By Nancy Virden (c)2026

Live one day at a time. Accept life on life’s terms. Let go and let God. These platitudes can have meaning; if actively pursued, they can be game-changers. Terminology matters, though, so what do these phrases mean in the nitty-gritty of our daily living?

LIVE ONE DAY AT A TIME

This is not only about letting go of excess worry, but also choosing today over a past that cannot be changed and a tomorrow that may not come. Most of what we worry about never happens, anyway.

While temporarily acknowledging yesteryear is great for sweet memories, honoring a loved one who died, or remembering mistakes to study and learn from them, outside of those purposes, spending too much time in the past, especially with regret, is damaging and can shut you down (I am not describing the necessary therapeutic process for facing one’s past).

A mother looks back over the years she raised her children and regrets a few of her choices. “Living in the past” could look like mourning her mistakes, holding on to guilt, and even treating her grown offspring like children to try to make up for it.

Another mother looks back and acknowledges her regrets. She approaches her adult children, providing an opportunity to talk it out. She apologizes and continues to treat them with respect. Memories pop up randomly, and she feels sorry again once in a while, but she chooses to be proud of how they are managing and maturing. Every mother has regrets, big or small, and remembering that she is human like the rest, this mother forgives herself and moves forward.

Which kind of person are you?

Adopting ‘one day at a time’ keeps us purposeful, sane, and conquering. Fretting over what we cannot control (the past or the future) makes us anxious and depressed. If there are amends to make, make them (as long as doing so does not harm anyone). Stand up straight, lift your chin, look people in the eye, and while acknowledging your imperfections, allow your gifts to the world to be seen and heard.

Instead of self-loathing, ask yourself, “What now?”

“What kind of person do I want to be? What step can I take today toward becoming that person?”

Parts 2 and 3 will cover Accept life on life’s terms and Let go and let God. Are these useless platitudes, or do they carry profound secrets to happiness? Stay Tuned.

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

Micah 7:18

Where is another God like you,  who pardons the guilt of the remnant,
    overlooking the sins of his special people? You will not stay angry with your people forever,
    because you delight in showing unfailing love. Once again you will have compassion on us.
    You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean!

If you are feeling suicidal or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S., call 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. For a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room; in the EU, call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here.) Hope and help are yours!

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. 

NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional and speaks only from personal experience and observations. This website is not intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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