For most people I know, whether they suffer from addiction or not, the idea of never having a drink again is terrifying. Understandably. Forever is a long time. Which is why we always talk about the importance of one day at a time. This is also one of the main topics during the Twelve Steps programme. I recently found a poem that eloquently sums up my feelings about the situation and wanted to share it with everyone. I hope you find it as helpful as I do:
There are two days in every week that we should not worry about.
Two days that should be kept free from fear and apprehension.
One is YESTERDAY, with its mistakes and cares, its faults, and blunders, its aches and pains.
Yesterday has passed, forever beyond our control.
All the money in the world cannot bring back yesterday.
We cannot undo a single act we performed.
Nor can we erase a single word we’ve said.
Yesterday is gone!!
The other day we shouldn’t worry about is TOMORROW.
With its impossible adversaries, its burden, its hopeful promise and poor performance.
Tomorrow is beyond our control.
Tomorrow’s sun will rise either in splendor or behind a
bank of clouds – but it will rise.
And until it does, we have no stake in tomorrow,
for it is yet unborn.
This leaves only one day – TODAY.
Any person can fight the battles of just one day.
It is only when we add the burdens of yesterday and tomorrow that we break down.
It is not the experience of today that drives people mad –
it is the remorse for something that happened yesterday,
and the dread of what tomorrow may bring.
Let us therefore, LIVE ONE DAY AT A TIME.