The essentials
With this being the beginning of another school year, even though I don’t have a child anxiously waiting for the first day, I do have six of our seven grandchildren enrolled in school, one place or another, from first grade through second year in college. And even though my husband is no longer concerned with all the details of beginning a new school year, I can’t help but feel the excitement and anticipation in the air. I don’t know when a person no longer senses that excitement, as the majority of my life has revolved around a calendar that says August is the first month of the year.
Anytime we begin something new, I think it’s good to set some rules, some boundaries. It doesn’t matter whether it’s the beginning of the school year or starting a new job—whatever phase of life you’re in, it’s good to know what lies ahead and kind of create a map of how to proceed. So please allow me, a lifelong learner, to share a few essentials for the road ahead—in this case, a new school year.
First of all, I want you to make eye contact with the person speaking to you. Do you realize how poor we have all become at doing this? I’m serious... it’s just one more thing fading from our culture, because, well... you know where everyone’s eyes usually are, and that’s not looking at a person at all but instead at the “friend” we hold in our hand. So work on it; keep your eyes on the person speaking to you.
Also, surprise others with random acts of kindness. Go out of your way to do something kind and generous for someone. It probably won’t be every day, but perhaps once a week. It’s amazing how good you’ll feel when you’ve made someone else’s day.
Make every effort to be as organized as possible. I am great about this just as much as I’m bad about this; I guess it just depends on what it is. Organization is key, I believe, to success in anything.
And no matter what someone else is doing, it’s never cool to make fun of someone else. You don’t even have to walk a mile in that person’s shoes to know that it doesn’t feel very good to be put down, laughed at or talked about behind their back. At some point, you’ve been that person, and if you’re honest with yourself, you know it doesn’t feel very good.
Stand up for what you know is right, for what you believe in. Concentrate on growing your backbone so you are able to withstand the naysayers who will try to steer you in a direction you don’t want to go.
Be positive; enjoy life. Some things just aren’t worth getting upset over. Keep everything in perspective and focus on the good. You’re only given this one life—don’t mess it up.
Never let fear or obstacles stand in the way of what you really want to do. Others will try to dissuade you; doubts will arise that make you feel inadequate. If there is something you really want to do, go for it and don’t stop until you make it happen. And be aware of (and open to) the possibility that something else will happen that’s even better.
Accept that you will make mistakes. So what; everyone makes mistakes. Learn from them, and carry on. We wouldn’t have sticky notes if it weren’t for mistakes! (And who could live without sticky notes?)
Always be honest. No ifs, ands or buts.
Carpe diem. We have “today” only once—don’t waste it! Live each day to the fullest, and appreciate each moment. None of us knows if we will see a tomorrow, so make the best of today.
And finally, be your best self! Be the kind of person others want to be around. Make sure there are seven things in your life at all times: laughter, family, adventure, good food, an attitude of gratitude, an open mind, and the quest for learning! With all of these things going for you, you WILL be the kind of person that even YOU would like to hang out with!
