To all readers: Welcome to 2024. A new year has arrived. The last one is safely behind us. As always, this new year brings with it the hope of new beginnings.
Today is your chance to let go of destructive old habits and develop healthy new ones. With that in mind, I'd like to share a list of New Year's resolutions that are often requested by my dear Abby. This list was adapted by my late mother, Pauline Phillips, from her original beliefs. Al Anon:
just for today:I will live. Only on this day. I don't dwell on yesterday or get attached to tomorrow. I don't set far-reaching goals or try to overcome all my problems at once. I know I can do things 24 hours a day that would be overwhelming if I had to do them for the rest of my life.
just for today: I decide to be happy. I don't dwell on depressing thoughts. If my heart is full of clouds, I will chase it away and fill it with sunshine.
just for today: Accept things as they are. I will face reality. Fix what can be fixed, and accept what can't be fixed.
just for today: I improve my mind. Read something that requires effort, thought, and focus. I will not become a spiritual wanderer.
just for today: I will make a conscious effort to agree. I'm kind and polite to those who cross my path, and I don't speak ill of others. Dress well, speak softly, and avoid interrupting others when they are speaking. Just for today, I will stop trying to improve anyone but myself.
just for today: Do something positive to improve your health. If I'm a smoker, I'll quit. Then get up from the couch and take a brisk walk, even if it's just around the block.
just for today: Have the courage to do the right thing and take responsibility for your actions.
Well, dear readers, I would like to share with you an article sent to me by a reader, LJ Bhatia, who lives in New Delhi, India.
dear abby: There are no resolutions this year, only some guidelines. The holy Vedas say: Wisdom is given to those who live according to the eternal laws of nature. ”
The Prayer of St. Francis (of which there are several versions) contains a powerful message:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Let's sow love where there is hate.
Please excuse any injuries.
When in doubt, have faith.
Where there is despair, there is hope.
Where there is darkness, there is light.
And where there is sadness, there is joy.
O divine master,
Indeed, I do not desire to be comforted, but to be comforted.
To be understood, to be understood.
To be loved, to love.
Because by giving we can receive.
By forgiving we are forgiven,
And by dying we are born into eternal life.
Dear reader, may 2024 bring us all health, peace, and joy. — Love, Abby
Dear Abby was written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at DearAbby.com or PO Box 69440 (Los Angeles, CA 90069).
