A Thought for the New Year
January 1st, 2016. A new year. Also a time for contemplation, a time for New Year's resolutions and thoughts, and a time when we discard the destructive, old habits for healthy, new ones. Supposedly. Back when, a good friend of mine, Janet Wilson, suggested that I journal today the New Year's resolutions that she makes every year, based on her time in Alcoholics Anonymous. She got this list from the column that Dear Abby wrote way back when. So here's some thoughts for folks to think about as we get ready to head into a New Year...
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.
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 am overweight, I will eat healthfully - if only just for today. And not only that, I will get off 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.
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.
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 am overweight, I will eat healthfully - if only just for today. And not only that, I will get off 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.