No Resolutions here people. I promised.
But some things I think that keeping in mind may pep up my 2008:
1. You Don't Have to Answer the Phone.
Just because someone calls you doesn't mean you have to be available at that moment. Voicemail anyone? My own grandmother actually refuses to get an answering machine because she doesn't even want the messages. She answers when she wants, and if not, "If it's important they'll call back."
2. Ditto to Email
It can wait 10 minutes. Even from the boss, client, daughter, wife, Prince, you get my point. In fact if we all waited 10 minutes, a lot of angry flames, would go up in, well, flames. A magazine publisher I knew answered e-mail twice a day. Twice a day. Didn't even open the program so he couldn't see the letters load in. Try it. Nice.
3. You're Going To Die
Okay, a bit of a downer. But think of this: Nothing really counts in the long run. All those extra hours working for more money, better job, bigger TV. All those Christmas days spent with great aunts gritting teeth. Not saying we should all be hedonistic, but as I make choices this year I am going to try and think about what will help for the journey, and not what will count in the end. In the end, there's just an obit. And I ain't going to be there to read it.
4. Ten Minutes of Law & Order is Better than Six Cookies
Or whatever your personal weakness is. Basically a few minutes of fun is better than calories you'll regret 10 minutes later.
5. Eat the Damn Cookie Anyway
Please. One isn't the problem.
6. It's Just As Easy To Think Positively as Negatively
If you're like me and believe that negative stress is actually some sort of totem against further bad luck, try just one positive thought a day. Think of it like 10 sit-ups, without the sweat and Lycra clothes.
7. Someone Else's Negativity is Their's
It's like the dog crap someone refused to pick up after their own dog. Are you going to reach down and get it? Hell no. Ditto with someone else's bad mood. Not your job to clean it up. Smile, and tell them you'll catch them later. And no "I'm sorry"s. You're not. They should be for sullying your space.
8. You Don't Have to Keep Grandma's Bed Set
You don't have to keep it just because it's old. Sure family history is important. But that can be kept through a cookie recipe. A vase works too. Or a hat. You don't have to inherit your great aunt's hips, or her walnut sideboard.
9. Next Time You're About to Say Yes, Say No
No, I can't join the PTA this semester. No I can't lead the Girl Scouts this year. No I can't bake for this week's fundraiser. All those No's mean more time for your Rabbit and you. And then when you say yes, it might be fun again to bake 288 chocolate chip cookies.
10. Unless it's your Rabbit
Yes, we can stay five more minutes. Yes, we can read one more book before bed. Yes, you can invite one more girl to your birthday party. Yes, in this case, is like a smile and a hug. And we sure can use more of those for 2008.
But some things I think that keeping in mind may pep up my 2008:
1. You Don't Have to Answer the Phone.
Just because someone calls you doesn't mean you have to be available at that moment. Voicemail anyone? My own grandmother actually refuses to get an answering machine because she doesn't even want the messages. She answers when she wants, and if not, "If it's important they'll call back."
2. Ditto to Email
It can wait 10 minutes. Even from the boss, client, daughter, wife, Prince, you get my point. In fact if we all waited 10 minutes, a lot of angry flames, would go up in, well, flames. A magazine publisher I knew answered e-mail twice a day. Twice a day. Didn't even open the program so he couldn't see the letters load in. Try it. Nice.
3. You're Going To Die
Okay, a bit of a downer. But think of this: Nothing really counts in the long run. All those extra hours working for more money, better job, bigger TV. All those Christmas days spent with great aunts gritting teeth. Not saying we should all be hedonistic, but as I make choices this year I am going to try and think about what will help for the journey, and not what will count in the end. In the end, there's just an obit. And I ain't going to be there to read it.
4. Ten Minutes of Law & Order is Better than Six Cookies
Or whatever your personal weakness is. Basically a few minutes of fun is better than calories you'll regret 10 minutes later.
5. Eat the Damn Cookie Anyway
Please. One isn't the problem.
6. It's Just As Easy To Think Positively as Negatively
If you're like me and believe that negative stress is actually some sort of totem against further bad luck, try just one positive thought a day. Think of it like 10 sit-ups, without the sweat and Lycra clothes.
7. Someone Else's Negativity is Their's
It's like the dog crap someone refused to pick up after their own dog. Are you going to reach down and get it? Hell no. Ditto with someone else's bad mood. Not your job to clean it up. Smile, and tell them you'll catch them later. And no "I'm sorry"s. You're not. They should be for sullying your space.
8. You Don't Have to Keep Grandma's Bed Set
You don't have to keep it just because it's old. Sure family history is important. But that can be kept through a cookie recipe. A vase works too. Or a hat. You don't have to inherit your great aunt's hips, or her walnut sideboard.
9. Next Time You're About to Say Yes, Say No
No, I can't join the PTA this semester. No I can't lead the Girl Scouts this year. No I can't bake for this week's fundraiser. All those No's mean more time for your Rabbit and you. And then when you say yes, it might be fun again to bake 288 chocolate chip cookies.
10. Unless it's your Rabbit
Yes, we can stay five more minutes. Yes, we can read one more book before bed. Yes, you can invite one more girl to your birthday party. Yes, in this case, is like a smile and a hug. And we sure can use more of those for 2008.
Comments
Great post, *taking note*
Thank you!