A Not So New Year's Resolution, But Still

It's been a bit of a wild ride, interiorly speaking, and now that I'm posting again, and it's still January, I thought I'd share my resolution with you. Actually, I didn't create it; it's something written by Blessed John XXIII (Roman Catholic pope from 1958 to 1963, who surprised the world when at the age of almost 80, convened the Second Vatican Council). This is called "The daily decalogue of Pope John XXIII."

A person (I) could improve their (my) interior (and exterior) life tremendously by focusing on this daily for a year. Or longer. Actually, after reading this each morning, I just might select only one or two to incorporate into my life that day. It would likely still result in progress.

Only for Today

1. Only for today, I will seek to live the livelong day positively without wishing to solve the problems of my life all at once.
2. Only for today, I will take the greatest care of my appearance: I will dress modestly; I will not raise my voice; I will be courteous in my behavior; I will not criticize anyone; I will not claim to improve or to discipline anyone except myself.
3. Only for today, I will be happy in the certainty that I was created to be happy, not only in the other world but also in this one.
4. Only for today, I will adapt to circumstances, without requiring all circumstances to be adapted to my own wishes.
5. Only for today, I will devote ten minutes of my time to some good reading, remembering that just as food is necessary to the life of the body, so good reading is necessary to the life of the soul.
6. Only for today, I will do one good deed and not tell anyone about it.
7. Only for today, I will do at least one thing I do not like doing; and if my feelings are hurt, I will make sure no one notices.
8. Only for today, I will make a plan for myself: I may not follow it to the letter, but I will make it. And I will be on guard against two evils: hastiness and indecision.
9. Only for today, I will firmly believe, despite appearances, that the good Providence of God cares for me as no one else who exists in this world.
10. Only for today, I will have no fears. In particular, I will not be afraid to enjoy what is beautiful and to believe in goodness. Indeed, for twelve hours I can certainly do what might cause me consternation were I to believe I had to do it all my life.

— Blessed Pope John XXIII

And you, friends? Does any of this resonate with you? How are you coming with your New Year's Resolutions or your Word (or Phrase) for the Year?

Blessings and peace... – — – — – — – — –