Understanding Blind Spots
When driving a car there is an area that you cannot see called a blind spot. This concealed part of the visual field lies between what you can see by looking forward out of the windshield, and what you can see in either the rearview or sideview mirrors. It is much bigger and riskier than one would guess, big enough to hide a small Mercedes. It’s why we are taught to look over our shoulder before changing lanes.
Caught Unaware
Likewise, we have blind spots on our own bodies. You can’t see the center of your back or the top of your own head. The blind spot that I find most curious lies two and a half inches under your own eye; God and everyone else has a clear view, and I can’t see it. That’s the way it is with addiction too. There are pitfalls and traps that catch us unaware. We just didn’t see it and if it’s out of our awareness we often convince ourselves it doesn’t exist. We may be unaware of our emotional weakness and miscalculate the potential harm of hanging with certain people. Perhaps you let your guard down when you are sleep deprived or under stress.
Looking Over Your Shoulder
Blind spots can be managed in a vehicle by glancing over your shoulder before you change lanes. In recovery it’s vital to acknowledge that I can’t see every potential danger without effort. I must be on guard, willing to “glance over my shoulder” to identify hazards and risks. Asking others what they see and listening to their warnings, also provides recovery protection. Blind spots never disappear. You just get better at looking for them and taking appropriate action when a dangerous situation is discovered.
Recovery is a Journey. Enjoy the Ride!
