Dear Ann Landers,
've read your column since I was 7. Now, I have a daughter that age. Reading about other people's problems has made me realize how small mine are. You guided me through a difficult childhood and adolescence. I could pick up the paper every day and learn how others solved prob-lems similar to mine. And I knew I wasn't alone. I also learned from you that most problems aren't so serious that you can't have a sense of humor about them. Many of your columns are so good they should be read over and over. I have even gone to the library to find the columns you wrote be-fore I was born. I didn't want to miss anything. You've been a strong, positive influence in my life, and I'd like to say thanks by sending you this essay. I hope you'll print it. Lessons Learned from a Lifetime of Reading Ann Landers You are responsible for your own happiness. No one can diminish your self-esteem unless you give them permission to do so. People won't stay mad at you long if you can say, "I blew it, and I'll try to make amends." When something is troubling you, tell people you trust instead of trying to cover it up. You'll be surprised to learn that they've been through something similar. Don't pass up an opportunity to tell people you care about them. You may never get another chance. Reserve judgment until you know all the facts. Even then, keep your mouth shut if no useful purpose is served by adding your two cents' worth. Be grateful for your good health and the health of those you love. Be aware that without good health, wealth and success mean little. If you enjoy your work and your life, you are rich. If you aren't happy with either, how can money help? If you're having a rotten day, don't take it out on others. Simply say, "This is a rotten day. Tomorrow is sure to be better." This attitude can save a lot of relationships. Don't be afraid to try something you think you can't do. ANN IAN HERS There's no such thing as the perfect man or woman. Look for the best overall package of ambition, kindness, consideration, self-esteem and intelligence. Otherwise, you'll spend your life alone. Spend time with your children. You can respect and learn from people even if you don't like them. You can learn something from everyone-because every person in the world knows something that you don't. -Nancy Line Jacobs, Omaha

Dear Nancy,
Your letter is a wonderful example of how my readers learn, not so much from me as from one another. And that is the real value of this column. Thank you. Play II Again. Sam Scattered throughout this book are many of my readers' favorite poems and essays. No book would be complete, however, without including the rest of my collection. I hope everyone will find that cherished poem or essay in here. Just for Today Just for today I will live through the next 12 hours and not tackle my whole life's problems at once. Just for today I will improve my mind. I will learn something useful. I will read something that requires effort, thought and concentration. Just for today I will be agreeable, I will look my best, speak in a well- modulated voice, be courteous and considerate. Just for today I will not find fault with friend, relative or colleague. I will not try to change or improve anyone but myself. Just for today I will have a program. I might not follow it exacdy, but I will have it. I will save myself from two enemies-hurry and indecision. Just for today I will exercise my character in three ways. I will do a good turn and keep it a secret. If anyone finds out, it won't count. Just for today I will do two things I don't want to do, just for exercise. Just for today I will be unafraid. Especially will I be unafraid to enjoy what is beautiful and believe that as I give to the world, the world will give to me. 3 12 ANN LANDERS What you are about to read was sent to me by a reader from Tennessee. The author is Jim Stentzel. This little essay drives home the point, in a forceful manner, that each of us is an important part of a bigger picture. Keep this handy and reread it when you get to feeling insignificant. You do count. And if you doubt it, read this a second time. Am I Really Needed? Xvxn though my typxwritxr is an old modxl, it works swxll xxcxpt for onx of thx kxys. I'vx wisEixd many timxs that it workxd pxrfxctly. Trux, thxrx arx 42 kxys that function, but onx kxy not working makxs thx dif- fxrxncx. Somxtimxs, it sxxms to mx that our organization is somxwhat likx my typxwritxr-not all thx pxoplx arx working propxrly. You might say, "Wxll, I'm only onx pxrson. It won't makx much diffxrxncx." But you sxx, an organization, to bx xfficixnt, nxxds thx activx participation of xvxry pxrson. Thx nxxt timx you think your xfforts arxn't nxxdxd, rxmxmbxr my typxwritxr, and say to yoursxlf, "I am a kxy pxrson and thxy nxxd mx vxry much."