Resolve to be Civil in 2014

Are you the kind who makes New Years resolutions? If so, I’d like to challenge you to be more civil in every aspect of your life. It seems that civility has gone out of style and many of us need to be reminded as to what that means.

Civility is an important frame-work of our society. Without it, we all seem to run a muck and treat each other poorly. The rules of etiquette tell us how to treat each other. It isn’t about pretense; it’s about consideration for others.

As I review some of the posts on social media and in the news, of people being out right mean toward others, I become very sad. When did it become okay to call a beautiful women “fat” because she has held onto a few pounds after having a baby. Or how about those who feel they have the right to insult others because they hold an opposing view on politics, religion or any other social, hot topic.

So in 2014 consider some of these resolutions:

• If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.

• Talk to people, not about them.

• Be kind, it costs very little.

• Do more than your share at work.

• Be positive. No one likes to work with, or be around negative people.

• Find the good in everybody.

• Be grateful for something in your life everyday.

• Treasure your friends and loved ones.

• Volunteer somewhere, regardless of how busy you are.

• Respect the opinions of others, even if they differ from yours.

• Listen more, talk less.

We have heard many of these points from the time we were very young, but sometimes, in a cynical world, we forget how important they are.

In so many of my seminars people tell me that what I teach is really just common sense…yes, it is. The trouble with common sense is that it is not always very common.

So, I too, will join you in working on this list of resolutions.

Happy 2014.