Tuesday, February 05, 2008

Triumph Tuesday

Just For Today.

I've seen this credo before, but for some reason, it really jumped out at me when I read it in Dear Abby's column this past New Year's Day. I believe it's history dates back to Al-Anon, a sister 12-step program to Alcoholics Anonymous. Man, they have some good stuff, don't they?

Anyways, I thought I'd create a little flip book for myself with the creed in it so I can focus daily on doing away with my old habits and replacing them with newer and healthier habits. It was such a simple project, but the impact it will have on my life (or yours if you choose to make one too) is huge!I used 4x4 coasters for the front and back. Then I cut slightly smaller pieces of cardstock for the inside pages of the book. I covered the front and back of each coaster with coordinating paper from Cosmo Cricket (love this stuff, the colors are SO me!!!). There are 7 "mantras", if you will, one for each day of the week. I typed the creeds in Word, and then printed them off on some coordinating cardstock. I cut each one out, put it on a separate page, and added a few embellishments to liven it up a bit. Nothing fancy, I swear. This book is something everyone reading this can make. If you don't have a bind-it-all, punch circle holes and use loose-leaf bookrings instead. Or use ribbon to tie your book up. The variations are endless. The most important thing is just to get one made!

I thought the creed was perfect for my Triumph Tuesday feature. Again, we can all triumph over our bad habits. We just have to be cognizant (sorry, spellcheck still isn't working!) of what they are and be commited to doing away with the old and inviting the new with open arms. Will you make this book for yourself today? I encourage you to do so! Here is the creed in it's entirety:

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 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 will improve my appearance, speak softly, and not interrupt when someone else is talking. Just for today, I will 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 am overweight, I will eat healthfully -- if only just for today. And not only that, I will 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.

Seriously, these are things that all of us can improve in ourselves. There's not a one of us here that have everything on this list just right. We are imperfect people. I challenge you to get this creed into your life today!
Have a great day!
Hugs,
Amy

18 comments:

  1. This is beautiful to the heart, as well to the eye! Thanks for sharing!

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  2. Anonymous11:51 AM

    Thank you Amy! I love this idea.
    I needed this......

    Cathy M.

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  3. That turned out phenomenal! And I love the inspirational sayings you chose.

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  4. Thank you, Nicole. Your book is awesome. I copied the mantras and am going to make a book for me and one for each of my sons. Thanks again!

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  5. Oh I just ADORE this idea Amy!!! Thanks for inspiring me. I have been looking for a way to post good thoughts and reminders of the heart - you know something more than a yello sticky note on the fridge. Thanks - I am going to try and tackle something like this.

    I sure hope you're feelig better today! (((hugs)))

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  6. Anonymous3:37 PM

    Hope you are feeling better today. You are one amazing gal...and you make the cutest things!!!! (hugs)

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  7. Amy, thank you so much for the inspiration. I have started 2008 with the goal of taking care of me. Among many issues, weight control is one of them, insomnia another, I am dealing with both and making improvements every day. I will make one of these for myself and many more for gifts for the coming year, you put it so aptly, we all can make some improvements in our lives!! A beautiful reminder sitting by one's computer will help to stay focused. Thanks for the inspiration, I love Triumph Tuesday.

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  8. wow Amy! Thank you so much for sharing this idea because I am definitely going to make one of these for myself this weekend!
    Yours is just beautiful!

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  9. Amy, this is beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing it all with us. I think this would make a wonderful gift. I'd love to make one for myself very soon! Thank you for all your inspiration you share with us. I always enjoy reading what you write and seeing what you have to share.
    Thank-you!

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  10. Anonymous10:41 PM

    Awesome, Amy. Thank you.

    barb

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  11. The inspirational flip book is a wonerful idea. You did a beautiful job.

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  12. Anonymous6:50 AM

    What a beautiful idea! I am definitly going to make one for myself. Dealing with depression most of my life, this little book will certainly serve it's purpose for me. Thank you so much for sharing such an inspirational tool.

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  13. Anonymous7:33 AM

    Wow, I actually got chills when I looked at this. What an amazing little project!

    I am going to have to try to find the time to do this!

    Thanks, hope you're feeling better today.

    Alison

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  14. Anonymous8:37 AM

    What a lovely, inspirational project! Thanks for sharing this. I just might have to case it.

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  15. This looks awesome !

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  16. Amy

    I'm really moved by what you created. You just gave me a fabulous gift idea for my mom's birthday. She's been a "friend of Bill's" for 47 years. I know this is something she will love!

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  17. WOW...love this project. Those inspirational quotes are amazing...what a wonderful job you did on this!

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  18. You are always so inspirational, Amy, both in crafts and in LIFE! Thank you for that!

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