Wishing you a new year filled with hope for you and yours
By Bill Fox/Columnist
So many people we know are simply unable to anticipate anything better than the life they are now living. Too many people have too little hope. Maybe there’s a reason for that. Human hope and optimism are based on our perceived ability to make our lives better based on what we are able to do. There are things that we can do to improve our hope and condition in life for 2017. Here are several that we can all adopt:
However good or bad a situation is, remember that it will change. If it’s bad, move on. If it’s good, embrace it as long as you can.
Apply yourself to make things happen. Don’t be someone who watches things happen and certainly not someone who complains and says, “What happened?”
Practice meditation and prayer. They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives, and a respite from the tensions of the day.
Play more games. For one hour an evening, take turns hosting. Turn off the TV, the computer and anything else that interferes, especially with family fun.
Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will. Stay in touch.
No one likes a grouch. Smile and laugh more. Try to make at least three people smile each day. If you can make them laugh, all the better.
Everyone needs hope. Be apostles of hope for the future, especially in front of youngsters and the elderly. Stress the positive, rather than the negative.
Wisely take care of the 3 C’s: We all need to be mindful that when we make bad choices, there will be inevitable changes, and sometimes these may lead to dire consequences.
You, like everyone else, needs to drink plenty of water. Eight glasses of water is recommended daily for good health. That is water, not just liquids!
Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that are manufactured in plants.
Accept that, in the past year, you have been hurt. Get over it. As difficult as it may seem, try to forgive everyone for everything. Resentments are the seeds of the destruction of our happiness.
Resolve to live with the 3 E’s : Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.
For good health, it is suggested we eat breakfast like a king. If it means getting up earlier to prepare a good breakfast, you may reap the benefits of increased energy within days.
Only keep things of value and get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful. One person’s garbage is another person’s treasure. Spread the wealth.
Listen more, turn off the electronics and read more than you did last year – and that can be books, magazines or newspapers.
Keep active by taking a 15-30 minute walk outside every day. And while you walk, smile and say hello to those whose path you cross.
Sit in silence and gratitude for at least 10 minutes each day. Take the time to give thanks for all of our blessings and for all of our opportunities, here in the Oshawa area.