New Year’s Resolutions

Happy 2012! With the arrival of the New Year, there are the inevitable discussions about New Year’s Resolutions. In fact you’ve probably had them already. But who actually makes them? A better question might be who actually keeps them? I’m thinking that the prevailing occurrence is to make a bunch, write them down, and look back a couple of months later and realize we’ve forgotten all about them. Sound familiar?

So maybe these resolutions need to be simplified. A number of years ago, someone gave me a rumpled piece of paper containing postulations called “the secrets to happiness.” No, they weren’t things like “win the lottery” or “rob a bank.” Or even “stop smoking” or “lose weight” (although these are good personal resolutions to be sure). They were thoughtful things that each one of us could do to make ourselves feel better while having a positive influence on others at the same time. And, with a little editing of course, they make great New Year’s Resolutions.

So if you haven’t made any yet, maybe there will be something in here you’ll find valuable. As a little boy who was wildly giggling while sitting in the middle of a pile of horse manure said, “There just might be a pony in here somewhere!”

If you have a list of resolutions, focus on just one at a time, master that one, incorporate it into your routine, then go to the next. It’s easier that way.

Everyday, do something nice and try not to get caught.

Skip two meals a week and give the money to the homeless, through something like the Milwaukee Rescue Mission.

Be on time.

Admit it when you make a mistake.

Don’t argue, discuss.

Take time to be alone, at least once a day.

Every once in a while, hand-write a thank you note and mail it.

Be kind to kind people.

Be even kinder to unkind people.

Be humble.

Listen more, talk less.

Know when to say something.

Know when to keep your mouth shut.

When people ask you something about yourself, make sure to ask a question about them.

Don’t criticize anyone for 24 hours.

Drink wine.

If you haven’t worn something in the last two years, donate it.

Every day, take a 30-minute walk in your neighborhood. Even when it’s cold.

Donate blood if you can.

When you’re feeling a bit down, force yourself to smile.

Learn from the past, plan for the future, live in the present.

Always try to take the high road. The view’s better.

What resolutions have you made? And kept? I’d love to know.

Happy New Year, everyone! All the best in 2012!

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