I fully resolved not to make any resolutions this year. But while perusing the Sunday paper this balmy New Year’s Day morning, I came across Dear Abby’s list of New Year’s resolutions. She adapted these credos from the original Al-Anon manifesto, so technically, they are twice over NOT my resolutions. They are pretty dead on, so I’ve only slightly modified them to suit my place and time.
Just for today: I will live through this day only. I will not brood about yesterday or obsess about tomorrow. I will not let all of the hooplah about the Myan Calendar freak me out. I will not set far-reaching goals or try to overcome all of my problems at once, but not because I believe the world is going to end on December 21st.
I know that I can do something for 24 hours that would overwhelm me if I had to keep it up for a lifetime. But if I can just do it for one little day, it will be enough.
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 (or images of lounging on a Costa Rican beach, or my son’s smile). I will not let rainy days and Mondays get me down. I will go to yoga and actually try to breathe instead of using the time to dwell on mental to-do lists.
Just for today: I will accept what is. I will face reality. I will correct those things I can correct and accept those things I cannot. I am not an alchemist; I cannot turn lead to gold.
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. I will not rot my brain watching reality television or Fox News. I will not waste too much time on Pinterest. I will write something.
Just for today: I will make a conscious effort to be agreeable. Even if it nearly kills me. I will be kind and courteous to those who cross my path, even if they are cutting me off in traffic and flipping me the bird. I will improve my appearance, speak softly, and not interrupt when someone else is talking. I will strive to make my fake smile seem genuine, and to learn to bite my lip without causing pain.
Just for today: I will refrain from improving anyone but myself. Except for my kid. I’m a parent. That’s kind of my job. Adults, however, are not my responsibility. They are on their own.
Just for today: I will do something positive to improve my health. If I’m a smoker, I’ll quit. (Are there really still smokers out there?) If I am overweight, I’ll eat healthfully — if only for today. If I’m at a good size, I will try to eat more veggies and less crap. And not only that, I will get off the couch (or desk chair) and take a brisk walk, even if it’s only around the block instead of to the gym (where I’m paying for a membership anyway).
Just for today: I will gather the courage to do what is right and take the responsibility for my own actions. I will treat people as I want to be treated. Karma is a bitch, but only if I am. I will be enough.
That is great – thanks for sharing. You can do anything for a day – I need to remember that. Happy New Year to you and your family.
I try and do this every day as well. This will sound really cheesy, but years ago I was told to create a motto when things got overwhelming. What did I pick? TOMATO. Take One Moment At A Time Only. It's lame, but when things get ridiculous, I remember that all we have is this moment and the chance to take the next step forward. Just for today…
Happy New Year, my friend!
My resolution was not to eat my young.
My recent post Resolutions of a 49 Year Old Muffin Top
That's a pretty great set of resolutions. One day at a time, and suddenly it's not all so daunting. That Dear Abby was a pretty wise one 🙂
Oh, I love this! Such a great idea.
Your new(or newish? I'm so behind b/c of the holidays) design is awesome!
My recent post Old Resolutions and a Confident New Year
Same to you Gigi!
I love that. I might steal it even. But you'll never know, because I'll just be chanting it in my head. Cheers, my tomato…
That's generally a good resolution. I don't think they'd taste like chicken.
Thanks! I'm totally behind from the holidays as well. And not yet ready to catch up! Happy New Year to you.
Wasn't she now. And technically, I think the basis for theses was kicked out by the current Dear Abby's mother! I guess times don't change that much after all.
What a great post! I hope to do some of these on a day to day too.
My recent post The wrap up
Sometimes you really DO have to repeat and say the obvious, just as a reminder. We all need reminders 🙂 Loved these short and simple (if remembered!) resolutions! Thanks for sharing.
My recent post Validating a Job Well Done
You have no idea how perfect this post is for MY semi-quasi-resolution of Be. Here. Now.
Thank you! I'm printing it to hang in my closet where I'll see it every morning 🙂
My recent post 2012: Treasure Each Moment
"Just for today" needs to be my daily mantra. It often floats through my mind in the mornings as I set off for work, but I quickly either forget it or push it aside.
Yeah. I need to not do that anymore.
Love this!
Great list now if only I can stick to ½ of it I'll be very happy. Also, I Love the new design! Happy New Year!
My recent post 2012 the year of the ….
Beautifully done. {Truly}
My recent post Sweetness and Light
Great post. Very much along the same lines as mine. I just decided for this year I will just do better. Better than before at whatever I'm attempting. Stopping by from Mama Kat's.
This is truly an awesome list. It reminds me of the "one day at a time" motto I adopted when I was going through grief several years ago. A friend gave me a ceramic cross that has since been broken twice (by my kids) and glued back together. Anyway, it has "One Day At A Time" written across it in giant letters and that sounded so simple yet so genius to me at the time. Still does.
Great post!
Very well put! You (and Abby and Al-Anon) are very wise!
My recent post Oh Fine. I'll Do it.
Oh, I like that, and I would even remember that. 😉
My recent post Looking Forward
This is a great perspective, and I think it's a great way to start the year. Resolutions or not, these are things we should all remember.
So glad you linked this up with us at Just.Be.Enough!
My recent post Looking Forward
I really like this idea. There's no sense in getting overwhelmed with the the future, so let's just think about today! Good advice!