one day at a time
One day at a time
This is a tattoo I have on my forearm, facing me. When I first got it, people were confused. Most script tattoos face outward so others can read them, but mine doesn't. It faces inward, toward me, because it was never meant for anyone else.
At least, not at first.
I got this tattoo several years ago, during a season of my life when my anxiety felt LOUD. Not always visible, not always dramatic, but constant. The kind that makes your mind race into the future. The kind that convinces you everything needs to be solved right at that moment. The kind that turns every small uncertainty into overwhelming "what ifs".
Anxiety pulls us out of the present moment. It lives in tomorrow. Or next month. Or next year.
"One day at a time" is my way of silencing that spiral.
It reminds me that I don't have to solve everything, and I definitely don't have to solve it all at once. A reminder that I don't need to anticipate the outcome of every worry. I just have to get through the day, whether it's the next 5 minutes or the next hour.
Facing me, this tattoo is one of my grounding tools. It's a quiet intervention, a physical reminder that progress does not equal perfection; it's just about being present.
While this tattoo started as something personal, something only I needed, I share it now because I know I'm not the only one struggling with anxious thinking. For anyone whose mind runs ahead of them, who feels pressure to have it all figured out, who worries they are falling behind, you are not alone.
You are allowed to slow down, you are allowed to take it one day at a time. Healing doesn't have to be a dramatic breakthrough; it can be choosing, again and again, to stay in today.
@madalyn777
One day at a time 🩷🤗
@madalyn777
I love the idea of having a little personal tattoo that only you know of to keep you going! I've always wanted a little motivational quote somewhere on my body so it can be my little personal encouragement whenever I feel down as well! I find your story to be inspiring and I'm so glad that even the smallest scripture is able to have such a big impact on you (as it should!). Thank you for sharing your story and lifting the mood of others, reminding them that they aren't alone even with their struggles and that they must continue on with their lives and overcome!
Thank you so much! I really appreciate your kind words and I hope one day you find the right motivational quote for yourself to use as your own grounding tool as well!
@madalyn777
I would not have said it better. Thank you sincerely. Your words truly described how everything within me felt at times, anxious, worried, perfection, anticipation. I never had the tools to calm myself down in taking things slow. It was the only way I thought I existed. I’m not alone. Now I’m taking things slow. Realised this recently by the age of 44 (I’m now 45) that it was not me I was trying to impress. Though I have impressively executed everything in life perfectly. But it wasn’t for the right reasons. It wasn’t for the reasons that made me at peace. It was for others. Responsiblity and accountability has always put me anxiously on my toes. Exhausted, tired, discomfort, pain and inner ugliness. Never said I love you to me. Never said I have done enough and never said I am human after all.
Now I have become the “take it one day at a time” woman that has this tattooed in my head and soul. It took time but I’m willing to take more as much of the time that was taken away from me. Its a long healing process and I want to heal to be able to receive love and feel loveable.
Thank you for your beautiful reminder that we are never alone in this world.
Thank you so much for sharing this. Your message is truly inspiring and I’m so glad that this thread has been comforting for you. Your story is very admirable and encourages us all to tell ourselves we love us, to remind ourselves we are enough without any accomplishments required, and we are all here for the first time learning together. Thanks again!!
I also have a tattoo on my inner arm that says "don't worry, you are ok" in my native language. I get panic attacks often that triggers my GERD. I close my eyes and tell myself everything will be ok. I love the meaning of your tattoo and what it symbolizes. "One day at a time" take a deep breath and live each day slowly within your own capability.
@madalyn777
thank you so much for sharing this. it truly means a lot. and im very grateful to have read it, especially since anxiety's been hitting me hard lately, and this really made sense to me, a lot. seriously, thanks again❤️
Thank you, I’m really glad to hear that this was helpful. Anxiety can be so hard and I’m glad you feel supported here!!
@madalyn777 I love this!!
