Angela Maiers Educational Services: Happy New Year Friends!

Rise and shine, everyone! Welcome to a brand-new year. Today is our chance for a new beginning, and a chance for your hopes, dreams, and goals to turn into a reality. With that in mind, I'm printing Dear Abby's often requested list of New Year's resolutions. Abby reminds us that the decisions we make each day, not just on this one day are what matter most:

JUST FOR TODAY, I will live through this day only. I will not brood about yesterday or obsess about tomorrow. I will not set far-reaching goals or try to overcome all of my problems at once. I know that I can do something for 24 hours that would overwhelm me if I had to keep it up for a lifetime.

JUST FOR TODAY, I will be happy. I will not dwell on thoughts that depress me. If my mind fills with clouds, I will chase them away and fill it with sunshine.

JUST FOR TODAY, I will accept what is. I will face reality. I will correct those things that I can correct and accept those I cannot.

JUST FOR TODAY, I will improve my mind. I will read something that requires effort, thought and concentration. I will not be a mental loafer.

JUST FOR TODAY, I will make a conscious effort to be agreeable. I will be kind and courteous to those who cross my path, and I'll not speak ill of others. I'll improve my appearance, speak softly, and not interrupt when someone else is talking. Just for today, I'll refrain from improving anybody but myself.

JUST FOR TODAY, I will do something positive to improve my health. If I'm a smoker, I'll quit. If I'm overweight, I'll eat healthily -- if only just for today. And not only that, I'll get off the couch and take a brisk walk, even if it's only around the block.

JUST FOR TODAY, I will gather the courage to do what is right and take responsibility for my own actions.

So stop with those silly one week resolutions and think about JUST TODAY. What is the one, most productive, powerful, fulfilling thing you can do to make your life or the life of someone you care about better? JUST FOR TODAY- do that one thing! Remember...you can sooo do that!