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THE TIMES LEADER www.timesleader.com
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7, 2012 PAGE 7C
Willingness to forgive can help bring love into a world of uncertainty Dear Abby: Several years ago you printed a poem about forgiveness in your column. It described very well the benefits of the practice, and it was accompanied by a sort of “forgiveness schedule” for every day of the week. I clipped the column and saved it, but over time I seem to have lost it. Could you please run this piece again? — Daniela in Toronto Dear Daniela: I’m glad to oblige. The poem you have requested, “Decide to Forgive,” was written by the late Robert Muller, former assistant secretary-
DEAR ABBY ADVICE general of the United Nations. Now, with so much turmoil going on in the nation and in the world, its sentiments are particularly relevant. This poem is part of a collection of letters, poems and essays that are collected in my booklet “Keepers” because so many Dear Abby readers had clipped them and continue to request that they be reprinted. Here is the poem you have requested: DECIDE TO FORGIVE Decide to forgive For resentment is negative
UNIVERSAL SUDOKU
Resentment is poisonous Resentment diminishes and devours the self. Be the first to forgive, To smile and to take the first step And you will see happiness bloom On the face of your human brother or sister. Be always the first Do not wait for others to forgive For by forgiving You become the master of fate The fashioner of life A doer of miracles. To forgive is the highest, Most beautiful form of love. In return you will receive Untold peace and happiness. And here is the program for achieving a truly forgiving heart: SUNDAY: Forgive yourself.
CRYPTOQUOTE
MONDAY: Forgive your family. TUESDAY: Forgive your friends and associates. WEDNESDAY: Forgive across economic lines within your own nation. THURSDAY: Forgive across cultural lines within your own nation. FRIDAY: Forgive across political lines within your own nation. SATURDAY: Forgive other nations. Only the brave know how to forgive. A coward never forgives. It is not in his nature. Since I cannot reprint the continual avalanche of requests I receive for reprints, for those who desire them, my “Keepers” booklet can be ordered by sending your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $7 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby Keepers Booklet, P.O.
Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 610540447. Shipping and handling are included in the price. Many people have told me it makes a welcome gift for newlyweds, new parents, animal lovers, those who are grieving, and anyone who is recovering from an illness because it’s a quick and easy read, and filled with wisdom and humor on a wide variety of topics.
To receive a collection of Abby’s most memorable — and most frequently requested — poems and essays, send a business-sized, selfaddressed envelope, plus check or money order for $3.95 ($4.50 in Canada) to: Dear Abby’s “Keepers,” P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Postage is included.)
HOROSCOPE BY HOLIDAY MATHIS
GOREN BRIDGE WITH OMAR SHARIF & TANNAH HIRSCH PREVIOUS DAY’S SOLUTION
ARIES (March 21-April 19). Your will is strong, and what you want may indeed be what is best for everyone. However, you must be careful not to overpower others with your passion. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). The games you choose are hard enough on their own, so there’s no need to put up with team members who drag you down. Seek those who are warm, supportive and positive. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Multitasking will prove to be generally a rotten idea except in the instances of listening to audio books while traveling or making phone calls while you walk an unpopulated stretch of track or sidewalk. CANCER (June 22-July 22). You’ll act in a vigorous and determined way to exert your authority and have a meaningful impact. You may spend time working out how you might alter the behavior and thinking of others. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). If you’re feeling discouraged, you’ll rely too much on outer forces to shape your path. That’s why you need to make sure that you’re feeling enthusiastic. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You’ll go into the day with a take-charge attitude, and you’ll use your knowledge to alter your circumstances. Your winner’s mindset is unstoppable. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). As much as you may try to avoid being the center of attention, the eyeballs will still be trained on you. It has to be this way because you know what you’re doing and you need to teach others.
CROSSWORD
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SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You’ll be aware of how social conditioning shapes behavior. The one who is trying hard to live up to an image of independence may really need your help. Your compassion helps you see the truth. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You won’t have time to be very self-conscious, because you’re so focused on experiencing all you can in one day. You may even dare to sing solo in public or dance for no reason. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You’re likely to put more emphasis on substance than form, though not immediately. A lovely package will draw you in. But you won’t stay “in” if there’s nothing compelling inside it. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You may be concerned about being criticized or judged harshly, but it doesn’t keep you from putting your best work out there for all to see. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You’ll be inspired by a person who really seems to have it all together. You’re already planning your future involvement with this person. TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (March 7). Though a playfulness dominates your energy this year, make no mistake: You still get plenty of serious business accomplished. You’ll purposefully execute new facets of your will through the next 10 weeks. The cast of characters in your personal life changes a bit in May, and you’ll enjoy fresh influences. Libra and Scorpio people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 7, 20, 1, 50 and 19.