Just for today a way to deal with the stresses caused by addiction!

CEBU, Philippines - Most alcoholics, drug addicts and the people close to them tend to concentrate most of the woken moments thinking either about the past or the future. This tends to cause more stress because of the feelings of guilt, shame, fear, sadness and anger that come with concentrating on the past or the future for a family with someone addicted, whether to drugs, alcohol, gambling, sex, relationships, internet games, etc. Looking back at my own experience when I would look at the wreckage or the injustices done to me in my past, I end up feeling angry, sad or mad for which I would surely run to drugs for a quick fix of numbness. Then when I would think about what the future would hold for me I would end up full of fear that would surely bring me to drug or alcohol use to calm down. Today in recovery, I have learned to concentrate on what is happening in the here and now. Yes, in the here and now I also feel sad, angry and afraid, but these uncomfortable feelings never last. They come and go for I do not need to stress myself out holding on to the past and future. I have learned that my past cannot be re-written or changed, and only God knows what the future holds for me. So why not enjoy the here and now as it happens and enjoy the feeling of living, not just surviving. Here are some tips that I had learned in my own recovery.

Just for today I will try to live through this day only, and not tackle my whole life problem at once. I can do something for twelve hours that would appall me if I felt that I had to keep it up for a lifetime.

Just for today I will be happy. This assumes to be true what Abraham Lincoln said, that “Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be”.

Just for today I will adjust myself to what is, and not try to adjust everything to my own desires. I will take my “luck” as it comes, and fit myself to it.

Just for today I will try to strengthen my mind. I will study. I will learn something useful. I will not be a mental loafer. I will read something that requires effort, thought and concentration.

Just for today I will exercise my soul in three ways: I will do somebody a good turn, and not get found out; if anybody knows of it, it will not count. I will do at least two things I don’t want to do – just for exercise. I will not show anyone that my feelings are hurt; they may be hurt, but to-day I will not show it.

Just for today I will be agreeable. I will look as well as I can, dress becomingly, talk low, act courteously, criticize not one bit, not find fault with anything, and not try to improve or regulate anybody but myself.

Just for today I will have program. I may not follow it exactly, but I will have it. I will save myself from two pests; hurry and indecision.

Just for today I will have a quiet half hour all by myself, and relax. During this half hour, sometime, I will try to get a better perspective of my life.

Just for today I will be unafraid. Especially I will not be afraid to enjoy what is beautiful, and to believe that as I give to the world, so the world will give to me.

Just for today my thoughts will be on my recovery, living and enjoying life without the use of drugs.

Just for today I will have faith in someone in NA who believes in me and wants to help me in my recovery.

Just for today I will have a program. I will try to follow it to the best of my ability.

Just for today through my recovery program I will try to get a better perspective on my life.

Just for today I will be unafraid, my thoughts will be on my new associations, people who are not using and who have found a new way of life. So long as I follow that way, I have nothing to fear.

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