Today...

Today I was sent this and another poignant email, each of these reminded me that there are better things to do, and better ways to be. I don't know how it is that I forget the simplest of truths. They don't change, and yet I constantly need reminding. There isn't always tomorrow. I'm altogether painfully aware of that.
In the last week I have poured all of my energy into fighting. I have poured every spare second into my anger. I have neglected myself, I have neglected my boyfriend, I have neglected to call my family. To what end?
Perhaps the lesson I ended up getting out of it was worth it, but what about everyone else in my world that has been put on hold whilst I sorted it out? Was it worth it to them?
While I was dealing with my own rage, was it fair to tell my brother to piss off? Was it fair to leave my boyfriend sleeping on his own, when he wanted nothing more than to soothe me? Was it fair to me?
The short answer is no.
So today I start anew, today I begin again with love in my heart. I will follow the example I was sent via email, and today I will make a difference.


TODAY I WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE ---

by Max Lucado

Today I will make a difference. I will begin by controlling my thoughts. A person is the product of his thoughts. I want to be happy and hopeful. Therefore, I will have thoughts that are happy and hopeful. I refuse to be victimized by my circumstances. I will not let petty inconveniences such as stoplights, long lines, and traffic jams be my masters. I will avoid negativism and gossip. Optimism will be my companion, and victory will be my hallmark. Today I will make a difference.

I will be grateful for the twenty-four hours that are before me. Time is a precious commodity. I refuse to allow what little time I have to be contaminated by self-pity, anxiety, or boredom. I will face this day with the joy of a child and the courage of a giant. I will drink each minute as though it is my last. When tomorrow comes, today will be gone forever. While it is here, I will use it for loving and giving. Today I will make a difference.

I will not let past failures haunt me. Even though my life is scarred with mistakes, I refuse to rummage through my trash heap of failures. I will admit them. I will correct them. I will press on. Victoriously. No failure is fatal. It's OK to stumble. . I will get up. It's OK to fail. I will rise again. Today I will make a difference.

I will spend time with those I love. My spouse, my children, my family. A man can own the world but be poor for the lack of love. A man can own nothing and yet be wealthy in relationships. Today I will spend at least five minutes with the significant people in my world. Five quality minutes of talking or hugging or thanking or listening. Five undiluted minutes with my mate, children, and friends.

Today I will make a difference.