“2015” is even more odd to say than 2014 was. I am just getting accustomed to writing 2014 on a check or some other document and now it’s 2015 in a few short days!

Almost everyone at a minimum thinks about some resolution to begin the new year. I usually don’t make a new years resolution since I’ve broken most I’ve made. But, short of a stated resolution some things come to mind that can contribute to making 2015 a far better year than if I enter it without any purpose. So, I’ll share some thoughts for me, and if you dare, you can do them too. I don’t expect to do all of these things as well as I would like but a small effort is far better than none.

• Love lavishly! Love is not primarily an emotion. Love requires action. Treat others as if you love them and you will!
• Forgive quickly! Unforgiveness only hurts you. Not forgiving is like drinking poison and expecting someone else to die. Don’t stay shackled to old hurts, just forgive! Treat the offender (if possible, some are no longer around, some are even dead) as if you have forgiven them, and you have! It’s like a “get out of jail free” card. Let yourself out of the prison of bitterness and anger, forgive NOW!
• Smile broadly! I’ll be first to admit I have problems in this area. I would be the world’s worst poker player because my face is a fair representation of what I am feeling at the moment. But sometimes fatigue supplies the same scowl that anger produces. So, I need to smile on purpose. I can do it and so can you. Nothing disarms a tense moment like a warm, sincere, smile. Call people by name and smile when you greet them. You will find them much more pleasant than if you don’t.

Happy New Year! Come on 2015, let’s get it on!

Royce Ogle
Monroe, LA