Handbook for a Better Year

            It’s hard to believe the year is 2015.  It sounds too much like a futuristic science fiction movie but in reality, it really is 2015. A message sent to me by my mother-in-law gave me seven handy hints for a great new year: one to remember each day of the week.

            One: Drink plenty of water. This is a great tip for a healthy body.  It’s common knowledge now that we should all drink at least eight glasses of water every day to feel healthy.

            Two: Don’t waste your precious energy on gossip.  I would say most of the time those unkind things you hear from others are not true and if they are you shouldn’t repeat them.  Life is too short to waste time in passing on unwanted news.  You have no idea what the other person has gone through so don’t pass on any gossip.

            Three: Live by the Three E’s: Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy.  All that you spend your time doing can either uplift you or drag you down.  Calling your family often, doing something good for others and forgiving others of any inconveniences can be of great worth in living by the “E’s” of life. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

            Four: Make time to pray.  The world would tell you that praying is a waste of time, but I don’t believe that.  No matter what religious sect you belong to, there is always time to pray.  You can pray while driving to work or cleaning the house or before eating breakfast.  It helps the day go by much better and you will find that enthusiasm and empathy stay with you longer.

            Five: Play more games.  This reminds us how fun life is or is supposed to be.  All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy so find time during the month whether weekly or every other week to play games with your friends and family. 

            Six: Read more books than you did in 2014. Reading is so good for the mind and it can take to far away places which makes it less expensive than taking a trip to Europe.  Reading also helps you ponder the challenges you face every day while also giving you an escape.

            Seven: Take a ten to thirty minute walk daily, and while you walk smile.  I learned something very profound from my own son last week.  His secret to a happier life was to smile all the time.  I was very surprised to hear him say that as he has not always been a happy kid.  No one is in charge of your happiness except you. While the walking is physically good for your heart, the smiling is emotionally good for your soul and everyone else around you. 

            So there you have it, seven helpful hints for a better 2015. Happy New Year.