughts I had were a bombardment of negativity and fear.  "What if they're busy?  It's too early.  It's too late.  I'll just bother them.  Who wants to hear this crap?  What will I talk about?", etc.   

Now, after practicing, it's much easier to do and the resistance has faded away slowly but surely.

Usually I like to do my calls on Wednesdays, just a brief checking in, and I feel such a warm, loving connection for having done so. I have a specific, structured day because I get so busy, time seems to fly by, then I forget to call.