OK, it’s 2016. We all get a clean slate. What are you gonna do with yours? Did you make a bunch of resolutions? Was yesterday your first day back at eating healthy? Go for a run/walk/stumble? Quit smoking? Good for you.
All of those are good. I challenge you to do something more.
Yes, getting healthy is a good thing. Drink less, eat better, unplug, live a balanced life….ALL of that is good but is there something more?
Maybe it’s something that isn’t about you.
Ok, then what IS it about?
Everyone else.
OK, so let me get this straight. I’m making some kind of a resolution for me that’s NOT about me? Well, yeah…kinda. It’s still about you but not focusing on you. It’s more about how you are in the world and what you do to contribute to others. Imagine what kind a life you would have if you didn’t worry about yourself and instead thought about how you can contribute to the world. I know that may sound the opposite of what we always hear: “Stop worrying so much about what others are doing and just focus/work on yourself.”
I submit that this includes you…just maybe in a different way than you expect.
I’m not talking about anything earth shattering and overly difficult. AND when I say world, I mean YOUR world, the people you come into contact and see. AND I mean everyone you come into contact with…the check out person at the grocery store, your waiter, the man standing at line at the bank, etc. You get the picture.
So, here are the rules. Ready?
Be considerate. Sounds easy, right? Being considerate means to be attentive, thoughtful and mindful. So when that driver in front of you doesn’t drive fast enough, consider that they have a reason to drive slower. When the woman in the line at the grocery store wants to write a check, consider that she doesn’t qualify for a credit/ debit card. When someone doesn’t say thank you when you open a door for them, consider that they may have their mind on some challenge/ upset that you’re unaware of.
We all have our own battles and you have no idea when your kindness/ patience/ consideration will be just the thing that someone needs to turn their day around.
Not so easy, huh?
Try it; I will too. I’m betting that this will put me on a different path this year and I’m looking for different.
Happy New Year and the best to you in 2016.
