One of the topics we hit on in our speaking programs is fear. Fear is a major obstacle to living an Adultitis-free life. Grown-ups sure have an easy time maxing out their daily quota of worry and fear. Our imaginations instantly create the worst case scenario, rarely leaving time for what’s likely to happen, or even what the best case may be.
Here’s the truth… fear is paralyzing – mentally, spiritually, and physically. It fills our 
head, heart and body with unnecessary tension preventing chemicals and hormones from working properly… leading to a bunch of health issues that are not good. (technically speaking, of course) I know I’ve said this before, but it’s good to remember that F.E.A.R. is False Evidence Appearing Real. Most of the things we worry about never even happen. Truly.
I’ve been reading the classic book by Dale Carnegie, “How to Stop Worrying and Start Living.” This books is jam-packed with ideas and insights that shake you to the core. What a waste this gift of life truly is, if/when you live it in fear.
There’s a poem that is in the book that I want to share. Maybe you’ve read it before, but it certainly deserves another read.
Just for Today
– By Sibyl F. Partridge
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 not try 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 it nor 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. 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 as 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. In this half-hour sometimes I will think of God, so as to get a little more perspective into my life.
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.
Quite by chance, ( or was it chance? ) I found, read this article, and it literally made my day! I was able to change a potentially negative day into a positive one. Thank you for reminding me about the crippling effects of fear and worry.
I’m seventy-two years old, and STILL have to be reminded about this on a regular basis. Am I stubborn, or what?
Raymond,
Great hearing from you!
I’m glad I’m not the only stubborn one, needing reminders on a regular basis. ;)
How awesome that you’re 72 years YOUNG.
In regards to it being “chance” or not that you found my article… I’ve heard it said before that coincidences are God’s way of staying anonymous.
Thank you! That’s always a good reminder. I’ve seen so many people making decisions and judgment calls based on misunderstandings that they think they understood… But I wonder how much I’ve done that? Probably more than I realize. I know the people I’ve seen do it don’t seem to realize that they’re doing it (or they wouldn’t do it).