One Day at a Time: Recovery
"When people go through something rough in life, they say, 'I'm taking it one day at a time.' Yes, so is everybody. Because that's how time works"
Hi Friend!
Unfortunately, or fortunatley, this is a slogan I know all too well. And quite frankly it has saved me daily for the last six years.
If you have any clean and sober time, you probably have heard the phrase one day at a time. It is probably the most common saying around the room of 12-step programs and other similar sober support groups.
In early sobriety, many alcoholics and addicts struggle to make it through the day. When we first get clean and sober, our emotions feel new and intense, and it can be extremely difficult to process those feelings while trying to focus on recovery and living day-to-day. By taking our recovery one day at a time, we are focusing on what is happening right now- exactly where our feet are. And sometimes we have to take it one hour or minute at a time and that’s okay.
The more you are able to keep yourself in the now, the more it will become second nature and your recovery will start to get easier. You will no doubt run into challenges, but being able to keep things in perspective will make those challenges easier to manage.
Putting It Into Practice: How to Live One Day At A Time
What are ways that you can live one day at a time in your recovery? Whether you are new to the recovery game or have some significant clean time, there are some simple tips that can help you along your journey:
Don’t feel that you have to solve all of your life problems at once. If you are familiar with the Serenity Prayer say it often (will reference at bottom of post).
Take a little time out of your day (maybe 10 minutes or so) to read, reflect and meditate.
Learn to take care of yourself: exercise in moderation, learn to eat right and take pride in your appearance.
Each day, make a plan for yourself. You may not follow it to the letter, but you will make it.
Don’t make any hasty decisions.
Have a solid morning and evening routine that woks for you
Make sleep a priority
Try and do one good thing or deed each day- kindness
Believe that you can be happy and it is your right to be happy- GRADITUDE
If you are working a 2-step program, go to 90/90 (meetings), get a sponsor, work the steps, and always know where your next meeting is. Also embrace the fellowship, share, and utilize those phone numbers- pick up the 100 pound phone.
Living in the present is a difficult task for many people. Anxieties about the future and regrets about the past can haunt us and make it seem as though living for today is out of the question. While trying to focus on the present can be difficult, it’s the best way to embrace the limited time you have each day and take on challenges one day at a time.
We can’t know the future, and we can’t change the past. The only solution is to move forward little by little and focus on what we can handle and do today.
If you are struggling with your recovery, I am right here and I get it. Reach out through the blog on Instagram @jlncoach
XO Jenna
