Minneapolis Spokesman

Something To Think About
By Maurice F. White

Now that 1961 is drawing to a close, it is time for all to look to and think seriously about the coming new year. In doing so myself I dug through my files and came up with something from a book I read years ago.

The book was "First Aid To Wiser Living" by William B. Terhune, M.D. As I read the notes I made from Dr. Terhune's book, it struck me that here would be some practical New Year's resolutions which each and everyone of us could put to use, to make 1962 if not a prosperous year then surely a better one mentally.

Dr. Terhune called this a Mental Hygiene Creed.

1. I believe in God, and with His help I will make my life significant.
2. I will adapt to life immediately, completely and gracefully.
3. I will work, rest, exercise, play-every day.
4. I will work at a worthwhile job.
5. I will avoid undue fatigue.
6. I will laugh more every day.
7. I will form good habits of living, thinking, acting, speaking, and feeling.
8. I believe: that self-pity, suspicion, envy, jealousy and revenge, are useless sentiments. That loyalty, courage and kindness are dependable sentiments; in them I will put my trust.
9. I will discount harmful emotional urges, avoid emotional orgies, and keep away from emotionally undisciplined people.
10. I will face facts, discount my likes and dislikes, and cultivate an objective point of view.
11. I will know myself, accept my liabilities, and cultivate my assets.
12. I will make clear-cut decisions and abide by them. I will ask for counsel, and consider it without argument, but let no one make up my mind for me.
13. I do not expect to get precisely what I want in this world. I will not kick against the pricks of life. I expect trouble and have accepted inevitable difficulty, that I may be free to accept opportunity unhandicapped by a sense of difficulties.
14. I know that fear, anxiety and worry cannot hurt me. They threaten to destroy, but they possess no weapons other than the ones I give them. Even though afraid, anxious and worried, I shall continue with my usual activities, knowing that fear is the normal stimulus to courage.
15. I choose to see the good aspects and meanings of life. I do not deny that ugliness and evil exist: I do not overlook them, but having seen them I choose to look for the good.
16. I know and will help others to remember that humanity is a vast reservoir of love, courage, helpfulness, strength and ability, I shall draw on it without limit to help others and myself.

Thus ends Dr. Terhune's Mental Hygiene Creed and my suggestion for a personal New Year's resolution.

Now may I take this brief space to thank my many readers for their support and encouragement. I appreciate all of you—those who agree with me and those who do not. May you all have a Happy New Year.