Mr. Carnegie was an inspiring man to people around the world. Throughout his life, Mr. Carnegie collected, reflected upon, and shared with others writings that he himself found to be inspirational. Today we share with you one such message, written by Sybil F. Partridge and reprinted with credit in Mr. Carnegie’s book, How to Stop Worrying and Start Living. Although this pasage was written in 1916, it’s wisdom stands true today. Enjoy!
Just for Today
- Just for today I will be happy. This assumes that 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.
- Just for today I will try to adjust myself to what is, and try not 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.
- Just for today I will take care of my body. I will exercise it, care for it, nourish it, not abuse or neglect it, so that it will be a perfect machine for my bidding.
- Just for today I will try to strengthen my mind. 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; and I will do at least two things I don’t want to do, as William James suggests, just for exercise.
- Just for today I will be agreeable. I will look as well as I can, dress becomingly as possible, talk low, act courteously, be liberal with praise, criticize not at all, nor find fault with anything and not try to regulate nor improve anyone.
- Just for today I will try to live through this day only, not to tackle my whole life problem at once. I can do things for twelve hours that would appall me if I had to keep them up for a lifetime.
- Just for today I will have a program. I will write down what I expect to do every hour. I may not follow it exactly, but I will have it. It will eliminate two pests: hurrying and indecision.
- Just for today I will have a quiet half-hour all by myself and relax.
- Just for today I will be unafraid, especially I will not be afraid to be happy, to enjoy what is beautiful, to love and to believe that those I love, love me.
– Written by Sibyl F. Partridge, 1916
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