Taking It One Day at a Time in Recovery” and Other Favorite AA Sayings
The journey of recovery is a rewarding one, but it can also be overwhelming to consider navigating this road for years to come. That is why quotes and phrases that encourage people to approach recovery “one day at a time” are used in the iconic 12-step group Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). More specifically, these reminders to take it “one day at a time” can help you avoid worrying about remaining sober for the rest of your life, and instead, focus on the day ahead of you. What you did yesterday does not matter, and what you might do tomorrow is not a concern. The focus is on doing what you need to do to stay sober for the next twenty-four hours ahead.
This focus on tackling each day as it comes was incredibly beneficial for me as I approached early recovery. Over my years as an addiction professional, I’ve found that many clients find it helpful as well. I encourage everyone who is traveling the winding road to recovery to embrace “one day at a time” and other AA slogans to help you take steps toward a brighter future.
Why Do You Need Slogans in Recovery?
It can be difficult and overwhelming to remember everything you have to do in recovery. Seeing the bigger picture and staying focused on your long-term goals and your present reality can be difficult. However, short but meaningful slogans to reflect on, like “one day at a time,” can quickly bring to mind the most important ideas of the recovery process. Better yet, these slogans take just a second of your time to think, say out loud, or write down so you can remember to stay focused on your healing and your growth.
What Does the Phrase “One Day at a Time” Mean?
When you do your best to remain sober for a day at a time, the road looks more manageable, and you start to see that you are capable of enjoying each day.
What Does It Mean To Live One Day at a Time?
When you focus on living just one day at a time, you are able to concentrate on what makes up each twenty-four-hour period. Instead of stressing about long-term goals and changes you want to make in the weeks and months ahead, you can focus on setting small goals that you can stick to and reach each day. You can also hone in on the particular strategies that can help you work towards lasting recovery.
For example, you may be inclined to think about recovery in terms of many daily fitness goals and include spending time exercising each day as a part of your recovery process. Just as focusing on lifelong recovery can be intimidating, if you spend too much time thinking about the end results of your fitness and health journey, you may begin to feel discouraged if you do not see quick results. Instead, setting daily goals for yourself makes your commitments more manageable and can boost your confidence as you reach your goals.
If you want to become more active, take it one day at a time. Did you meet your goal of moving your body today? If you did, that is a win – all you have to do is take it one day at a time.
Just For Today
Significant concepts include:
- Living through your next 24 hours
- Being happy for your next 24 hours
- Enjoying your life for your next 24 hours
- Performing an act of kindness in your next 24 hours
Common Recovery Sayings in Alcoholics Anonymous
“One day at a time” is not the only saying that AA uses to help people as they navigate their recovery journey. In fact, there are many common sayings in AA that you can reflect on. Each may help you in a different way as you travel the rocky seas of recovery.
Below, you’ll find 10 AA slogans and their deeper meanings. These can play a useful role in your recovery, and you can expect to hear them regularly at AA meetings and in AA literature. Many of these originated from William G. Wilson, co-founder of AA and author of the Big Book.
Let Go and Let God
All of us have those moments when we wish we could exert total control over our lives. However, while life is unpredictable, our lack of control can feel overwhelming and defeating at times. The slogan “Let go and let God” encourages you to make peace with this reality and let your higher power take control. You do not have to worry about fixing everything right now; you can release your stress and trust in the higher power you believe in to handle what you can’t control.
Easy Does It
Similar to “One day at a time,” the slogan “Easy does it” reminds you that you do not have to have this entire recovery journey figured out all at once. It reminds you to proceed carefully, one step at a time, and avoid putting too much pressure on yourself. In fact, nobody recovers all at once. As long as you show up each day and remain gentle with yourself, you are on the right track.
This, Too, Shall Pass
When you are facing difficult times, it can be hard to remember that good times will come again. Instead of focusing on the negative, try to remember that this period of time, no matter how dark, will end. The sun always comes out again eventually, just as good times will return. “This, too, shall pass” is particularly useful in recovery when your body and mind are experiencing discomfort, pain, and stress.
Progress, Not Perfection
Recovery is not a straightforward process. If you pressure yourself to be perfect and make no mistakes, you are setting unrealistic expectations. You might also be more likely to give up if you do not achieve that perfection. No one is perfect, and no road to recovery is easy – making progress just one day at a time should be your focus.
I Am an Alcoholic
One of the most commonly used AA slogans is “I am an alcoholic.” Admitting that you have a problem with alcohol is a critical step in recovery and one of the first ones you need to take if you want to be on the path to change. You usually hear people say that they are an alcoholic before they speak at an AA meeting as a part of introducing themselves, but this is also an important reminder to yourself.
Spirituality vs. Religion
It is common for people who are in recovery to be wary of 12-step programs when they are not religious. However, you don’t need to be religious to take part in AA, as AA embraces a focus on spirituality. Unlike organized religion, spirituality is embracing your life force and recognizing that recovery can help unlock a healthier, happier, more meaningful life.
Nothing Changes if Nothing Changes
While the phrase “Nothing changes if nothing changes” might seem confusing, reflecting on it is actually a useful way to stick to your goals. If you want to see major changes in your life, like getting a better job, being healthier, maintaining a relationship, or anything else, you need to identify and change the behaviors that are holding you back from that. Making small changes just one day at a time can eventually lead to long-term, sustainable change.
Keep It Simple
Recovery can seem complicated at first, but if you over complicate the process in your mind you might get discouraged or have trouble sticking to your goals.
Instead, AA encourages you to keep it simple. Set small goals for yourself, and do not bite off more than you can chew at once. Even small, healthy changes can mean the world during recovery.
Think, Think, Think
An important part of recovery is actively working to resist impulsive behavior. The phrase “Think, think, think” encourages you to reflect before you make a decision or take action. When you really reflect before you do something, you gain a better understanding of what the consequences might be. You can even learn to predict how what you are thinking of doing might deter you from your long-term goals.
Just for Today
Just like “One day at a time,” the AA slogan “Just for today” applies to a subset of many recovery slogans about making it through the next 24 hours. Planning out how you’re abstaining from alcohol use for an extended period of time can cause stress and might deter you from sticking to the recovery path. Instead, focus on staying sober and addressing small goals “just for today.”
Helping You Find Hope
No matter where you are in, whether you’re in recovery, seeking help, or unconvinced you have a problem, there is always hope for you. I have seen so many people build a healthy, bright life for themselves by following the AA steps and finding solace in AA slogans like “One day at a time.” If you are seeking support on your path to recovery or you believe that your loved one needs an intervention for substance use disorder, please reach out
I offer personalized support for recovery from substance use disorder, no matter where you are in the process. I have been where you are; I have struggled with alcohol addiction and I understand that recovery is not always linear. Nobody is without hope, no matter where they are in their recovery journey or how many times they have tried to make a change. Let me help you as you take your life just one day at a time.
Stay Strong,
Jim
