Today is all we have!

When my memoir came out in 2009, my publicist hooked up tons of interviews all over the country. But there is one I’ll never forget. I was sitting in a trailer in Lowell, Massachusetts on a movie set. It was hot, mid-July, and my cell phone rang.  It was Dennis Miller.

I remember my body froze for a quick beat. Dennis Miller? I’d watched this guy on Monday Night Football, I’d seen his show on HBO, and caught a few of his movies.  It was fucking surreal.  Okay, so my trailer was just a little bigger than my closet and the toilet was right next to me. But my name, Richie Farrell, was on the door.

Twenty-three years earlier, I’d been a full-blown heroin addict in the very same parking lot I was now sitting. In fact, when I opened my door I could see the smoke tower of the old mill building I had overdosed in 23 years ago. But hey, it was Dennis Miller asking me questions about my memoir. I had to clear my throat and put the butterflies in my stomach into formation.

At first, being a funny guy, Dennis attempted to take shots at my book’s title, “What’s Left of Us.”  But I gave it right back to him, told him I had watched his old TV show and he looked much better on his new radio program.

Now my publicist had warned me I’d only have seven minutes. In other words I should only give short answers in bites to sell the book. Well three commercial breaks and twenty-two minutes later, Dennis wrapped it up with this, “Richie, I have family who struggle with addiction. Just how do you get 23 years?”

My replied, “It’s easy! In fact, so easy; it’s the hardest thing a person will ever do.  You do it one day at a time. For me, making it that simple, the ones have added up to over 8,000 days.”

Now this might sound like a bunch of bullshit to you. But try it. In fact, I challenge you to try it for 21 days. Whatever you’re addicted to, whatever you’re struggling with, I’ll guarantee you it works. Get up in the morning, look squarely into the mirror, and repeat this, “Just for today, I’m not going to (fill in the blank).” Now your blank might be drugs, alcohol, sex, food, whatever, it could even be worry. You could be depressed. If so, look into the mirror and say, “Just for today, I’m not going to be depressed. I’m going to be happy!”

Now grow a set of balls and try it. After 21 days, it will be a habit and who knows-- you may like it. If not, fuck it; you can always go back to killing yourself with drugs, alcohol, or food. Whatever?

Just remember this, yesterday is gone, tomorrow is just that, tomorrow…. TODAY IS ALL WE HAVE!