My name is Shawn Walchef. I am an alcoholic sports bar owner who has been in recovery and sober since April 29, 2012.
Living one day at time is a foundational principle of the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) program and other programs of recovery. This simple principle has the power to help so many people who are not in the program, but are currently struggling with fears like the Coronavirus pandemic.
“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change. The courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.”
This is the serenity prayer that is recited at every Alcoholics Anonymous meeting.
I am fortunate to host regular recovery program meetings every week at my Cali BBQ in Spring Valley. The meetings have had a profound impact on my personal sobriety as well as many others.
On January 13, 2020, I implemented a new daily habit into my life which I call #SunriseGratitude.
My goal was that everyday no matter what, I would spend at least one hour outside walking, running or hiking when the sun rose. Everyday the goal was to be proactive in an activity that would impact my mind, body and spirit in a positive way.
Digitally documenting my journey on Instagram Stories, Twitter, and Facebook were also part of my goal to hopefully inspire one of my friends to implement a similar practice in their lives.
On January 18, 2020, I posted my first Instagram feed post about my journey and those who inspired me:
On Day 8 I posted this in my IG Feed:
Creating a new daily compounding habit has been one of the most difficult and rewarding personal goals I have embarked on in the last decade.
Thank you my mentors who continue to inspire me to be better today than I was yesterday.
I despise running because I am out of shape.
I despise running because I want to run with the rabbits when the race starts.
After the pain, the soreness and the heavy breathing, I have come to embrace my daily life as a tortoise ?
Thank you to all the incredible friends who have been sending me DMs in the last week with words and emojis of encouragement.
One day at a time.
On February 3, 2020 I interviewed my mentor David Meltzer and one of my main inspirations for my Sunrise Gratitude routines on our Digital Hospitality podcast. Here is a clip from the podcast about my #SunriseGratitude daily habit:
Now others have been inspired and joined me along the way in sharing their daily gratitude.
No matter where you are in the world, no matter how many followers you have, you can be a beacon of hope for those around you by spreading gratitude by living one day at time.
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