Today: Where It Takes Place

“This nondescript, never-to-be defined daytime is
The secret of where it takes place
And we can no longer return to the various
Conflicting statements gathered, lapses of memory
Of the principal witness.  All we know
Is that we are a little early, that
Today has that special, lapidary
Todayness that the sunlight reproduces
Faithfully in casting twig-shadows on blithe
Sidewalks.  No previous day would have been like this.
I used to think they were all alike,
That the present always looked the same to everybody
But this confusion drains away as one
Is always cresting into one’s present."
-  John Ashbery, Self-Portrait in a Convex Mirror, 1975

I have enjoyed reading poetry in the month of April.  I have read poems from these two books every day in April, 2022:

The Penguin Anthology of Twentieth Century American Poetry.  Edited by Rita Dove.  Penguin, 2011, 599 pages.

The Oxford Book of American Poetry.  Edited by David Lehman.  Oxford, 2006, 1132 pages.

One objective of mine, from April 20 to May 20, 2022, is to write each and every day.  

My objectives must be under my control, measurable, realistic, specific, accomplished on time, positive, and reported daily. |
The daily measurement and reporting on objectives helps to keep me on track towards accomplishment.

Measurements are recorded in writing so results can be evaluated accurately and properly over weeks and months.
Changing a habit requires at least 90 days of consistent accomplishment of the specific remedial objectives.
“Objectives” are also referred to as plans, aims, goals, resolutions, targets, projects, daily actions, specific tasks, etc.  
Daily steady improvements accumulate over time towards success. 
Belief and confidence in your goals is essential to success in making improvements. 
Norcorss Principles:  Psych, Prep, Perspire, Persevere, Persist.   

Changing Habits – Bibliotherapy

Changeology: 5 Steps to Realizing Your Goals and Resolutions.  By John C. Norcorss. 

Atomic Habits.  By James Clear.