This Year
by R. Harvey Bravman
This year don't let relationships be the casualties of your success. Make sure nobody gets left behind. Take a break from counting your money and start counting your blessings. When your family talks to you, listen. Think about those you've lost, then close your eyes and find them. Try being corny more and sarcastic less. Thank your ex for the children you share. Reconcile with your enemies because they're probably not. If your favorite artist is alive, go out of your way to experience them. Dump your political party. Be independent. Think about your ancestry, there is a history to who you are. Ask the oldest member of your family to tell you the story of something that happened before you were born. Visit more museums and less gift shops. Play air guitar even when your kids are watching. Watch MSNBC less, the Comedy Channel more, and Fox not at all. Try watching soccer but don't give up on football. When you're alone in your car, sing. Set aside some time to daydream and make sure your kids have time for that too. Talk to strangers, how the hell else are you going to meet anyone? Make a new friend. Share your ideas; they're your most valuable gift. Have the courage to fail at something. Don't make life harder than it is. Simplify your plans. Little by little, break out of your comfort zone. Think of every person who loves you and make sure they know you know it. Make sure that every person you love knows it. Make time, not excuses. Keep in mind that the hardest conversations are probably the ones you need to have the most. When someone is kidding, look for the humor until you can laugh. Allow yourself to be strange. Don't buy presents for anyone but your pets, all they do is put up with you. Think of someplace you've never been within 50 miles of your house and go there. Look in the mirror and say, "I love you". Of all the people you know, you probably need to hear it from you the most. Take care of your mind, your body, and your heart. Remember that if you're alive, you're young.
This year enjoy all 365 days of it. (It's not a leap year).
Peace
Best wishes from all of us at ADR to all of you.