Just for today

Well, since I have now posted 2 days in a row, and 3 times in the last week, maybe my unspoken resolution is to blog more! ;) Don't hold your breath, though...

I found this in the paper today from an old "Dear Abby" column, and just had to share it:

Dear readers: Rise and shine, my friends, and welcome a brand new year! This is our chance for a new beginning. It is the day we discard destructive old habits for healthy new ones. With that in mind, I am printing Dear Abby's often requested list of New Year's resolutions:

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 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 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 (I am not). 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.

She closes with this prayer from St. Francis, and I pray that it will be my prayer also:

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.
Oh, divine master, grant that I may not as much seek to be consoled as to console;
To be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we are pardoned;
It is in dying that we are born to eternal life.