* Just For Today*

In my previous post, I mentioned that we try to counsel our patients and teach them life skills in the short period of time that we have them. We frequently use the message below and I am not sure of the author. However, the message could apply to anyone, not just the adolescents we share it with:

Just for today I will try to live through this day only and not tackle my whole life problem at once. I can do something for eight hours that would appall me if I felt that I had to keep it up for a lifetime.

Just for today I will adjust myself to what is, and not try to adjust everything to my own desires. I will take my luck as it comes, and fit myself to it.

Just for today I will try to strengthen my mind. I will study, I will learn something useful. I will read something that requires effort, thought and concentration.

Just for today I will be happy. Abraham Lincoln said, "Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be."

Just for today I will exercise my soul in three ways: I will do somebody a good turn and not get found out. If anybody knows of it, it will not count. I will do two things that I don't want to do for self discipline.

Just for today I will have a program. I may not follow it exactly, but I will try. I will save myself from two pests: Hurry and indecision.

Just for today I will have a quiet half hour to myself, and relax. During this time I will try to get a better perspective of my life.

Just for today I will be unafraid. I will not be afraid to enjoy what is beautiful, and to believe that as I give to the world, so the world will give to me.

Just for today I will be agreeable. I will look as good as I can, dress becomingly, talk low, act courteously, criticize not one bit, not find fault with anyone and try not to change or improve anybody but myself.
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As you read each of these, don't you think that if we all practiced these simple life lessons, just for today, we could live in a harmonious world, a world without war, suffering, and pain. We would be more tolerant of different lifestyles, different skin colors, different religions, creeds, ideals. What a wonderful world that would be...................