Dear Reader:

The last morning at home before leaving for Edisto…I walked out to the garden and there stood (quite proudly) the most beautiful lily which looked like a combination of sunrise and sunset….it took my breath away.

It also reminded me that each day new surprises and possibilities await us…isn’t life exciting that way?

I have taken on the task on trying to clean out my “Documents” folder which is worse than organizing old family photos. The majority of the documents are educational activities I saved for workshops….but now going back through them again…I find myself reminiscing over the fun I had with students and teachers, alike, singing, rapping, and dancing to history.

I, also, realized, that I had saved some stories, poems, and anecdotes from early blogs dating back to even 2010…and found myself stopping to re-read them again…that is how I discovered this poem. It seemed to “fit” with my sunrise lily discovery. I hope you enjoy the poem as much as I do.

“Each new day is a blank page in the diary of your life. The secret of success is in turning that diary into the best story you possibly can.”
― Douglas Pagels

Beginning Today
By: Author Unknown

Beginning today I will no longer worry about yesterday.
It is in the past and the past will never change.
Only I can change by choosing to do so.

Beginning today I will no longer worry about tomorrow.
Tomorrow will always be there, waiting for me to make the most of it.
But I cannot make the most of tomorrow without first
making the most of today.

Beginning today I will look in the mirror and I will see a person worthy
of my respect and admiration.
This capable person looking back at me is someone I enjoy spending time
with and someone I would like to get to know better.

Beginning today I will cherish each moment of my life.
I value this gift bestowed upon me in this world and I will unselfishly
share this gift with others.
I will use this gift to enhance the lives of others.

Beginning today I will take a moment to step off the beaten path and to
revel in the mysteries I encounter.
I will face challenges with courage and determination.
I will overcome what barriers there may be which hinder my quest for
growth and self-improvement.

Beginning today I will take life one day at a time, one step at a time.
Discouragement will not be allowed to taint my positive self-image,
my desire to succeed or my capacity to love.

Beginning today I walk with renewed faith in human kindness.
Regardless of what has gone before, I believe there is hope
for a brighter and better future.

Beginning today I will open my mind and my heart.
I will welcome new experiences. I will meet new people.
I will not expect perfection from myself nor anyone else: perfection does not exist in an imperfect world.
But I will applaud the attempt to overcome human foibles.

Beginning today I am responsible for my own happiness and I will do
things that make me happy . . .
admire the beautiful wonders of nature, listen to my favorite music,
pet a kitten or a puppy, soak in a bubble bath . . .
pleasure can be found in the most simple of gestures.

Beginning today I will learn something new; I will try something
different; I will savor all the various flavors life has to offer.
I will change what I can and the rest I will let go.
I will strive to become the best me I can possibly be.

Beginning today. And every day.

……………………………

So until tomorrow…Let’s start writing the best chapter in our life story…a real cliff hanger filled with hope and the happiest of all endings.

“Today is my favorite day”  Winnie the Pooh

* Johnny Johnson commented on  the blog post “Love the Little Things in Life”….I think we all share in these true thoughts….

“It is part of my morning ritual to sit on my deck and see the little things like the small flowers in the flower pots, listening to the birds singing their good morning songs, even watching my resident lizard that I talk to.The lizard drops and listens as if it understands what I am saying, looking at me turning its head constantly.

I love the little hints God gives us to see and hear each day and the peacefulness it brings me. Oh and of course reading your blog after I come in each morning. Though I was interrupted yesterday and I am a day behind on the blog. It’s these little things that make my day get started out right. The peace that comes over you when you are alone and its quiet is priceless and maybe a Godswink that says today will be a great day! ”