Promises Remembered

Fulfill Last Year's Resolutions Before the New Year Begins

By Debbie Mandel

Oh, I almost forgot. I promised to be kinder and more compassionate to others. Instead I have been a bit critical, suspicious and angry. People have been getting on my nerves! I would rather wait for January next year and make this resolution again, but I know that I can change my perception immediately. Honestly, I know that I can forgive and reinterpret any perceived wrongdoing positively with a happy ending. I can criticize my spouse, children and co-workers less. Nobody ever changed because of negative criticism. I will begin to be kinder and more affirming. I will appreciate the little things. After all you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar, but who wants more flies anyway?

If I make all these changes, now, at this very moment, I will have very little on my New Year's resolutions list for the coming year. What a relief! One less thing to worry about or feel guilty about.

And while I am transforming myself into this better person, I realize that I promised myself way back last year not to leave my Christmas shopping for the last minute, because I find the malls and the lines too stressful. Is it too late? Do I have to wait for next year? Like Scrooge awakening from his prophetic dream, I become aware that there is still time to order online from small independent stores or from catalogues. God bless us everyone!