Promises to myself

The new year is always a good time for resolutions. I prefer to call them promises, promises I make to myself.

Unlike many, though, my promises have remained the same for years, and I use the new year to remind me to be more kind to myself. Here they are if you also need reminding as well.

• I will not let small, simple minds make me doubt my own worth or capabilities.

• I will not look to others for my strength.

• I will not allow the size of my worries to determine the depth of my joys.

• I will not throw away my belief in the goodness of humankind because of the cruelty of a few humans.

• I will not expect miracles, but I will accept them.

• I will not expect my children to act, think, respond or love like adults.

• I will not cry in sorrow, only for joy.

• I will not try to get even; who wants to be equal to an idiot.

• I will not allow money to dictate my decisions.

• I will not allow my problems to be an excuse for not helping others.

I will look upon the morning sunrise as if it were the last one I'd see for eternity.

I will believe in fairness, knowing it rarely, if ever, happens.

I will do without and realize how much better I am without it.

I will marvel at how the world works and chuckle at those who think they discovered why.

I will remind my children that perfection is not their mother's desire, only that they try.

And, I will look at this list whenever the world causes me to forget.