Living the positives

Please share this to help people make New Year's resolutions.

1.) Be comfortable in yourself, accept yourself. There will always be somebody richer or more attractive than you. Also, there will always be things that you are good at which you can be proud. Simultaneously, somewhere there is somebody who is better at doing things than you. That is just the way it is.

2.) Appreciate what you have and never compare yourself harshly with others. Just keep developing your skills, education, and positive attitude.

3.) See the positives in every situation. When you don't feel good, it is very easy to see the flaws of every person and every situation. So before you criticize everything, take a thorough look at your health (many grumpy people have physical problems they don't even know about). Then you can focus on the good and give the people around you support and compliments on the good things they do. Those things you water will grow.

4.) Let go of your need to control. You can plan and control a little bit of life but if you do it too much you're always going to be frustrated, angry, and disappointed. And people will avoid you. Although sometimes we need strong leadership, teammanship and consensus should be tried first.

5.) Drop the resentment within. If you're always thinking about the past and angry about something, it's like putting a bunch of mud on the life today. If there is a lesson from the past that can help you, then go for that. Your brain will automatically let go of the negative parts of your past when you eat good food, exercise, and hang out with positive people.

6.) The more oxygen you get into your body the happier you will be! Some foods you can cook with water or steam and use no oil at all, keeping your internal plumbing cleaner.

7.) Live in the moment more. Avoid overanalyzing. How can you stop over-worrying about the future? If you have a master plan (and a couple backup plans) you won't need to worry so much. It is wise to prepare for the worst while expecting the best.

So have an emergency kit ready, a savings account, and see an attorney when needed. Then relax.

8.) If you feel trapped or stuck, usually you need more information about your health, career, options, etc. Don't be too proud to ask for help.

9.) Dreams are not enough. They must be backed up with effort and a plan. A life is empty if you do not act and make decisions.

Sometimes you need patience while waiting for a dream to manifest from your efforts. Work on other things in the meantime.

10.) Be open to failure. Remember Thomas Edison making hundreds of light bulbs that didn't work. I don't think there is anyone on the planet who hasn't made a mistake or two.

Try to see your lesson, then move on.

11.) Intentionally fight for meaning and purpose in life. First, we have our best ideals. We live them ourselves, and continually work to make the planet better for its people, animals, and our entire ecosystem. Our children learn more from our example than our lectures.

12.) The past cannot change and is dead; our future is unknown, unborn. The present is when you're alive! Act now to fulfill dreams/goals in order to have a rich life and leave a legacy.

13.) No job, no school? Make a list of everything you want to learn and find the free websites and libraries. Spend your time well. Khan Academy is a good start.

14.) Join organizations. Work with teams of people with high ideals who respect people of all faiths, of all nationalities, who cherish our planet and the miracles of life.

Richard Baker

English teacher

Retired in Dumaguete