Every year has its ups and downs and 2015 was no different. Probably for each one of you, there were times of celebration and times of sadness and disappointment. Life is life and whatever happens, we have to decide how we’re going to react to it. And when one year ends and another begins, the dreaded phrase, “New Year’s Resolutions” pops up in conversations. This phrase becomes almost synonymous with “how’s the weather” or “how ya doin.” And often we see those typical answers, losing some weight, exercising more, getting organized, eating smarter, etc. However, this column will not stoop so low as to talk about New Year’s Resolutions. Goals perhaps, but never resolutions! Here are some 2016 thoughts just for you!!

May you get a clean bill of health from your dentist, cardiologist, gastro-enterologist, urologist, proctologist, podiatrist, psychiatrist, plumber and the I.R.S.

May your hair, teeth, face-lift, abs and your stocks & bonds not fall and may your blood pressure, triglycerides, cholesterol, white blood count and your mortgage not rise.

May you find yourself seated around the table with family and friends often and find the food better, the environment quieter, the cost cheaper, and the fun merrier.

May what you see in the mirror not scare you and what others see in you make them smile

May you love someone enough to forgive their faults and be blind to their blemishes and have the same back to you.

May the telemarketers go on an extended strike in 2016..

May all the commercials on TV not be louder than the show you’re watching.

May both your checkbook and your budget balance and have some left over for acts of charity.

May you remember to say “I love you” at least once a day to your spouse, your children, your parents, your siblings, but not to your secretary, masseuse, hairdresser or tennis instructor.

May you live in a world at peace in 2016. Pray for peace. But at the same time to not be afraid to fight for “what’s right.”

May you spend each evening before retiring to thank God for your many blessings.

May you be the friend that someone else so badly needs. May you send one card per month to someone who does not expect it. May you write something nice in that card.

May you be aware of God’s magnificent beauty in every sunrise, sunset, flower budding its petals, every baby’s smile, every simple kiss & hug and every wonderful, astonishing, miraculous beat of your heart.

May you in 2016 make your corner of the world a better place to live in.

May you make the rest of your life the best of your life. Laugh more and whine less.

May you smile more…..while you still have your teeth.

And may you continue to read “The Way I See It” with anticipation and awe.

Happy New Year! Remember in life, you always have three choices; Giving up, Giving in or Giving it all you got. Go with the third one.

That’s The Way I See It!

Let me know how you see it at jsheda@indytel.com or call me at 319-334-4117.