Each year at the end of December, we make solemn oaths to lose weight, exercise more, eat nutritionally-balanced meals, stop smoking, get organized, etc. By the end of January, for most of us, those well-intentioned promises to ourselves have fallen by the wayside along with the cast-off self-help books and tapes, exercise equipment, nicotine patches and diet plans.
This year, I propose we do something a little different -- a little revolutionary. Instead of making resolutions that are born out of guilt about our own personal bad habits, let's concentrate instead on making the changes in our lives that lead to happiness in the lives of others. Our reward will be the positive feelings that come back to us when we help those around us in need.
1. Commit at least one random act of kindness each day. It can be something as small as picking up a piece of trash off your neighbor's front lawn or as grandiose as anonymously paying someone's utility bill when you know they are struggling to make ends meet.
2. Let someone cut line in front of you. Whether standing in a store or sitting in your car, it will make you feel better to do it. Trust me.
3. Don't say anything about a person to others that you wouldn't still say if he or she was standing right in front of you.
4. Smile, wave and say "Hi" to everyone you meet. It will improve your disposition and theirs.
5. When someone talks to you, actually listen to what they are saying instead of running through the laundry list in your head of all the things you need to be doing that particular day.
6. Say "please" and "thank you" to people. It won't kill you.
7. Compliment those around you when they do a good job. They hear enough negative comments when they do something wrong.
8. Remember other people's special days. You're not the only one who has a birthday.
9. Say a prayer for others before you ask God for something for yourself.
Try to live by the Golden Rule. Always treat other people the way you would want to be treated.
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