March 22: Living with Intention

Something on my mind a lot lately is the idea of living intentionally – practicing mindfulness, staying in the moment – it’s such a challenge for me. I know it’s important to make conscious decisions for my day and pay attention to what is happening right now, not yesterday or tomorrow, but I often find myself falling into autopilot and going through the motions when things get busy and chaotic.

Page 87 of the A.A. Big Book says, “As we go through the day we pause, when agitated or doubtful, and ask for the right thought or action. We constantly remind ourselves we are no longer running the show, humbly saying to ourselves many times each day ‘Thy will be done.’ We are then in much less danger of excitement, fear, anger, worry, self-pity, or foolish decisions.”

When I allow myself to get overly stressed, I end up feeling like things move so fast, I can’t keep up. For me this looks like not eating or sleeping regularly, not exercising, overthinking things and worrying about things I can’t control, getting exasperated more easily, and just reacting to whatever is thrown in front of me.

This puts my sobriety at risk to more easily slip into bad habits. I don’t want situations or the actions of others to dictate my choices. I don’t want to feel out of control and think alcohol could be a way to relax or cope. So I’ve been trying to slow down and get back to being deliberate with scheduling my day, including prayer and meditation.

“On awakening, let us think about the twenty-four hours ahead. We consider our plans for the day. Before we begin, we ask God to direct our thinking, especially asking that it be divorced from self-pity, dishonest or self-seeking motives” (page 86, A.A. Big Book).

Morning prayer: God, Help me to slow down and focus on what truly matters, rather than merely reacting to the demands of life. Guide my actions, words, and decisions so that they align with Your will, not just my own. When the day feels chaotic, remind me to pause, breathe, and trust in Your strength.

What are ways you keep yourself in the moment and living with intention?