January 2, 2011

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2011 is just two days old and it already feels like it will be a good one.

We often talk of resolutions we make, should make, are gonna get around to making or skip altogether.

I was asked what my New Year's resolutions were going to be. Instead of answering the typical nonsense of 'exercise more, eat right and lose weight', I pondered. What would truly be a resolution that would change the lives of the people who share this planet with me?

Resolutions are often "I" propositions with no regard to the "WE" who inhabit the planet.

Some things I can consider that will make life more bearable for my fellowman:

+ Listen without forming my 'wise worded response'. Truly listen to what their heart is saying to me and wait for them to ask for any of my opinions.

+ Laugh more. Too much stress is caused by simply taking things way to seriously.

+ Smile at others. Who cares if they think I'm a lunatic for smiling at them? The fact is, people can have their entire day changed with just one smile.

+ Find opportunities to do meaninful activities of service, care and compassion for others without waiting to be 'organized' to do them. Something done NOW imperfectly beats the heck out of nothing done at all because it wasn't organized perfectly.

+ Love my family without reservations. They deserve it if for no other reason than the fact that they endure me.

Those may not be stellar, but they are enough to be getting on with.

Happy 2011!