Just For Today

Read this bit yesterday in the Dear Abby Column:

Dear Abby'sNew Year's Resolutions

Just for today, I will live through this day only, and not set far-reaching goals to try to overcome all my problems at once. I know I can do something for 24 hours that would overwhelm me if I thought I had to keep it up for a lifetime.

Just for today, I will be happy. Abraham Lincoln said, "Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be". He was right. I will not dwell on thoughts that depress me. I will chase them out of my mind and replace them with happy thoughts.

Just for today, I will adjust myself to 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 not be a mental loafer. I will force myself to read something that requires effort, thought, and concentration.

Just for today, I will do something positive to improve my health. If I'm a smoker, I'll make an honest effort to quit. If I'm overweight, I'll eat nothing I know to be fattening and I'll force myself to exercise ~ even if it's only walking around the block or using the stairs instead of the elevator.

Just for today, I will make a conscious effort to be agreeable. I will look as good as I can, dress becomingly, speak softly, act courteously,and not interrupt when someone else is talking.

Just for today, I'll try not to improve anybody except myself. We know so much more about nutrition and how much exercise and sensible living can extend life and make it more enjoyable; so just for today, I'll take good care of my body so I can celebrate many more happy new years.

Just for today, I will have a program. I may not follow it exactly, but I will have it, thereby saving myself from two pests: hurry and indecision.

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

Walking journal for Jan. 2 2007

I walked with Allison and Chloe today. We went down the hill, around Walmart and back up again. About 3 miles. It is cool outside, but not cold. Going later in the day meant that this morning's ice had melted off. Its actually 44 degrees today and cloudy. Just about perfect walking weather. I was pretty proud of the fact that, even though I've been off my normal routine for a while, I did well. I kept a steady pace, was able to carry on a conversation and my heart rate returned to normal between the top of the hill and my house; about 1.5 blocks. Not bad for my step back on track. I do think I'm in the market for a new pair of hiking boots though. These old things have a lot of miles on them and the heel is worn down on the inside. I'll add boots to my shopping list.