A Thoughtful Pushback on the “One Day at a Time” Mantra
Tonight’s AA reading is the Daily Reflection for June 9, which centers on the well-known phrase “One Day at a Time.” I’ve always struggled with this mantra—not because I don’t value presence, but because it feels oppressive and I believe it can unintentionally limit vision.
- It feels robotic - For those of us who are driven by purpose, the idea of living only for today can feel like emotional sedation. I want to live a life that stretches beyond the horizon—not one that ends at midnight.
- It’s impractical - Modern life demands planning. We’re not hunter-gatherers anymore. We book flights, raise children, build careers. Even the Bible is full of long journeys—Egypt to Israel, anyone?
- It’s a spiritual paradox - If we’re to trust in God’s will, we must also trust in a future that unfolds over time. Sometimes the meaning of today’s pain only becomes clear 1,000 days from now.
But here’s what I’ve come to see:
Living emotionally one day at a time—as opposed to literally or logistically—can be a powerful way to connect with others. Emotional presence is the foundation of empathy, and empathy is always in the moment. You can’t plan your way into a genuine connection. People are who they are today, just as the recovering alcoholic is who they are in this moment. That’s where the real connection happens—eye contact, tone of voice, body language, shared silence. All of it lives in the now.
And I need to acknowledge something else:
For some people, especially in early recovery, “One Day at a Time” isn’t a metaphor—it’s survival. People have shared that they were literally counting the hours, watching the clock, just trying to make it to the next meeting without drinking. That wasn’t my experience. My early recovery was consumed by work, family, and caring for my uncle as cancer took hold. I didn’t have time to count hours. But I recognize now that others do—and I want this book to speak to them too. I don’t want anyone to throw it down and say, “This isn’t for me.”
So maybe the real wisdom is in the tension:
Can we hold long-term vision and live emotionally one day at a time? Can we plan our lives while staying present to the people in front of us? I think we can. And I think that’s where the deeper recovery lives.
PART 1 STEP TWELVE
About Jason Bresnehan
Jason is the founder of Evahan, a consultancy dedicated to helping individuals and organizations build both financial and legacy wealth. With over 30 years of leadership across sectors and continents, he brings commercial acumen, strategic insight, and lived experience to every engagement. His work spans business transformation, venture management, and M&A, always grounded in a belief that ideas—shared with clarity, balance, and respect—can improve individuals, families, communities, and society.
A strong advocate for freedom, limited government, and enterprise-driven progress, Jason also draws deeply from his personal recovery journey—an experience that reshaped his life and fuels his commitment to growth, contribution, and principled living. Through writing, speaking, and service, he continues to learn, share, and speak with purpose.
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