Over the past 4 ½ years of sobriety, I have worked hard to understand how the principles of recovery not only help me stay sober, but also help me run my business. This is something that goes against my nature, since I want to control everyone and everything.
One of the best things I have done for myself is to take life in 24-hour increments. Last Friday, I finally got the concept of taking it one day at a time and why it is one of the best things I can do as a business owner.
And, as a result, I had one of my best days.
Friday was a wonderful 24 hours, a rare gift in a busy life. I look forward to applying those lessons to every 24 hours in my future.
First, let me dispel the idea that I had a magical day. There is a spot in Harry Potter, where the professor talks about the “perfect” day after drinking a magical potion — the Feliz Felicis for those Harry Potter super fans like me. My day wasn’t perfect. It was my best day because I stayed grounded in my recovery program by following some simple principles.
Letting Go Of the Previous Day
I started Friday fresh. I woke up and did my morning routine, which now includes a daily inspiration reading and always coffee. It was very early, and I knew I had a long day in front of me. Even so, I set my intention to let go of all the baggage from the day before.
As luck would have it, my daily meditation was all about Living in the Present for the day. After the eye roll, I figured I might as well try and focus forward, rather than focus on all the things that didn’t go right the day before. I cleaned my slate and the slate of those in my life – giving everyone, including myself, grace to have a good day.
Staying in the Moment
With that fresh slate, I was able to just focus on what needed to get done and stay in the moment as I worked through each item on the to do list.
I stayed attentive during my meetings, listening and engaging in conversation. And I enjoyed the moments. For example, even though I felt awkward and uncomfortable, I really had fun doing a short news piece on KEYC about sticky bun day. I focused on getting each item done and being present while I did it. I worked hard to not get consumed by HOW MUCH needed to get done.
News flash: this is not the usual for me, so it was remarkable and refreshing.
Have Faith It Will Work Out
As I said, there was A LOT to do. We had our big Farm to Wooden Spoon event and hadn’t started on the set-up.
For years, I was a tornado flying around and adding to a manic energy around a fun event. That has gotten better over the past few years, but events can still be stressful. This time, I just approached it with faith. I had faith that I could get it pulled together because of the amazing team I get to work with, and we have done it before.
I do this in my recovery. I know I was sober the previous day, so I know I can be sober today if I just don’t pick up a drink. I used the same principle to get the event ready to go. I have run hundreds of events. I was able to stay on course and kept the team on track. And, whenever I felt the panic bubbling in my body, I reminded myself that the tornado in the kitchen would NOT keep the team on track.
Making Amends
I did say it was best recovery day, not that it was a perfect day. I no longer believe the perfect day exists. I am human and had a human moment. And in that moment, I hurt someone with my words and actions.
I used my principle of recovery to make an amend. An amend is more than just saying I am sorry. I apologized for my words and actions, and then talked about what I would do differently so I would avoid doing that in the future. I then opened my ears, heart and soul to listen to what this person needed me to do to make it right. That intensely personal, beautiful, and humbling moment still gives me chills. And it brings me to the last part of my best day.
Live in Gratitude
Above all, I was just so grateful all day.
There were the small moments, like when my sister noticed the positive, calm energy of a Farm to Table day. Or, when I was on a work call and this beautiful tapestry of stories was coming together to form a conference panel on food recovery.
I had an overwhelming sense of joy when our Head Chef showed me these amazing Minnesota-shaped breads for the main course of the dinner event. I had so much gratitude that she took the time for this special touch, and then was excited to keep them a secret all day until the big reveal of the plated dinner.
And then my gratitude for an uncomfortable moment that led to a deeper commitment in a newer friendship. The gratitude that this friendship may be one where I can be human, and she will see me for who I am – imperfections and all.
Friday was a wonderful 24 hours, a rare gift in a busy life. I look forward to applying those lessons to every 24 hours in my future.
~~~
The Local Stir is the regular column of Natasha Frost, Brigitte Rasmussen, and Nicole Lange who all happen to have Wooden Spoon in common. At its heart, The Local Stir is about food culture and life in the kitchen but along the way you’ll be touched by the personal lives of all three contributors as well as being stirred by some of their other passions.
