The Dear Abby column presents One Day Resolutions from Dear Abby every New Year’s Day. These are adapted from Twelve-Step Programs. Although the DMC is only a Two-Step Program — (1) we admit we are dull; (2) we’re keeping it that way — we like these resolutions that Dear Abby presents. We have adapted them to our needs. We’ve come up with twelve targets for us to aim for each day:
• Today I will try to avoid excitement.
• Today I will try to live slowly and methodically.
• Today I will have a list for the day that will allow me to avoid hurry and indecision.
• Today I will try to enjoy the simple, mundane, ordinary things that life offers.
• Today I will remember what Abe Lincoln said: “Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.”
• Today I will try to adjust myself to what is — will not try to adjust everything to my own desires.
• Today I will take my luck as it come and fit myself to it.
• Today I will try to strengthen my mind. I will not be a mental loafer. I will study — read something that requires effort, thought and concentration — to learn something useful.
• Today I will try to be agreeable, to look as good as I can, dress becomingly, talk low, act courteously.
• Today I will try not to criticize — to not find fault with anything.
• Today I will not try to improve or control anyone except myself.
• Today I will try to live only in today. I will realize that I can do something for twelve hours that would frighten me if I thought I had to keep it up forever.
