New Year's Resolution
Forbes says that fewer than 25% of people are still working at their New Year’s Resolution after 30 days, and only 8% accomplish them. So this time it's going to be different. It's going to be easy. My New Year's Resolution is to be selfish and make myself happy. I came to this conclusion by reflecting on things that put a smile on my face in 2019. Many of the smiles came from simply being kind to others. So as a selfish act, I want to feel happy more often by looking for ways to be kind to others. So maybe not so much selfish, more like a win/win.
It typically doesn’t take much effort to be kind, and yet being nice has the power to change the moment into something better for both you and those around you. Ever notice how good you feel when you do the right thing, take the high road, or help someone out? How about when you have a smile on your face, and someone smiles back? Remember, this works for both the souls close to you as well as strangers.
I will put a smile on my face, love in my heart, and look for ways to be kind. Maybe leave a larger tip for the waitress, smile at children without being creepy, and help their attractive mothers. (Yes, I know that’s probably sounds creepy also, but I’m going for humor here, so give me a break). Okay, maybe I should work at being kind to others who may be a little more challenging. Here's a recent example.
We missed our connecting flight after sitting on the tarmac for several hours. Its midnight and the guy in front of me is taking the ‘Don’t you know who I am?’approach with the ticket agent and demands a first-class seat. Her voice is diplomatic as she tells him she will do what she can, but her eyes are throwing daggers. She puts him on a waiting list and tells him to check back in the morning. He tells her he’s going to look for her boss and storms off.
The agent looks at me and says ‘NEXT’ with authority. I need her help, but decide to focus first on her. I thank her for working late to help us out. She tells me she was supposed to go home three hours ago to be with her kids. I apologize for the jerk and ask if the kids will be okay. Her face softens, and she tells me her Mom is with them and thanks me for my concern. My feel-good smile appears, and then I ask about getting on the first plane tomorrow. She works the keys and gives us the last two seats on the flight. One is in First Class. It’s the same plane the jerk was trying to get on.
I might not get the First Class seat the next time, but being kind is its own reward. So next time I see you, be selfish and kind to me. I will do the same for you. I wish you a Happy & Healthy New Year!
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