These are some of the things I try to do each day to improve my life. It's been years of practice for me, but there is nothing here I don't do or try to do daily or as often as possible. These are lessons I hope to imbue on my nephew and nieces, only adding to their parents’ lessons.

1.    Do not say anything negative about anyone. That's anyone you know personally, anyone you know of, like a celebrity or public figure, and anyone living or dead. You will never make more friends by talking poorly about other people.

2.    If someone disappoints you, leave it and move on. Understand that how we behave is relative to our own measure of good behavior. Focus on how you behave toward others and always expect more of yourself, not others. It's often fruitless to try to change someone else. Focus on improving yourself.

3.    Try harder to love someone in your life. Call your grandfather. Text your aunt. Tell your dad you love him. Remind your best friend why she or he is your best friend. Tell your sibling you love him or her more often that day. And try harder to love yourself, too.

4.    Say yes to something you've never done before. Try a new food item, a new craft or sport. Listen to a different genre of music or read a different genre of literature.

5.    Say no to things that weigh you down, like a favor that makes you uncomfortable or that makes you feel like you are being taken advantage of.

6.    Use the good stuff, e.g. the sweet smelling body wash you received as a gift or that new shirt you are saving for a special occasion. You're special and another day on earth is the occasion.

7.    Try to learn something new every day. Whether you read an article, listen to a kid-friendly podcast, or read a non-fiction book on a topic of interest, learn something new.

8.    Be generous with your spirit; give people the benefit of the doubt. And be charitable. All kinds of generosity always pay off.

9.    Look at yourself in the mirror the way your mom or dad looks at you.

10.  Take care of the things you love. Fold or hang up your clothing nicely and keep your toys and sporting goods organized.

11.   Start to meditate if you haven't yet. Or simply take 10 minutes to sit in silence. Every single day.

12.   If there is drama and noise in your life, don't stir the pot. If someone brings you into the noise, like a gossip lover, ignore it. Don't make up stories in your head about why he did that or why she didn't do this. And certainly don't respond to people as if the story you made up in your head is true.

13.    Do the thing you've been putting off, first.

14.    Send a thank you note, email or text to someone who deserves your gratitude.

15.    Do something to move forward toward your academic and/or career potential.

16.    Throw out three things from the pile of papers on your desk or in your junk drawer. Better yet, make it 10 things.

17.    If you're worried about money, spend that worry-time doing something productive to make or save money instead.

18.    Look for a way to help someone. Whether it's helping an older person with his or her bag or giving up your seat to someone who needs it more, even small gestures can feel big inside.

19.    Have a travel goal? Indulge in it by studying it and saving for it. While it may be a while before you can afford to travel across country or overseas, one day comes sooner than you can imagine.

20.    Turn off the TV and go to bed.

21.    Wake up deciding it will be a good day.

22.    Go to sleep being grateful for 3 things that happened that day. Better yet, make it 10 things

23.    Want to make your life even better? Repeat this list the following day.

Photo: iordani
Published: January 20, 2016