1) Put down the cell phone when you drive! It’s bad enough we are addicted to these devices but now they have become the biggest traffic hazard since drunk driving. There ought to be a law.
2) Take responsibility for your actions. When you make a mistake, fess up, move on, and try to be a better person. Confession does indeed cleanse the soul. And no one is perfect.
3) Work smart. Americans are some of the hardest working humans on the planet. At least we work the most hours. Working more doesn’t always translate into better productivity. Use your time wisely. Sometimes less is more! Think outside the box – be creative!
4) Give someone a compliment, and mean it. We all need a pat on the back once in a while. Everyone has good qualities that need to be acknowledged. It balances out all the negative energy that comes along and helps keep us stay motivated and interested.
5) Hug a family member, especially children. The love you give a child comes back to you tenfold. And that love will live in both your hearts forever.
6) Be environmentally active. Recycle responsibly. Clean those recyclables. Don’t make environmental concerns political issues. We all live on this planet together and share the same air, water and soil.
7) Try to see the other side. No matter where you are in the political spectrum, compromise is not a dirty word. We all want progress, growth and sometimes
change. Give a little when necessary. Stand your ground when needed. But find a way to engage with others of opposing views in order to get things done. And yes, this means you, too, Congress.
8) Take control of your health. That means you, too, men. Visit the doctor, get all your screenings, tests, etc. and take whatever action is needed to stay healthy. Disease usually doesn’t get better on it’s own without some sort of treatment. Do it for yourself, do it for your family!
9) Have more fun. Find a hobby. People who have hobbies live longer and happier lives. Especially when you retire. But everyone, at any age, can enjoy life more with a hobby or special interest that keeps the creative juices flowing.
10) Do something nice for someone. Random acts of kindness create a positive Karma that stretches out across the universe. It feels so good. The energy you put out is the energy you get back.
11) Stop dwelling on the negative. We have become exhausted by bad news. It is affecting us in many ways but mostly it causes angst and anger. Sometimes we don’t even know what we are mad about. Turn off the news. Think about your upcoming vacation, or your grandkids. Find your happy place. Find 5 things you are thankful for every day.
12) Forgive. All of us have been wronged in our life. And sometimes it really hurts. But the best thing you can do is forgive that person for hurting you. The hurt only continues if you hold that hurt inside and keep it with you. Forgiveness is cleansing and letting go allows you to move on with your life.
13) Keep reading The Healthy Planet magazine. Yes this may be self-serving for me to say, but our magazine will help you achieve many of your New Year Goals. We have many of the resources you need to live a healthier and happier life!
Happy New Year! JB Lester, Publisher