Yes, it’s that time of year again! The Christmas chaos has subsided a bit … at least enough for us to start pondering the annual question which drives so many people crazy every year! Do I go out to a major celebration with hundreds of people and actually feel lonely wishing I was home in front of a warm fire comfortably watching the ball drop in Times Square? Or do I sit home under what sounds like ideal conditions while I wish I was out on the town celebrating with the masses? Regardless of which I choose, I’ll always wonder if it shouldn’t have been the other!
The next New Year’s challenge never gets any easier either. It’s haunted generations before us and will continue to do so for generations to come …
The dreaded New Year’s Resolutions! Too many options to be sure … create them, ignore them, share them, keep them, etc.
This year why not just avoid all the hassle and try something entirely different? Below you’ll find Ten Simple Tips for a Great Year … as rendered by George Carlin, one of the greatest American stand-up comedians, social critic, actor, and author, who won five Grammy Awards for his comedy albums.
Carlin was best known for his “Seven Dirty Words” comedy routine and usually offered more foul language than was necessary to get a laugh. However, he possessed a razor-sharp wit and a creative mind like no other modern day comedian. In fact, he placed second on the Comedy Central list of the 100 greatest stand-up comedians of all time, ahead of Lenny Bruce and behind Richard Pryor.
In spite of his reputation for foul language and negative viewpoints on everyday life, every once in a while he would produce a real thought-provoking gem containing great advice for most everyone. Here’s an example of one of his better “brain dumps.”
SOME THOUGHTS FOR THE NEW YEAR!
Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side. Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn’t cost a cent.
Remember, to say, “I love you” to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak, and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
HOW TO STAY YOUNG
- Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctor worry about them. That is why you pay him/her.
- Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.
- Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.” And the devil’s name is Alzheimer’s.
- Enjoy the simple things.
- Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.
- The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life, is God & ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.
- Surround yourself with what you love, whether it’s family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.
- Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.
- Don’t take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, to the next county, to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.
- Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
If you don’t send this to at least 8 people … who cares?
George Carlin
About Harry K. Jones
Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.