I came across this line years ago, when I was struggling to start a new life, recovering from drug/alcohol addiction and trauma. A line from a hymn written in the 1800s.
Lead, kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom;
Lead thou me on!
The night is dark, and I am far from home;
Lead thou me on! Keep thou my feet;
I do not ask to see The distant scene–
one step enough for me. [Hymns, 1985, no. 97]
John Henry Newman 1801-1890 From an Anglican Priest to a Catholic Priest. Read more about him at Who2.com
The last few words have been a mantra on several occasions through the years, a reminder to remain focused on the moment. What lies ahead cannot be see and is impacted by what is done in this moment.
What is discovered is a way of life enhanced by the ongoing willingness and fervent desire to overcome barriers developed in early childhood. Barriers now, survival skills then. Addicts, alcoholics, gamblers, over-eaters, and others seeking to recover learned to survive, to keep secrets, to be a secret. The skills that served during the early life do not serve well in recovery, at least not many. Defenses are sharp, reactions instant, behavior erratic, emotions at a peak, over sensitive, shame, and guilt are visible. Not everyone understands or wishes to. People walk away, criticize, say harsh words in return, friends and family feel hurt and betrayed.
Learning to live one step at a time means that you take each moment as it comes. Utilize the principles of spirituality within your fellowship. Every fellowship has some form of principles for the members to develop, attain, as a guide in recovery. No one enters recovery healed, with all the skills required to live a “normal” life. Oh, would that be terrific. There are not magic wands, pills, or incantations that can make it so. One step at a time we traverse the path of recovery.
New skills are developed as your new life unfolds. One day you awaken to find that the issues or problems that use to be overwhelming are not. A look back on life reveals the changes and progress that has occurred. Life is filled with wonder, surprises, objects, friends, family, there is nothing that you cannot accomplish. Life is terrific even when it is not.
One Step Enough for Me!
