It’s the dawn of a new day, and a new year.
The canvass of my life seems as fresh and clean as the new-fallen snow blanketing the earth outside my window. Now the challenge is, how not to trample it with confused, muddy footprints that wander around aimlessly, making a mess without really going anywhere.
I found great inspiration to guide me forward this year in the re-printed New Year’s Resolutions written some years ago by Pauline Phillips, the original Dear Abby columnist, which she adapted from the credo of Al-Anon:
Just for today, I will live through this day. I will not brood about yesterday or obsess about tomorrow. I will not set far-reaching goals or try to overcome all of my problems at once.
I know that I can do something for 24 hours that would overwhelm me if I had to keep it up.
Just for today, I will be happy. I will not dwell on thoughts that depress me. If my mind fills with clouds, I will chase them away and fill it with sunshine.
Just for today, I will accept what is. I will face reality. I will correct those things that I can correct and accept those I cannot.
Just for today, I will improve my mind. I will read something that requires effort, thought, and concentration. I will not be a mental loafer.
Just for today, I will make a conscious effort to be agreeable. I will be kind and courteous to those who cross my path, and I’ll not speak ill of others. I will improve my appearance, speak softly, and not interrupt when someone else is talking. Just for today, I will refrain from improving anybody but myself.
Just for today, I will do something positive to improve my health. If I’m a smoker, I’ll quit. If I’m overweight, I will eat healthfully – if only for today. I will get off the couch and take a walk.
Just for today, I will gather the courage to do what is right and take responsibility for my own actions.
It’s the dawn of a new day, and a new year – which it really is, fresh and alive with possibility, every day. Let us enjoy a mindful journey towards health and happiness, one day at a time, all year long.
Cheers!
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