"Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment."
~ Buddha
Just like that, another holiday season is over, officially over as of today. Another year past. Decorations boxed and stored. Journals from the past year reviewed. Just like that. Like so many holidays of the past. Over in the blink of an eye. And at the same time, so unlike other holiday seasons we have known together. Far less frenetic. Far more uncertain.
I have been tempted to make a list of resolutions, create a list of specific goals, design a year of special events and special memories, as I have so many years in the past - anything to gain a semblance of control. Fortunately, I was reminded, by Dear Abby no less, that there is a simpler way, one that I believe will serve John and me much better this coming year.
On New Year's Day, the current Abby, the original's daughter, shared an often-requested list of resolutions that her mother adapted from the original credo of Al-Anon. I prefer to think of them as guidelines or aspirations that can provide a framework for a simpler, more mindful year. I offer my edited highlights, those that speak most to me, and a couple more that these have inspired.
"Just for Today: I will live through This Day Only. I will not brood about yesterday or obsess about tomorrow."
"Just for Today: I will not dwell (my emphasis) on thoughts that depress (or worry, or frighten, or anger, or...) me."
"Just for Today: I will accept what is. I will face reality. I will (strive to) 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." Or inspiration.
"Just for Today: I will do something to improve my health."
And....
Just for Today: I will do something that is creative and enjoyable.
Just for Today: I will do something to simplify our home.
Just for Today: I will do something with John that is fun.
If any of these guidelines speak to you also, I encourage you to read the original list in its totality. And whether you create resolutions, or goals, or guidelines, or choose to let the year unfold as it will, may it be a healthy, happy one.
I have been tempted to make a list of resolutions, create a list of specific goals, design a year of special events and special memories, as I have so many years in the past - anything to gain a semblance of control. Fortunately, I was reminded, by Dear Abby no less, that there is a simpler way, one that I believe will serve John and me much better this coming year.
On New Year's Day, the current Abby, the original's daughter, shared an often-requested list of resolutions that her mother adapted from the original credo of Al-Anon. I prefer to think of them as guidelines or aspirations that can provide a framework for a simpler, more mindful year. I offer my edited highlights, those that speak most to me, and a couple more that these have inspired.
"Just for Today: I will live through This Day Only. I will not brood about yesterday or obsess about tomorrow."
"Just for Today: I will not dwell (my emphasis) on thoughts that depress (or worry, or frighten, or anger, or...) me."
"Just for Today: I will accept what is. I will face reality. I will (strive to) 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." Or inspiration.
"Just for Today: I will do something to improve my health."
And....
Just for Today: I will do something that is creative and enjoyable.
Just for Today: I will do something to simplify our home.
Just for Today: I will do something with John that is fun.
If any of these guidelines speak to you also, I encourage you to read the original list in its totality. And whether you create resolutions, or goals, or guidelines, or choose to let the year unfold as it will, may it be a healthy, happy one.
No comments:
Post a Comment