One Day at a Time

The slogan 'One Day at a Time' seemed too simple when I first heard it. How could just focusing on today solve my overwhelming problems? I had a past full of hurt and a future full of fear. How could today be enough?

But I learned that today is all I actually have. Yesterday is gone—I can't change it, only learn from it. Tomorrow hasn't happened—I can't control it, only prepare reasonably for it. But today? Today is mine. Today I can make choices. Today I can work my program. Today I can practice the principles. Today I can reach out for help. Today I can let go of one thing I'm trying to control.

When I break my recovery down to just today, it becomes manageable. I don't have to figure out how I'll cope for the rest of my life with this situation. I just have to get through today. And most days, when I focus only on today, I discover I can handle it. The overwhelming future scenarios I've been dreading may never happen. And if they do, I'll handle them when they arrive—one day at a time.

This practice of staying present, of bringing my attention back to today whenever it wanders to past regrets or future fears, has become my anchor. Just for today, I can work my program. Just for today, I can trust my Higher Power. Just for today is enough.

When I find myself overwhelmed by the past or anxious about the future today, I can bring myself back to this moment. What do I need to do just for today? What can I handle in the next 24 hours? Just for today is enough. I can trust myself with today.