Happy New Year...Ideas for an enjoyable life

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My birthday is new year's eve and David and I are going to our old home town to spend it with friends. I won't be around to wish all of you in Mylot land a happy new year so I am doing it today instead. I will comment when I come back...but look forward to anything you might want to share or add to the ideas I will list below. My mother had a phrase that she offered to people and I now offer it to each of you as we wind down this year and begin another..."I wish for you all that you wish for yourselves." With that in mind I came across these ideas for an enjoyable life and wanted to share them with you as a reminder to all of us that it truly is the simple things in life that matter. I have been a member here for seven months and during that time I truly have come to value the connections I have made here. Regular chats with older on-line friends...and discovering new ones is a gift that keeps on giving for me and I look forward to continuing that in 2008 and beyond. With work and personal commitments I cannot be here as much as I was during the spring and summer...but I intend to keep in touch regularly. A comment I read on a friend's site says it all for me with those I connect with here.."I love my computer because my friends live there." Good one! So here they are...ideas that can help each of us live a happier, healthier life...and that is what I sincerely hope is true for you and yours as we say goodbye to 2007 and look forward to 2008 and beyond! I'd love to hear what you think about them and if you'd care to add a few of your own we will all benefit. That is the joy of sharing circles...what goes around comes around as we pass things forward. IDEAS FOR A HAPPY, HEALTHY LIFE Keep good company...and take time to stop and smell the roses...coffee...or whatever else pleases you Don't nag, gossip or interrupt Be an attentive listener to everyone of all ages from the youngest to the oldest Improve your performance by improving your attitude Don't expect money alone to bring you happiness Never deprive someone of hope...it may be all they have Slow dance, be romantic and remember to say 'please' and 'thank you' often Don't take loved ones for granted Find something to laugh about...it is really good for your health and well-being Do more than is expected of you...it feels good Put pride aside and be willing to say you're sorry when you know you've been out of line Don't take your health for granted...it is a responsibility...not a right Don't rain on other people's parades...cheer with them Leave everything a little better than what you found it Live in the NOW of your experience rather than bemoaning the past or fretting about the future...all we really have is this moment Never give up on anyone...miracles can and do happen every day Be truthful... say what you mean...and mean what you say Take care of your reputation...that and your integrity are valuable assets Do fun things...wear outrageous underwear under formal or business attire, break up routines and remind yourself that you are a free spirit if you allow yourself to be one Make it a habit to do thoughtful things for others...who may never find out Do what you say you will and keep your promises In an attitude of gratitude count your blessings large and small Be kinder, more compassionate and thoughtful than is expected Enjoy and be thankful for every meal...many do not have meals to enjoy Be forgiving of yourself and others...we are all a work in progress Show up when friends and family are in need Stop playing the blame game and be responsible for the direction life is going. If you don't like it choose something different Be someone's hero In closing I would like to add a couple of mine own...At the end of this year and the beginning of the next may we judge our successes more by the degree of peace, health and love we have than by the outer yardstick society tries to impose upon us. May each of us be an example to younger people that when they think of fairness, self-responsibility, care, compassion and integrity they think of the many everyday heroes that I know from experience are out there. May we strive to among them. Wishing you light filled blessings and an enjoyable life in the coming year and those to follow. Raia