Resolutions or rewards?
January 9, 2006
By Cam Tait
So, here we are, almost ten days into 2006. Raise your hand if you've broken a New Year's resolution. They're amusing, aren't they? These things we tell our friends we're going to do, but honestly, we're really not that committed. It makes darn good idle chat though, especially on New Year's Eve when we've had a few pops and the next 365 days are stretched out before us, rife with potential.
If you've had that extra piece of cake, or that puff of a cigarette or cigar, or haven't made it to the gym as many times as you said you would, we have a few suggestions.
How about letting the senior citizen merge into a long line of traffic that is moving as fast as, dare I say, molasses in January? After all, in the grand scheme of things, what's five seconds and five feet between over anxious motorists during rush hour? Or, what about letting someone go ahead of you in a lineup at your bank because they have a look of desperation on their face?
What if you thought of 52 friends in the next few days? Put them in alphabetical order and then start calling one a week to say a friendly hello. If you have trouble thinking of 52, how about 12, and then make monthly calls?
Or why not bring a friend along to your favourite charity's annual event? Packing food hampers or stuffing envelopes could have a little bit more meaning if you do it with someone you care about. And hey, if you're single, it might be an idea for a novel first date.
How about giving instant respect to people - even folks you see every day - by adding a title of courtesy in front of their name: Miss, Mrs. or Mr.? And what's wrong with squeezing somebody's hand, even if it's just for an instant, to say, "Thanks for being part of this moment?" How about sending a card or an e-mail to someone who has done the same thing over and over and over for you? If we do all the little things right, they say it adds up to the success we have. But how often do we really take the time to let others know how much they are appreciated?
Forgive me if I sound self-righteous or a bit pie-in-the-sky, but I really think the pendulum has swung over too far in how we communicate with people. Sure, we communicate, but is it the right way? What better time than January, the start of a new year, to make a change.
New Year's resolutions can be fun, but how often do we really follow up with them? Please understand: I'm not knocking them; I just think we can better ourselves and the people around us by thinking of others a little more often.
Another piece of cake, or missing a day at the gym may make a difference. But perhaps the way we treat our friends, and for that matter, total strangers will make a real impact in 2006.
Cam Tait is a sports reporter and columnist for the Edmonton Journal. He covered community investments and volunteers for 19 years. E-mail Cam at cam@charityvillage.com with thoughts, suggestions or ideas.
Opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of CharityVillage.com®.
