Here are ten resolutions to make when you awake in the morning. They are Just for One Day. Think of them not as a life task but as a day’s work. These things will give you pleasure, but they require will power. You do not need resolutions to do what is easy. Tell yourself just for today…

#1. I Will Be Happy

Just for today I will be happy. This assumes what Abraham Lincoln said is true, that “most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” Happiness is from Within; it is not a matter of Externals.

#2. I Will Take Things As They Come

Just for today I will try to adjust myself to what is, and 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. I Will Take Care Of My Body

Just for today I will take care of my body. I will exercise it, care for it, nourish it, not abuse it nor neglect it, so that it will be a perfect machine for my will.

#4. I Will Strengthen My Mind

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.

#5. I Will Exercise My Soul

Just for today I will exercise my soul in three ways: A) I will do a good deed for somebody and and not get found out. If anybody knows of it, it will not count. B) I will do at least two things I don’t want to do, as William James suggests, just for exercise. C) I will not show any one that my feelings are hurt. They may be hurt, but Today I will not show it.

#6. I Will Be Agreeable

Just for today I will be agreeable. I will look as well as I can, dress as becomingly as possible, talk low, act courteously, be liberal with praise, criticize not one bit nor find fault with anything, and not try to regulate nor improve anyone.

#7. I Will Live Today Only

Just for today I will try to live through this day only, and not tackle my whole life-problem at once. I can do some things for twelve hours that would appall me if I had to keep them up for a lifetime.

#8. I Will Make A Schedule

Just for today I will have a program. I will write down just what I expect to do every hour. I may not follow it exactly, but I’ll have it. It will save me from two pests, hurry and indecision.

#9. I Will Take 30 Minutes For Myself

Just for today, I will have a quiet half hour, all by myself, and relax. During this half hour, at some point, I will think of God, so as to get a little more perspective on my life.

#10. I Will Be Fearless

Just for today I will be unafraid. I will especially not be afraid to be happy, to enjoy what is beautiful, to love, and to believe that those I love, love me.

The original author of the above text is disputed, with some attributing it to a Catholic nun in the 1800’s and others attributing it to a Boston Globe writer in the early 1920’s. What matters is the message. If you think it will help someone make it through today, be sure to share it with them.