No Resolutions Here

I suppose many people who made New Year’s resolutions could be doubting their choices or even missing their goals.

That’s why I didn’t make any this year. It seems the ambitions to exercise more, be nicer, and eat healthier are rather unattainable when we set them before us as areas of obsession.

What I did find that sparked my curiosity is a list of statements one should read often so that maybe, just maybe, some of those thoughts will spew from the mouth when most needed.

The idea is to build up a child, to encourage and strengthen the little one. As I read over the list multiple times, though, I realized that age didn’t need to be a factor.

The basic premise is love, appreciation, acceptance, forgiveness, encouragement, and kindness. It is to learn the value of giving, the need to slow down, the joy of listening, and the hope of wishes. We all need to do better in these areas.

I applaud those who can spend January, February, March, and many more months on treadmills, at gyms, counting calories, and eating healthy. We should take care of our bodies. We should also seek to improve the lives of those around us.

Tell someone you love him or her. Let the person know that you will always possess that love.

Remind a friend of just how amazing he or she is. Share in the one-of-a-kind personality we each have. It isn’t just what we can do that makes us amazing, but who we are.

Know that crying is okay. It comes in moments of sadness, happiness, fear, and pride. Those of all ages can cry when angry, afraid or lonely.

Admit mistakes. Let those around you know that you can accept when you are wrong and that you will work to improve and fix the problems.

Forgive. None of us are perfect. We’ve all been hurt. Grudges only bring suffering to those who hold them.

Show pride in those who make good decisions and acknowledge that many choices are difficult to make. Especially encourage children when they make the right decision as it isn’t always easy to do. Many of us have knowingly made the wrong decisions as it seemed to be the easiest choice.

Understand that change is sometimes necessary. Allow others to have the freedom to alter choices.

Encourage kindness in others. Do something thoughtful and helpful for others as it will make you feel good inside.

Acknowledge good ideas and give credit. Show interest in how people arrived at their decisions.

Listen to others. Ask questions about them and what they have been doing and then listen to the answers. Have a conversation about someone besides yourself.

Talk about your hopes, your dreams, your wishes. Ask others about theirs. Believe that tomorrow will be brighter.

Surprise people. It can be with something very small. It can be for no occasion at all.

Stop rushing. Take time and watch as those around you begin to relax as well.

Let someone else choose the agenda for the day or even an activity to do.

And it never hurts to use manners and kind words when talking with others, to remind people that you miss them when they are gone, and to let friends and family know that you are willing to help them conquer whatever comes their way.

I wouldn’t be who I am today if so many people in my life over the years hadn’t followed these basic principles.