Thursday, January 1, 2009

Just for Today

Today as I was reading the paper, I came across these two things in the "Dear Abby". With the new year upon us and everyone making resolutions, I thought it would be something good to post on the blog. The first one is called "Just for Today" and it's actually used to people who are in the Al-Anon program. However it is suggested in the article to take resolutions one day at a time, like Al-Anon suggests for people. I know when I start thinking about my resolutions, I can definitely get overwhelmed thinking about the year.


Just for Today


Just for today, I will live through this day only.


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 for a lifetime.


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'll improve my appearance, speak softly and not interrupt when someone else is talking.


Just for today, I'll 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'll eat healthily - if only just for today.


And not only that, I'll get off of the couch and take a brisk walk, even if it's only around the block.


Just for today, I will gather the courage to do what is right and take responsibility for my own actions.




Prayer of St. Francis


Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.


Where there is hatred, let me sow love;


Where there is injury, pardon;


Where there is doubt, faith;


Where there is despair, hope;


Where there is darkness, light;


Where there is sadness, joy.


O divine master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;


To be understood as to understand;


To be loved as to love.


For it is in giving that we receive;


It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;


It is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Just FYI: Just for Today is not only for Al Anon but for all 12 step programs. Good words to live by...
Happy New Year!! Love Heather

Sheri said...

Love the Just for Today. Great thoughts to start the year! And I'm with you - I'm definitely ready for a new year (or new phase of life or something new :)