In this new 2016, several things have already come to mind that i need to do more of this year. I want to share them with you, in the hopes that you as well, might find them WORTH the time and investment. Anyone who knows me much at all, knows that I like to be challenged and to push myself day in and day out. Whether that is intellectually, spiritually, physically or otherwise, I like trying to improve and go beyond the status quo.
Learn something new everyday
Why? This old world is huge and voluminous in its content. There is always some one who knows more than you; Pick their brain. There is always some THING that you don't understand; Do some homework, some research to better wrap your mind around whatever IT is. There is always a need for someone to birth new ideas; Medical, Technology, Economy, Theology etc. are all areas that perhaps YOU could impact with your unique thought. Don't become complacent and simply allow your mind to just run through a daily routine. Challenge your brain! The human brain is like any other part of your body. It needs exercising to stay at or reach an optimal level of operation.
Number two on the list:
Engage is healthy debates or conversation
Here again, the general theme is, keeping that mind of your busy with Good things. Anytime someone willingly debates or has a lively conversation, your personal beliefs are either solidified or they become beliefs that you might feel the need to look at again with more depth. We all like to think that OUR way of doing something, or OUR opinion is the only valid one out there, and in some cases that may be true. In others, ah, not so much.
Remind me to tell you guys about my Dad teaching me to sweep, one of these days. Trust me, it really DOES fit in, there is just not time or space for the telling of that lesson here today.
Number three on the list:
Be more friendly
I am already hearing the uproar from my introverts in the crowd, but truth of the matter is, that any act of being more friendly is a good thing. If you have to just smile and that's it, good for you!.
Did you know that it takes more muscles and effort to frown than to smile?
In today's world with all the unrest between religious groups, political parties, views on gender identity and the like, it can be difficult to set aside our personal view and Just be friendly; however, it Can be done. Here recently I was in line at a restaurant and there was a man who was very argumentative with the lady next to him. He was ranting on about how wrong she was and how ignorant she is. I listened a couple of minutes to their exchange and finally just said to myself, "I need to fix this." I took a step toward them and simply said these 6 little words, "That sun sure is smiling today." Immediately the two of them smiled at me and then at each other, dropped their ridiculous banter and calmed down. If you are not the type to engage someone, or speak up if not directly spoken to, that's fine. Just smile or nod. Offer someone your spot in line if you have the time. Give someone that 20 cents they cant seem to dig out of their purse for their purchase. Anything. Be more friendly. I promise you, You won't be the only one to benefit from it.
Number four on the list:
Read more books
Is your daily existence making you feel down, depressed, hurried and rushed? Can't afford to or have time to take a get away? Need some inspiration, some motivation? Read!! The magic of a book is its ability to take you to a plethora of places, to involve you in a whirl wind of stories, people, ideas. Books engage you from a visceral level and also can engage your emotions, your "heart." I have never been a big reader. Over the years though, forcing myself to read more and read books outside of my preferred topics, I have actually discovered some of the uniqueness and rarity only a good book can bring. Don't know what to read? Well, with all the available topics, classic novels, periodicals, the Bible, poetry out there, just pick something to start with. If you don't find that ONE magical book right off the bat, choose another. Deciding what to read takes a bit of effort and some trail and error. But, once you've hit upon the right author, the right topic, genre or series, You can become hooked. Reading is best done in a quiet place, often alone, apart from the chaos of the world around you. Finding and making that time is something we all need to do. Should you opt for quiet time and still don't want to spend it reading, well, here are a couple more ideas to help you keep your sanity.
* write a letter
* take photos
* take care of a plant
* visit the beach or some spot in nature
* bake something tasty
Whatever you end up doing in 2016, I do hope you find peace, joy and happiness. We have been given this year as a blank canvas. Paint something memorable that leaves people with a smile on their face and with a difference being made in their heart and mind.
Happy New Year everyone!! Be blessed.
