Just for Today . . .

This is a little project I started last night. I saw the idea here on Amy Westerman's Heartfelt Greetings blog. While Amy is going through a particularly difficult time, I don't know of anyone, including me, who wouldn't benefit from the words in this little flip book. They are based on a credo from Al-Anon, a sister program to Alcoholics Anonymous. I made a few small adjustments to the wording to better suit my life. While Amy claims her book to be plain, mine is even more modest. To the writer's way of thinking, well-spoken words don't require a lot of adornment. Besides, I made it for myself to slip into a pocket in my purse. Were I to make it for a gift (which I just might), I'd add more embellishments. Amy's book is also bound with a Bind-It-All machine, a toy I need but don't have . . . yet.

My pages read as follows:

Just for today I will live through this day only and not tackle all of my problems at once. I can do something for 24 hours that would overwhelm me if I felt I had to keep it up for a lifetime.

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

Just for today I will try to strengthen my mind. I will study. I will learn something useful. I will not be a mental loafer. I will read something that requires effort, thought, and concentration.

Just for today I will exercise my soul. I will do somebody a good turn and not get found out. I will do at least two things I do not want to do.

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

Just for today I will not be afraid. Particularly, I will not fear enjoying what is beautiful and believing that as I give to the world so the world will give to me.

Just for today I will have a program. I may not follow it exactly, but I will have it. I will save myself from two pests: hurry and indecision. Just for today I will be agreeable. I will look as well as I can, dress becomingly, keep my voice low, and be courteous. I won't find fault with anything nor try to regulate anyone but myself.

Just for today I will have a quiet, relaxing half hour all to myself. During this time, I will endeavor to get a better perspective on my life.

I have the feeling that if I read through my little book every day and attempt to live by these words, I'll develop better habits and have less "down" days. I had a bad day or two last week, mostly because, while life is good, it isn't exactly the way I'd like it to be. Some aspects of what I don't like, I can change. Other things are beyond my control - things I have to learn to accept. It sounds like I should add one more page that features the Serenity Prayer. I also need to keep reminding myself that I am not going to understand everything in this life. Comfort comes in knowing that someday all things will become clear. I think that's called faith . . .

Tools & Materials: 3-1/2 inch paper coasters, Simple Pleasures paper packet and My Stickease, Colonial White and Cocoa cardstock, Desert Sand ink pad, Round metal-rimmed paper tag, Cricut w/Mini Monograms cartridge, Metal ring, Sanding block.