I love the clarity that sobriety brings. My life back in focus. The sharp, defining edges of decisions made, tasks completed, priorities set.
But with my sober clear- sightedness comes a new grey fuzzy area.
Nothing is black and white anymore.
I used to know what an addict is...
the thin hollowed out, pock marked derelict on the government posters.
I used to know what an alcoholic is..
The bag lady drinking cheap cider hidden in a paper bag
I used to know how to react when someone is arrested for a DUI
How irresponsible.....
Now, the addict could be that guy in a suit in the line up at the bank, maybe (he was sniffing excessively).....
The alcoholic? That well dressed lady with two bottles of wine ( she spent a long time explaining about her dinner party to the check out girl)
The DUI?
Thank God I never got caught.....
( a penguin holding it's breath )
WB xx.
I used to think I knew what an addict/alcoholic looked like too!
ReplyDeleteI find I am not so black and white thinking anymore either.
A softer thinker.
xo
Wendy
Yes, and since I have stopped drinking, I am also keenly aware of the women in front of me in line at the corner store after work, buying that bottle (or two) of wine. Friday night a woman who seemed to be on her way home bought one of those size-and-a-half bottles. Maybe she was going to a dinner party... #thatwasme
ReplyDeleteYup. The truth is a good percentage of people drink like I drank. Perhaps they do so without the retreat and guilt and remorse? Or perhaps they are hiding their pain.
ReplyDeleteI think it is too often the latter. That's why I try to be open and honest about my sobriety. Someone might see me and think, if Anne needed to quit, perhaps I do too.
Funny how we see things with clear eyes.