Ever have those ho-hum days where you just don’t feel 100% so you start thinking about the past and you have no energy…you just don’t feel upbeat and you’re not really sure why you feel “down”!

I was having a day like that until one of my brothers (thanks Ken) sent me an email with the subject heading “advice”. It contained beautiful pictures having 40 inspirational quotes…and all to the music of Zamphir (well one particular piece of music, to be exact; a piece that happens to evoke memories of Cindy, her perseverance, her beauty and her love—her favorite music).

After clicking on the link and watching the slide show, I began thinking—about how I could improve my life and feel joyous and more positive.

I guess the thought that hit me the most was “Live with energy, enthusiasm and empathy.”

I don’t always do that.

So I’ve come up with a plan:

When I wake up each morning I will set a daily goal (and proceed with enthusiasm, energy and empathy).

I’ll eliminate clutter (boy, will my husband ever be happy when he hears that’s part of my plan—with my personality I save everything! —in fact I think that’s what I was ruminating about when I received the email…he hates clutter and commented about it just yesterday and I felt “put out”). So I’ll try to eliminate some clutter…and in the process make way for new energy to enter my life.

And while I go about my day I’ll smile and laugh (and try to make at least 3 people laugh).

Plus, I’ll toast something beautiful each day AND I’ll say thanks every day.

I’ll try to make peace with the past so as not to ruin the present (seems something rears its ugly head every now and then to create havoc).

And…

I’ll keep reminding myself that nobody is responsible for my happiness except me!

I’ll also try to learn something new every day (whoa…that’s a biggy!).

Above all I’ll live like the best is yet to come and enjoy the voyage.

Guess I’ve just made my resolutions for the New Year (without realizing it)…except I’m implementing them right away!

Think I’ll keep this list handy as a reminder (I’m sure I’ll need it!)…

Melanie Hack
Author of Who Killed My Sister, My friend
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