A New Year A New You?

The page turns in just a few days. Hope 07 was all you hoped it would be and here’s hoping 08 is all you hope it will be. Hope without a game plan is a wish I was told as a younger man. There’s serious debate as to whether I heeded that advice which up until a few years ago, somewhere in my 30’s arguably I didn’t. People all the time will say to me that life hurts from time to time but when asked what they’re doing to affect change there’s usually a long period of silence. Often it follows with a question or ‘I’ll get back to you on that’. Start 08 realizing a few facts. Facts this columnist learned late and hoping I’ll always be cognizant of. Facts many of us learn younger than older. Life hurts less when you follow a few simple rules. Here they are as best I can explain. Rule number one: Life is a marathon not a sprint. Most New Year’s Resolutions are broken within the first quarter that is to see before the end of March. This because we start on a newly resolved way of life until we realize it’s not easy and results are often limited or non existent. Start slow, build on your new promises and stay steadfast. Don’t expect results early and don’t worry about a return on investment. Stay focused, work towards your goal and persevere. In the long run, the marathon view your goals will be realized.

Rule #2 Don’t take yourself too seriously. This one is getting worse in our society. Everyone, including this columnist needs to lighten up. My oldest will often quip to me, “Dad chill out; everything will be fine. Relax”. That’s always fun hearing advice from your child, especially when they’re 12. Sad but true, Anthony in this case is correct. We live in a stressed out world and from time to time it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that we’re all on a journey and sometimes the journey has some twists. Relax, pray over it in way that works for you, address the issue as best you can and move on.

Rule #3 Be a giver, not a taker. The world is full of takers. Give back your time and your talent. Occasionally your treasure as you’re able. The point is help out your faith community, your neighborhood ( and I prefer to call our area a neighborhood because I’m an ‘old school’ city guy ). Give back to your civic group of choice, help the less fortunate and be an example for your family and friends. If even 2% more of us do this each day, each week, month and year, the dividend paid in improving life for all of us will be amazing.

Rule #4 Manage your time and manage your money. Stop the ready, fire then aim mentality when planning how to spend your time and money. When your time and money isn’t being spent well, life will hurt and it will sorely hurt. Think before you buy, decide on the necessity of purchases, pay yourself first ( save money ) and do the same when managing your time. We all only have so much time and money. These aren’t endless resources. Use them wisely and you’ll live better. Lots better.

Rule #5 Stop complaining. We’ve become a nation of malcontents. I used to get this tag and rightfully so. Stop, enough already. Figure out a plan to improve the situation or problem. Work on the problem from your best advice and move on. Enough said.

Rule #6 For God’s sake turn the technology OFF. How much more time can we spend on laptops, Ipods, PDA’s, Video games, cell phones and more. Today’s technology is the new ‘narcotic’. We’re spending way too much time with all of it. Live life away from a screen and technology. Take a walk. Talk with someone IN PERSON. Ride a bike. Do something. Just turn off the technology and live.

Rule #7 Fix that one thing that’s bothering you. You know what it is. Patiently start the process and then get to action. Watch it get better.

Rule #8 Say Hello, Please and thank you. We’ve lost courtesy. Say hi to people in the store or just walking down the street. We act sometimes like we’re the only people on the planet.

Rule #9 Help a senior. In your family or neighborhood. Check in on them, see to helping them as best you can. Seniors are priceless and they’re a treasure to have with us all, lets remember and respect that by helping them out.

Rule #10 Take stock of your career path. If it’s not where you’d like it to be, then figure out why with help and work on a plan that gives you fulfillment in your work and occupation. Who decided on these ten rules? I’d like to say I did but the truth is I learned those from others walking through life to this point. If you don’t like any or all of them then you’ll just ignore them I’m sure. But if we all do even one of these ten things each day and every day life is going to feel a lot better. For you and those around you. Good luck and much peace and prosperity in 2008. See you in the pages and around town next year.