I have a gift for you. Actually, my part in the gift is just the writing and sending of this. Ultimately, the gift is one you will give to yourself. It’s a type of challenge for me as well as for you. It is this. Starting right now and running through the holidays, let’s determine to apply the following People Connectors every day as a means of making our holidays and the new year even better.
If we’re consistent in the application, I have no doubt that in the new year and going forward, all of our connections will be better and our lives will be fuller. This challenge is in the present tense and in the first person. Each of us is that person.
TODAY I will avoid whining and complaining. Unlike the lady who said she always felt bad even on days when she felt good, for fear she’d feel worse tomorrow, I’ll expose others to a contagious, positive attitude that’s worth catching.
TODAY I will talk about health matters only in a general and a positive way. I will spare others a personal “organ recital.”
TODAY I will talk in terms of the other person’s interest and, when possible, I will eliminate “I” from my pattern of speech. I will measure all that I say by the standard of “value or vanity.”
TODAY I will listen more than I talk, and ask more questions instead of making declarations.
TODAY I will encourage those who need encouragement. I will determine who needs encouragement by merely checking to see who’s breathing.
TODAY I will go the second mile. I will keep in mind that there are no traffic jams along the second mile, and that those who do more than they are paid to do will someday (by someone) be paid more for what they do.
TODAY I will live with enthusiasm, realizing that as I can make myself happy by singing I can also make myself enthusiastic by acting with enthusiasm. I will pick my head up, look others in the eye, call them by name – and smile.
TODAY I will speak my opinions sparingly and give advice cautiously, keeping in mind the proverb that says, “A fool speaks all his mind.”
TODAY I will build connections instead of walls. Life is too short for pettiness.
TODAY I will speak positively. If I can think of nothing positive to say, I’ll say nothing. Especially will I avoid saying negative things about others. Words have wings, and there is no telling where gossip will light.
TODAY I will be open-minded to new ideas and ways of doing things. I will avoid the type of mind that’s like concrete – all mixed up and permanently set. I will also avoid the type of open-mindedness that causes one’s brain to fall out. I will be fair-minded and objective.
TODAY I will keep in mind the words of Mark Twain who said, “Against the assault of laughter nothing can stand.” Or as Erma Bombeck said, “He who laughs…lasts.”
TODAY I will live as a “human becoming,” determined to become a better person today than I was yesterday. Otherwise, why do I need today?
<Terry L. Sumerlin
www.terrysumerlin.com>