DEAR READERS: Welcome to 2024. A recent 12 months has arrived; the last one is safely behind us. As all the time, this recent 12 months brings with it our hopes for a recent starting.
Today presents a chance to discard destructive old habits for healthy recent ones and, with that in mind, I’ll share Dear Abby’s often-requested list of Latest Yr’s Resolutions — which were adapted by my late mother, Pauline Phillips, from the unique credo of Al-Anon:
JUST FOR TODAY: I’ll pass though at the present time only. I is not going to brood about yesterday or obsess about tomorrow. I is not going to set far-reaching goals or try to beat all of my problems without delay. I do know that I can do something for twenty-four hours that may overwhelm me if I needed to stick with it for a lifetime.
JUST FOR TODAY: I’ll resolve to be completely satisfied. I is not going to dwell on thoughts that depress me. If my mind fills with clouds, I’ll chase them away and fill it with sunshine.
JUST FOR TODAY: I’ll accept what’s. I’ll face reality. I’ll correct those things that I can correct and accept those I cannot.
JUST FOR TODAY: I’ll improve my mind. I’ll read something that requires effort, thought and concentration. I is not going to be a mental loafer.
JUST FOR TODAY: I’ll make a conscious effort to be agreeable. I might be kind and courteous to those that cross my path, and I’ll not speak sick of others. I’ll improve my appearance, speak softly and never interrupt when another person is talking. Only for today, I’ll refrain from improving anybody but myself.
JUST FOR TODAY: I’ll do something positive to enhance my health. If I’m a smoker, I’ll quit. And I’ll get off the couch and take a brisk walk, even when it’s only across the block.
JUST FOR TODAY: I’ll gather the courage to do what is correct and take responsibility for my very own actions.
And now, Dear Readers, allow me to share an item that was sent to me by L.J. Bhatia, a reader from Latest Delhi, India:
DEAR ABBY: This 12 months, no resolutions, just some guidelines. The Holy Vedas say, “Man has subjected himself to 1000’s of self-inflicted bondages. Wisdom involves a person who lives in response to the true everlasting laws of nature.”
The prayer of St. Francis (of which there are several versions) comprises a robust message:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
Where there’s hatred, let me sow love;
Where there’s injury, pardon;
Where there’s doubt, faith;
Where there’s despair, hope;
Where there’s darkness, light;
And where there’s sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
Grant that I could not a lot seek to be consoled as to console;
To be understood, as to grasp;
To be loved, as to like;
For it’s in giving that we receive,
It’s in pardoning that we’re pardoned,
And it’s in dying that we’re born to everlasting life.
And so, Dear Readers, may 2024 bring with it good health, peace and joy to all of us. — LOVE, ABBY
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also generally known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
DEAR READERS: Welcome to 2024. A recent 12 months has arrived; the last one is safely behind us. As all the time, this recent 12 months brings with it our hopes for a recent starting.
Today presents a chance to discard destructive old habits for healthy recent ones and, with that in mind, I’ll share Dear Abby’s often-requested list of Latest Yr’s Resolutions — which were adapted by my late mother, Pauline Phillips, from the unique credo of Al-Anon:
JUST FOR TODAY: I’ll pass though at the present time only. I is not going to brood about yesterday or obsess about tomorrow. I is not going to set far-reaching goals or try to beat all of my problems without delay. I do know that I can do something for twenty-four hours that may overwhelm me if I needed to stick with it for a lifetime.
JUST FOR TODAY: I’ll resolve to be completely satisfied. I is not going to dwell on thoughts that depress me. If my mind fills with clouds, I’ll chase them away and fill it with sunshine.
JUST FOR TODAY: I’ll accept what’s. I’ll face reality. I’ll correct those things that I can correct and accept those I cannot.
JUST FOR TODAY: I’ll improve my mind. I’ll read something that requires effort, thought and concentration. I is not going to be a mental loafer.
JUST FOR TODAY: I’ll make a conscious effort to be agreeable. I might be kind and courteous to those that cross my path, and I’ll not speak sick of others. I’ll improve my appearance, speak softly and never interrupt when another person is talking. Only for today, I’ll refrain from improving anybody but myself.
JUST FOR TODAY: I’ll do something positive to enhance my health. If I’m a smoker, I’ll quit. And I’ll get off the couch and take a brisk walk, even when it’s only across the block.
JUST FOR TODAY: I’ll gather the courage to do what is correct and take responsibility for my very own actions.
And now, Dear Readers, allow me to share an item that was sent to me by L.J. Bhatia, a reader from Latest Delhi, India:
DEAR ABBY: This 12 months, no resolutions, just some guidelines. The Holy Vedas say, “Man has subjected himself to 1000’s of self-inflicted bondages. Wisdom involves a person who lives in response to the true everlasting laws of nature.”
The prayer of St. Francis (of which there are several versions) comprises a robust message:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
Where there’s hatred, let me sow love;
Where there’s injury, pardon;
Where there’s doubt, faith;
Where there’s despair, hope;
Where there’s darkness, light;
And where there’s sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
Grant that I could not a lot seek to be consoled as to console;
To be understood, as to grasp;
To be loved, as to like;
For it’s in giving that we receive,
It’s in pardoning that we’re pardoned,
And it’s in dying that we’re born to everlasting life.
And so, Dear Readers, may 2024 bring with it good health, peace and joy to all of us. — LOVE, ABBY
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also generally known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
