It was written in 1973 by members of the Young People's Group of Alcoholics Anonymous in Denver, Colorado.
[1] The project was spearheaded by Shelly M., a member of the group who went on to compile Young, Sober & Free and The Pocket Sponsor.
[2] Day by Day was written when there were fewer than 200 Narcotics Anonymous meetings held worldwide,[3] and was the group's effort to produce twelve step literature inclusive of addicts.
Each day's entry contains a meditation, followed by and open-ended statement after which there is a blank space for writing.
Every entry concludes with the sentence, “God help me to stay clean and sober today!”[4]