by J.B. Lester, Publisher/Editor
Creating a “New You” is all the rage around the New Year. Since none of us is perfect, it seems only logical that we would want to improve ourselves a bit. But where the heck do you start? How do you narrow down the list, that for some of us could be quite lengthy? I have my top ten that I use as personal guidelines. If you find any that you would like to add to your list, feel free to borrow one or more of mine. There’s no copyright on wisdom.
#1) Open your mind to new things. Without this first one, the rest will never happen. So this one is universal. A closed mind is like a book with no pages, a song with no lyrics, a canvas with no art. Try something different. It may taste bad or it may be delicious, but it will be an adventure. And adventure fuels the spirit and creates a joy within you that fends off the mundane and dreary.
#2) Perform a random act of kindness. Everyone needs help. Big or small. Doing something for someone else sets in motion a wave of good karma that spreads warmth on cold days, light in the darkness and offers hope to the downtrodden. No other single act deserves a standing ovation more than a random act of kindness! And the encore is even better!
#3) Say you are sorry. Don’t be afraid to admit you are wrong. And it is only half a gesture if you don’t say you are sorry. Sort of like a bagel without cream cheese.
#4) Listen. Most of us love to talk, but few of us have mastered the art of listening. The more you listen, the more you learn. Even if it’s a differing view.
#5) Forgive. This is so important for everyone who has been harmed by someone else. The burden of hate or anger can be heavier than the harm itself. So move on, lighten your load and forgive in order to free yourself.
#6) Love your family. There is nothing stronger than family. Sometimes it may seem otherwise, but over a lifetime, family is the strongest human bond. Fight, kick, scream,… love! Hug your mom and dad, kiss your children and hold them close. Break bread with your brother and sister and celebrate life with your grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins!
#7) Don’t fret. Worrying will kill you before your time. Allowing worry to control your life will cause you to become ill more often and depressed. Don’t confuse “worry” with “concern”. Everyone should be concerned when necessary. Concern calls for action. Worry digs a hole.
#8) Have fun. Life is short. Enjoy the time you have. If what you are doing is not much fun. Try something else. Lighten up! Find something that makes you happy. Do it. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Live long and prosper.
#9) Get married — find friends. Statistics show that married people and people with good friends live longer and enjoy life more. This is one for a chat around the water cooler at work. Loneliness comes from the root word “lone” after all. “No man is an island” said poet John Donne. I would have to agree. I love my peeps! They put up with me and warm my heart!
#10) Give. Someone much smarter than me once said that we should be judged by the size of our hearts and not our purses. Love is stronger than gold. Caring shines more than silver. Giving is the best exercise for the heart!
Happy New Year! J.B. Lester; Publisher