In recovery, you’re encouraged to take life “One day at a time.”

I’ve found that sometimes a whole day is too long. In fact, sometimes an hour is too long.

There are times when I can only take life on a moment-to-moment basis—because frankly, we just never know what’s going to happen from one moment to the next.

When you’re doing your best to hold on, sometimes the commitment of a whole day (or even an entire hour) is just too much. I know that sounds dark—honestly, it is. I don’t ever want to live that life again.

Millions of people live that kind of life every single day. Day after day.

Unfortunately, when bad things happen in my life, sometimes I go back there—if only for a day, or an hour or two. Trust me, even an hour is more than enough time to spend in that dark place.

In a moment, one of my best friends in the world was gone.

Despair, in a moment—if only for a moment.

I just got home from putting my beloved dog Tina to sleep. She was the most loving, comforting dog of all time—and I’m not just saying that. Of course, all dog owners are biased, but Tina was truly the sweetest dog ever. Don’t get me wrong, if her sister Kira tried to steal her food (or toy for that matter), she would defend her turf like none other. She had the cutest growl. But otherwise, she was all love.

When I was sad or hurting (which was often, considering I spent 20 years depressed) Tina was always by my side. If I cried, she would literally lick the tears right out of my eyes. She was the most precious dog. She always greeted me at the door, followed me around the house and was kind to anyone that came to our home. I will miss her beyond measure.

I had some good news this week too. Just when things were looking bleak, opportunities came out of nowhere and the future started looking up.

Hope, in a moment—if only for a moment.

Not long after, I spilled something on my laptop and my hard drive was fried.

Horror, in a moment—if only for a moment.

A co-worker helped me see an “out-of-the box” solution to my problem.

Peace, in a moment—if only for a moment.

Another friend helped me out in a pinch.

Gratitude, in a moment—If only for a moment.

I had dinner and caught up with a friend.

Joy, in a moment—if only for a moment.

I had a coaching session and learned some things about myself and my relationships I hadn’t previously considered.

Perspective, in a moment—if only for a moment.

There was some difficulty transferring files from my old computer to my new computer.

Frustration, in a moment—if only for a moment.

I received a call about a mix-up at the pharmacy and some insurance hassles.

Overwhelm, in a moment—if only for a moment.

Next came some unsolicited leads on potential business opportunities.

Appreciation, in a moment—if only for a moment.

When I came home from buying a new computer, my son was waiting for me with outstretched arms to give me a hug.

Comfort, in a moment—if only for a moment.

I was surprised by a lack of response from a friend I expected to be there in a time of need.

Rejection, in a moment—if only for a moment.

Support from an unexpected source was a welcome change.

Karma, in a moment—if only for a moment.

Then came a “Thinking of You” text out of the blue from a friend.

Cheer, in a moment—if only for a moment.

The truth is that we just never know what’s coming in the next moment. It could be good, it could be bad—but the thing that makes the biggest difference is how we manage in the meantime is perspective. Knowing that no matter what comes in the next moment, we are going to be okay.

Things can be terrible one moment and fabulous the next.

That’s the beauty of life. There are always going to be ups and downs. It’s how we manage the in between time that makes all the difference in the world.

You can’t be available for the next opportunity if your mind is occupied with yesterday’s moments or moments that have not yet occurred. Be patient, be open and know that whatever is coming, it’s coming your way for a reason. There is something to be learned from every situation. That’s why it’s presented itself to you.

Feel everything you can in every moment, and then be ready for the next. Let’s dance!

Author: Melissa Drake

Photo: Flickr/Carola Ferrero 

Editor: Renée Picard