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Oct 18, 2003 I always want to do something different to improve my life. Like give up a food like French Fries or mayonnaise. We all have bad habits that we want to break. Like smoking or eating too many potato chips. Sometimes I want to change big things. I use bumper sticker philosophy for major projects: Think Globally Act Locally. Sometimes when I see a kid throw down a piece of garbage I pick it up and walk up to the kid to point out that it’s not nice to litter. I have often pointed out to people in the bathroom that they haven’t washed their hands after leaving the smaller room. I try to be involved in my community in a way that helps people to grow, to enjoy and to have a better quality of life. Taking care of our home, our community and our world is a job we all have. Even if it is only a small way, at least I try to do something. It’s the pebble in the pond theory. If we all work together on making the earth our home and shame the lazybones who don’t do their share, we can change the world, one person at a time. Closer to our hearts and ego are those damning faults that either hurt our loved ones or us or mess up our own quality of life. Lucky for me I had parents who had self-discipline and taught me what I could do to change my behavior in a way that made life more rewarding. Ways to change your life if you try. 1. Morning plan -- My dad wanted me to make a plan each morning before I got up so that I knew what I wanted to accomplish that day. I can’t remember a day that he didn’t ask me what I was up to before he went to work. Sometimes I hadn’t made any plans. He’d look at me and say that I should think about my daily goals. Of course, by now it’s second nature. The only time I fail to have a daily plan before I get up is when I’m sick. I thank my dad every now and then for this good advise. Because of him, I’ve had more success than some other people. 2. Evening plan -- When I was about ten, my mother instituted the evening plan. When I had my glass of milk before bed, she always said, “How did your day go? Everything all right?” I would tell her what happened and more specifically how and if I had achieved my daily goal. If I had achieved my plan for the day, she’d say that I should be happy with myself. Perhaps, I could try a weekly goal, or a monthly goal. Eventually, I did try those extended goals and worked to attain them. Best of all, she taught me to forgive myself if I missed my goal -- she would say, “Pull up your socks, kiddo and do your best tomorrow.” Encouragement and realistic goals help children learn how to cope with the problems of life. As they grow up they are more willing to give it a try for tougher goals. I no longer can thank my mother in person as she has passed away, but she did teach me a lot. Go ahead and laugh. But I dare you to try it. These aren’t big deals but it’s a way to handle problems and improve life. ------------ To learn more about the author: visit www.RDLarson.com or email RD Larson: RD Larson419@aol.com Comment on this column in the forum. Tell a friend about this site! ------------ |
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