Introduction
In recovery, living One Day at a Time and is critical to success; however, we need to be planning for the future as well. It is possible to embrace the power of now, staying present and mindful, to secure a brighter future. We need to seize the day with one eye on tomorrow. There is a notable difference between looking ahead in order to plan versus looking ahead with anxiety and worry. In this article, we will talk about balancing these two conflicting ideas in our minds at the same time.
One Day At A Time
The principle of living one day at a time centers on the concept of mindfulness, which means being fully present in the moment. For someone in recovery, this means acknowledging and facing the emotions and situations of each day without the crutch of substances.
Eckhart Tolle notes “The power for creating a better future is contained in the present moment: You create a good future by creating a good present.” He echoes similar sentiments in his book The Power of Now. It’s about handling life’s ups and downs as they come, without resorting to old habits. This approach reduces the overwhelming nature of recovery by breaking it down into manageable segments – each day becomes a step towards healing.
Why Plan for the Future
Securing a brighter future is also important requiring us to assess the bigger picture. Planning for the future is an act of hope, determination, and responsibility. As people practicing active addictions, we were often irresponsible, focusing on feeding our addiction rather than taking care of our families, personal relationships, jobs, and finances.
An extensive plan for the future will include financial management, career development, building healthy relationships, and continuing to engage in activities that support sobriety. It’s about setting realistic goals and taking deliberate steps to achieve them.
As noted, preparing for the future involves setting goals, both short-term and long-term, and making daily choices that align with achieving these objectives. It’s about building a foundation today, embracing the power of now, for a more stable and secure tomorrow. This forward-thinking approach provides direction and purpose, essential components for a sustainable recovery.
Plan for the Future vs Worry about the Future
Here it is important to make a critical distinction. Understanding the difference between worrying about the future and planning for the future is crucial in this context. Often, we worry about the future, as Seneca says “We suffer more often in imagination than in reality.” He’s telling us that sometimes, we worry about things that never actually happen. The Stoics focused on appreciating the present and making the most of each moment. They thought worrying about the past or the future wasn’t helpful, and living in the now was the key to happiness.
So, it’s better to focus on the power of now, not what could go wrong tomorrow. Worrying about the future often involves excessive anxiety and a sense of dread about things that are out of one’s control. It can be paralyzing, especially for those in recovery, as it can trigger the urge to escape through substance use.
Seneca’s Exercise to Prepare for the Future
Seneca put into practice a unique approach to prepare himself for possible futures versus worrying about it. He said “Set aside a certain number of days, during which you shall be content with the scantiest and cheapest fare, with course and rough dress, saying to yourself the while: ‘Is this the condition that I feared.” This form of planning fosters a sense of empowerment and progress. Marcus Aurelius assures us we will be able to handle the future saying “Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present.”
When You Fail to Plan
F Scott Fitzgerald, a renowned American novelist, and a figure of the Jazz Age, struggled with alcoholism throughout his life. His early success with novels like “The Great Gatsby” and “This Side of Paradise” was overshadowed by his later years. Unfortunately, Fitzgerald never found sobriety as his life barely overlapped the AA movement with his death in 1940, five short years after the founding of AA. Regardless of him not finding sobriety his is still an applicable cautionary tale.
His later years were marred by financial difficulties, health issues, and a decline in his writing career. Despite his literary genius, his lack of foresight and failure to plan for the later stages of his life led to a tragic end, overshadowed by his addiction and financial instability. He was tragically only 46 when he died.
There are many other cautionary tales we can learn from such as Mike Tyson, MC Hammer and Nicolas Cage as a few notable modern day examples.
Balancing the two ideas
Lao Tzu, author of the Tao Te Ching and ancient Chinese philosopher, put it succinctly saying “If you are depressed you are living in the past. If you are anxious you are living in the future. If you are at peace you are living in the present.”
The Power of Now (mindfulness) involves:
- Emphasizing being present and fully engaged in the current moment. This involves appreciating life as it is now, rather than being overly preoccupied with the past or future.
- Focusing on gratitude, finding joy and satisfaction in daily activities can lead to a more fulfilling life.
- Living for today also means being adaptable and responsive to current situations, making the most out of existing opportunities.
A Plan for the Future involves:
- Setting short-term and long-term goals to give direction and purpose to your actions.
- Being prepared for future challenges and opportunities, which includes financial planning, career development, and personal growth.
- Sticking to your plans and adjusting as appropriate along the way.
Balancing can involve:
- Avoiding Extremes: It’s important not to become too absorbed in either living for the moment or planning for the future. Excessive focus on the present may lead to negligence of long-term consequences, while over-planning can result in missing out on the joys of the current moment.
- Asking for help if you have no experience with planning.
- Being flexible in your plans and open to the changes that life brings. This flexibility allows you to adapt your plans as necessary while still enjoying the present.
- Setting aside a certain amount of time on a weekly or monthly basis to review and adjust your goals.
Conclusion
To sum up, living one day at a time and embracing the power of now is a valuable approach in recovery from addiction, providing a focus on the present and helping individuals handle daily challenges without becoming overwhelmed. However, it’s important to balance this with planning for the future, setting goals, and working towards them each day. This balance helps ensure a sustainable recovery, leading to a future that is not only sober but also fulfilling and secure.
As we learn from Fitzgerald’s story, neglecting to plan for the future can have dire consequences. By embracing the present and preparing for the future, individuals in recovery can build a life of purpose, achievement, and lasting sobriety.
To end on a humorous note, Alan Watts, an English writer, speaker, and self-styled “philosophical entertainer,” said of the future, “Worrying about the future is like trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubblegum. The real troubles in your life are things that never crossed your worried mind.”
Resources
Seize the Day:
Present Moment Awareness – Calm Blog
6 Steps of Living in the Moment – Psychology Today
Planning:
How to Set and Achieve Your Life Goals – Psychology Today
Personal Goal Setting – Mind Tools
Written By Tony Harte
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