Promises that you make yourself are often like the Japanese plum tree—they bare no fruit. —Frances Marion—
Promises are merely empty words if they aren’t backed up by action. And action is generally preceded first by deliberate resolve, then verbalized commitment (often to someone besides ourselves),
and finally, a carefully laid out plan of steps to be taken. Promises that are made, but not kept, quickly hamper any progress we dream of making. They hang like weights on our shoulders, reminding us of our weak resolve. Only actions can fulfill our promises. Perhaps we’d do well to make a promise, any promise, only for a day. We can always renew it tomorrow. The additional and unexpected gift is that a promise kept, no matter its magnitude, enhances our self-image. And since we can live only one day at a time, no promise need be made for longer. All of us can manage to fulfill one promise, for one day, if we believe in it and in ourselves. Today offers me the opportunity I need to feel better about myself.