Just for today…

Source: google.com via Vinobaby on Pinterest

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.

Namaste, my friends, 
and best wishes for a happy, healthy, and sane 2012.

23 thoughts on “Just for today…

  1. Gigi

    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.

    Reply
  2. Abby

    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!

    Reply
  3. angela

    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 🙂

    Reply
  4. What She Said

    "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.

    Reply
  5. pegbur7

    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.

    Reply
  6. Diane

    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!

    Reply

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