Just For Today

I couldn’t find out exactly who wrote this poem. There is a version that is attributed to Dear Abby and there is evidence to suggest that this poem was used by Al-Anon and other12 Step Programs.  Regardless, I believe that this is a wonderful poem for caregivers, as well.

Just For Today

Just for today I will try to live this day only

And not tackle my whole life problem at once.

I can do something for twelve hours that would appall me

If I felt that 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,

“That most folks are as happy as

They make up their minds to be.”

 

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 not be a mental loafer.

I will read something that requires effort, thought and concentration.

 

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 at least two things I don’t want to do… just for exercise

I will not show anyone that my feelings are hurt.

They may be hurt, but today I will not show it.

 

Just for today I will be agreeable,

I will look as well as I can, dress becomingly,

Talk low and courteously, criticize not one bit,

Not find fault with anything and not try to improve

Or regulate anybody except myself.

 

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 have a quiet hour all by myself and relax.

During this hour, sometime, I will try

To get a better prospective of my life.

 

Just for today I will be unafraid, especially,

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.