I and a whole bunch of people were wrapped up today in five simple words: One day at a time. Simple, yes. But at the same time, complex, because there is so much packed into that concept.
For me it’s not just not taking a drink a day at a time, but how I live this day. First off, when I came to this program, I never wanted to drink ever again. Ever, ever. But then I learned that, if I was thinking only that way, chances are down the road that anything could happen. If I could maintain that thought. So, it was “suggested” that I better limit the thought of not taking a drink to the very moment I wasn’t drinking it. In other words today. After I listened to them I knew they were right.
The second thing that comes to mind is how do I live one day at a time? I mean am I all right with it. Is it a good day? Or what? That made me think about that statement in the BB: The spiritual life is not a theory. It has to be lived.
Trying to live this life a day at a time without having made the necessary changes in my life, could very well mean living a dry drunk, white knuckling it each and every day. However, thanks to the 12 Steps and the supporting 12 Traditions, each and every day I have lived this sober life, I can safely say, this is the best thing that ever happened to me.
And that’s where living a spiritual life comes in. Having come to believe in a power greater than myself and having had a spiritual awakening as a result, I have been restored to sanity. I no longer desire a drink or even have a thought of alcohol, except sitting here and at meetings. And that frees me from a struggle, which I don’t really need. It allows me to deal with what’s wrong with me each and every day. The “ism” of alcoholism. My unmanageable life. My character defects.
If, with the help of my fellow alcoholics and my higher power, I can achieve some sort of balance, each and every day gets better, as I grow along in this program. All I have to do is stay away from going ahead of this day. Projections. The source of fear, anxiety, dissatisfaction. Not always an easy task for someone like me. But I do try and ask for help. And I’m so grateful for these days. One at a time. Sober.