Be a Better Person

Nothing like making a New Years Resolution that is difficult to keep (like quitting smoking or drinking). This article is for those people who may be disappointed with themselves because it is possible we set ourselves up for failure in the first place. Do not put so much pressure on yourself, instead focus your energy on things that are truly rewarding.

The first thing you should do is look for those in need. Due to a poor economy and people losing jobs left and right this shouldn't be too hard. Determine what you can do to give back. Do you have a little bit of time or money you can give to a good cause. What tugs at your heart strings and resonates with you. Is it sick children? Do you have artistic ability? Maybe you can volunteer to do an arts and craft project at your local hospital.

Go to schools and ask if there is anything you can do to help out. Volunteer at your local homeless shelter or donate food and jackets. The only thing that truly satisfies the soul is being true to who we are. Showing you care is the best feeling that is truly indescribable. You can make such a big difference and touch people's lives in a way that you may never know. This makes up for all the "bad" stuff you have done in your life and wipes the karma slate clean.

Churches have so many programs to help others in the community. Assisted living communities need entertainment...do you play an instrument? Make it about someone else for a day and reap the rewards of a job well done. Don't look for a pat on the back, do it for the good of mankind and you never know, someday you may be in need and wishing there was someone there to help you one day.

Finally if you are strapped for ideas, borrow a neighbor or a friend and just treat them to coffee or lunch. Small gestures of kindness have become overlooked in our selfish culture. We feel entitled to everything and yet do nothing for others in return. Its time to return to more simplistic way of life. Stop worrying so much about what we don't have and dwelling on our "suffering" and realize there are happy people in this world with virtually nothing. There are needs and wants: we are a county founded on wants and maybe what we need to wake up, forget about the economy and focus on the needs of others for a while.