As we break for a summer of hopeful rest and recovery, it is a great time to reflect on how we would like to be. If you are anything like most of us, starting a good idea is easy, but committing to a habit can be more challenging.
In Matthew 6:34, Jesus says, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” What if you were to commit to a great action or habit or thought, but just for today?
Here’s a list of things you could consider doing, just for today:
- Just for today, I will be as cheerful as possible.
- Just for today, I will read something that requires effort and concentration.
- Just for today, I will pause when someone does something that upsets me, take a breath, and take a moment to decide how to best respond.
- Just for today, I will plan out my day.
- Just for today, I will not blame anyone else for my problems.
- Just for today, I will not make excuses.
- Just for today, I will take responsibility for everything that happens to me.
- Just for today, I will take some action that will move me closer to my dreams.
- Just for today, I will take twenty minutes for meditation, prayer, or reflection.
- Just for today, I will take a risk and do something that’s outside my comfort zone.
- Just for today, I will not speak harshly to anyone or raise my voice.
- Just for today, I will look for ways to compliment others.
- Just for today, I will be less critical and more tolerant of other people.
- Just for today, I will place the best possible interpretation on the actions of others.
- Just for today, I will act as if success were inevitable.
- Just for today, I will refrain from labelling things as “good” or “bad”.
- Just for today, I’m going to focus on the journey instead of the destination.
- Just for today, I’m going to accept things as they are, instead of struggling with what is.
- Just for today, I will do at least one activity mindfully, being fully present.
- Just for today, I will exercise for half an hour.
- Just for today, I will not put any junk food in my body.
- Just for today, I will do something for someone else without any expectation of getting something in return.
- Just for today, I will think of what is noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praise-worthy.
- Just for today, I will be patient.
- Just for today, I will give someone who is struggling a word of encouragement.
- Just for today, I’ll try not to change anyone.
- Just for today, I’ll remember that everyone is doing the best that they can.
- Just for today, I will belittle no one.
- Just for today, I will stop trying to control events and other people.
- Just for today, I will be kind to myself.
- Just for today, I will cherish this day as if it were my last.
- Just for today I will not put off until tomorrow something that I can do today.
- Just for today I will carve out an hour of my time and invest it in my future.