One day at a time

The mantra of the twelve-step movement was the brunt of one of the (supposedly) funniest jokes at the 2011 Edinburgh festival: ‘People say, “I’m taking it one day at a time.” You know what? So is everybody. That’s how time works.’

That said, I love Joe Walsh's song One Day at a Time which, if you're not in AA, gives some insights. And if you are in AA it's probably better watched with tissues handy:

You tube link (won't embed)

Well, time works moment by moment so that's how we should be taking it. But daily routines have been a significant factor in my spiritual development. 


Now, many of us in twelve-step programmes rush to straighten everybody else out (thus avoiding looking at ourselves) and we seize the thought that the twelve steps will work for everybody. With such arrogant thoughts, it is encouraging to find aspects of the programme in other spiritual disciplines. In The Art of Happiness the Dalai Lama recommends a routine that is at the core of the twelve-step programme - a daily review. He suggests that, before bed, we review our day, asking whether we had used it as we planned. If we can say yes, then we can rejoice. If it went wrong, we can regret what we did and critique the day. He maintains that this method will strengthen the positive aspects of the mind.


It is significant that no specific action is recommended. His Holiness is suggesting observation, watching what we do. And with no specific proposal to make direct changes but rather noting that change will come over time.