(This is one of my favorite motivational pieces; I read it often when in need of encouragement. Hope you enjoy it as well! - Jamie)
Photo by elbfoto
1. Just for today I will be happy. This assumes what Abraham Lincoln
said is true: 'Most folks are about as happy as they make their mind
up to be.' Happiness comes from within; it is not a matter of
externals.
2. Just for today I will try to adjust myself to what is; not try to
adjust everything to my own desires. I will take my family, my
business, and my luck as they come and fit myself to them.
3. Just for today I will take care of my body. I will exercise it,
care for it, nourish it, not abuse or neglect it, so that it will be
a perfect machine for my bidding.
4. Just for today I will try to strengthen my mind. I will learn
something useful. I will not be a mental loafer. I will read
something that requires effort, thought, and concentration.
5. Just for today I will exercise my soul in three ways: I will do
someone a good turn and not get found out. I will do at least two
chores I don't want to do, as William James suggests, just for
exercise.
6. Just for today I will be agreeable. I will look as well as I can,
speak diplomatically, act courteously, be liberal with praise,
criticize not at all, nor find fault with anything, and not try to
regulate or improve anyone.
7. Just for today I will try to live through this day only, not
tackle my whole life problem at once. I can do things for twelve
hours that would appall me if I had to keep them up for a lifetime.
8. Just for today I will have a program. I will write down what I
expect to do every hour. I may not follow it exactly, but I will have
it. It will eliminate two pests: hurrying and indecision.
9. Just for today I will have a quiet half hour by myself and relax.
In this half hour sometimes I will think of God, so as to get a
little more perspective into my life.
10. Just for today I will be unafraid. Particularly, I will be
unafraid to be happy; to enjoy what is beautiful; to love; and to
believe that those I love, love me.
- Sybil F. Partridge
