Do Us All A Favor

Do us all a favor:

-When reading something make sure to read it thoroughly and all the way to the end. Read it again if necessary to pick up as many details as possible.

-By the way, don’t believe everything you read or hear. Your conscience may not always be the best guide but trust it as a valuable resource.

-When driving in the rain, turn your vehicle’s lights on so others driving in the same mess you are can see you.

-If driving in the left hand lane of a highway with more than two lanes going in the same direction don’t let traffic behind you stack up. Be alert and considerate enough to pull into another lane even if that allows people to drive as recklessly as they wish.

-Should you promise something-anything-do all you can do to follow through on it.

-Realize your opinion really isn’t needed on everything.

-Understand we live in a world where search engine results, homemade videos, Facebook posts, Twitter tweets and the comments sections of websites provide quick, easy answers to many things for many people. Know that taking the time to dig deeper for information can often lead to learning more about what you first wanted to know in a much deeper and broader way.

-Know that no one wants to hear you complain. Really. Seriously.

-Should you think the way you believe politically will solve the world’s ills then maybe that is your religion. If that is the case, God help us all.

-Know some people just will not like who you are.

-Listen to others when they speak to you. As they talk, don’t finish their sentences. Don’t interrupt. Don’t look away. Focus on them, their words and their emotions. Do this even if you do not agree with what they say or even if they won't provide you the same courtesy.

-Don’t get sucked into someone else’s drama when that someone else wants to talk about another person. Walk away, the exercise you get by doing this will do you better than hearing a jealous or hateful person cowardly harm another’s reputation who isn't around to defend themselves.

-Understand when someone talks poorly about others in front of you, they probably do the same to you when you aren’t around.

-Learn people’s names. It’s just a nice thing to do. People will remember your kindness for making that small bit of effort.

-Don’t be so quick to pull your phone out to check social media especially when you are with other people. Be better than being rude. Be in the moment instead of being online.

-Appreciate the energy and enthusiasm of young people even when they look at you with a look of disdain and unbelief at how slow and out-of-touch they may think you are. Don't return any condescension they may show you. Remember, you were young once and now see things much differently than when you had younger eyes.

-Be careful not to dismiss anyone older than you. Listen to them. Sometimes you will learn from their words. Other times they just need someone who will share their time to make them feel valued. Understand one day you may need to feel appreciated in the same way.
-Be good. Somebody really needs you to be good today.

With that I dropped my eyes from the mirror, reached to turn off the light then headed out into the world for another day.