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Revised New Year’s Resolutions

This week is Super-Bowl week, but no real need to watch it as New England is gonna win easily. Final score; Patriots 42, Falcons 26. There ya go. So now that it’s the beginning of February and all of your New Year’s Resolutions are “kaput,” here are my new and revised resolutions. Since the thoughts of losing weight, exercising more, not watching as much TV, etc., have bit the dust, it’s time to begin anew. And these have absolutely nothing to do with those redundant resolutions we all make each year to break all our bad habits. These are thoughts on good habits. And not a single one of them will hurt. Nary a one! I title these resolutions, “My Brand New Life Choices.” No LIfe Coach needed!

1. Make 2017 your best year yet. You have the power to do so Vow to do some of the things you’ve always wanted to do but couldn’t find the time.

2. Call or contact a forgotten friend. Catch up on old times. Stay in touch with each other more than just that Christmas card.

3. Share a funny story with someone whose spirits are down and dragging. A good laugh is always excellent medicine.

4. Promise yourself that you will stay in closer touch with your extended family and good friends. Don’t wait till funerals to catch up. Life goes by too swiftly.

5. Every day, find the time to be kind and thoughtful. Give a compliment. Mean it. It will give the person a much needed lift.

6. Think things through. Forgive an injustice. Listen more. Give friends, neighbors and relatives the benefit of the doubt. Maybe they were having a bad day.

7. And for heaven’s sake, if you’re wrong, apologize. An apology never diminishes a person. It elevates them.

8. Don’t toot your own horn. If you’ve done something of note, others will take notice and acknowledge. If not, the man upstairs will!

8-a In fact, don’t toot in public either!!

9. Lighten up. When you feel like blowing your top, ask yourself, “Will this really matter a week from now?” Then count to ten, or twenty or….

10. Be optimistic-about yourself, your life, your family, your friends and just life in general. Optimism makes life a little more fun.

11. Encourage others. Give them sound advice but encourage them to try. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

12. Don’t abandon your old-fashioned principles. They never go out of style. When courage is needed, ask yourself, “If not me, who? If not now, when?”

13. Walk tall and smile more. This’ll make you look ten years younger automatically.

14. Help someone at least once a week who has no way of repaying you. They’re called “Random Acts of Kindness.”

15. Don’t be afraid to give someone a hug and say “I love you.” Say it again. They are the sweetest words in the world.

Perhaps you have some others. Let me know and I’ll post them later. I read the other day that the only disability or handicap in the world is a “bad attitude.” Let me know what’s on your mind at jsheda@indytel.com or call me at 319-327-4640.