GreenSage E-zine 01/2008

Resolution Ideas for a Greener, More Civil 2008
by Gary Link, Jon Dougal and the GreenSage e-News Editors

We assume there were a whole lot of New Years' Resolutions made this past season, but perhaps you may have left out a couple. Here are some inspiring additions for daily living - and ways of thinking - to help reach your goals for a happier, healthier and more peaceful 2008.

LIVE LIFE IN EXCELLENCE, like it really matters. Be the genie of your own life. Dream unafraid. Take action. Help others' dreams come true. Do for others what you would want them to do for you. You become what you do. Work hard. Be enthusiastic. Be unforgettable. Make a difference. Just do it! Join together.

DO YOUR BEST
Have confidence. Think good thoughts. Be cheerful and loyal. Be kind, trustworthy, reverent. Think before you speak. Think before you act. Do a good deed every day. Be thrifty. Count your blessings. Chose to take the high road. Be happy with the success of others, even if you think they don't deserve it.

Be civil: Be courteous. Don't cut in line. Don't call people names. Don't lie, cheat or steal. If you can't say something nice, don't say anything. Don't spend time with whiners and complainers. Move on. And if you're the one who's whining, please quit - you're driving the rest of us crazy.

TAKE A STAND FOR WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN
Create new possibilities for others. Contribute to them. Listen generously. Be empathic. Look for the good in everyone, including yourself. Be yourself. Have dignity. Express your feelings with neutral reactivity. Be sincere, intimate, authentic. Don't ever give up your dreams.

Be generous, persistent, resilient. Be flexible, resourceful, smart. Be clever, strong, nimble and quick. Be a hero. Have courage. Be giving. If somebody needs your help, help! Leave a legacy to be proud of.

Don't mix plaids with stripes. Be good to all living things. Cherish the children of all species. Tell the truth. Be dependable.

BE ACCOUNTABLE
Say these words out loud: “if it's to be, it's up to me!” Remind yourself throughout the day, every day. No acting like a victim. No making excuses. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. Don't ever quit. Don't ever give up.

Eat right-even broccoli, spinach, and cauliflower. Floss. Eat slowly and moderately. Exercise more. Drink more water. Don't smoke. Don't do drugs. And don't get drunk (it really does makes you act stupid and you just get sick).

SET GOALS! Write them down. Stop waiting for the right time. The time is now. Go For it. Do it yourself. It's nobody else's job. Be all that you can be. Participate in life 100%. Take the next “cut”. Always seek to play a more important, more challenging game. What really counts is how you play the game, whether you win or lose. Don't cheat. Play fair, but play to win. Be a good sport - when you win, don't gloat. When you lose, study. Celebrate and have pride in your victories.

KEEP YOUR PROMISES
Pay your debts. Learn from your mistakes.

Write more letters. Send more flowers. Appreciate all the things you have. Know that on a scale of 1-10 you're a 10. Act like a 10. Remember that you're just as good as anybody else, and not one bit better than anyone else. Don't take yourself so seriously. Lighten up. Don't frown so much. Things aren't that bad. Be friendlier. Laugh more. Smile more. Pat people on the back. Don't worry so much. Be happy. Giggle. Learn to dance. Hold hands. Stick together. Practice, practice, practice. Don't sweat the small stuff. It's all small stuff.

LOVE
Love yourself - and others - more. Mean it! Care. Have mercy, charity, patience, and forbearance. Be gentle. Be peaceful. Seek balance. Seek wisdom and understanding. Learn to forgive and move on. Pray for guidance. Ask and you will receive. Have Faith. Believe.

AND you might want to add - nest your errands into one trip, drive less, watch your phantom loads around the house, and buy less stuff.

“You don't get to choose how you're going to die. Or when. You can only decide how you're going to live now” Joan Baez

"I shall pass though this world but once, any good that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now! Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”