Thoughts for 2010

A few years ago, we saved a New Year’s Resolutions column from The Pendleton Times, the weekly paper of Franklin. New Year’s Day is still fresh enough in mind to reprint part of it with 2010 in mind:
New Year’s celebrations are the oldest of all holidays, dating back to ancient Babylon about 4,000 years ago. It has always seemed like a time for new beginnings. It is a good time to get rid of mental baggage, such as old grudges and hurts, failures and disappointments, and overlong grief and sorrows.
It is also a good time to reflect on the many blessings of bountiful food, family, peace and national security as the young men and women in the military defend and protect everyone.
Be especially thankful that one has siblings, parents, uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews, grandparents and other family members who are alive and well. Share, cherish and renew relationships.
Other tips for life are:
—Don’t believe all one hears.
—Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.
—Read more books and watch less TV.
—Never laugh at anyone’s dreams.
—Trust in God, but lock one’s car.
—Walk and smile more. Find the time to be kind and thoughtful. Give a compliment, It might give someone a lift.
—Return those books that one borrowed. Reschedule that missed appointment. Clean out closets. Take those photos out of the boxes and put them into albums. Pick up litter one sees while walking.
—Eat some evening meals together! Turn off the TV and relax, eat and talk.
—Go to war against animosity and complacency. Express gratitude and give credit where it’s due.
Regardless of one’s traditions, may 2010 offer a brand new start.