Wednesday, January 02, 2008

Small Steps for 2008


Well... The New Year is upon us and I have been sitting here wondering what next will happen to hit the headlines of our newspapers. Another war? Maybe the next plague will sweep the nations! A new terrorist attack maybe.

Every January 1st, I try to come up with my predictions and every December 31st of that year I am floored as to how wrong I was. It really doesn't matter what I think will go down over the next 365 days; it will always be something I would never have thought would have happened. Maybe I should give being a prophet and yet when the New Year begins, I start all over again. I suppose it is safe to say that I will never learn.

Maybe I should become a newsmaker. Maybe I should do something that could change our society. Unfortunately, it is often the negative influences in our society that makes the most news and affects the greater population and I refuse to become a negative influence to anybody... At least not intentionally.

So what can we do to make this world a better place? I suppose the best way to make news and change the world is by starting in our own home. Raise our children to be law abiding, considerate and committed to the betterment of humanity. Almost like a long term investment plan.

Now I know that this all seems "hairy fairy" but yet when you think about it, it does make a bit of sense.

I was going to create a list of New Years Resolutions this year to improve things around me but I figured why bother when I have broken almost every resolution I have ever made. In trying to help others, maybe I should help the few instead of the many. Maybe I should just take small steps by showing love, consideration and generosity to those in my home, my workplace and my community... got to start somewhere right?

Hopefully by December 31st, 2008, I will be able to report to you that I have reached my goal and that somewhere... just somewhere... some one will benefit from my actions.

Have yourself a Phenomenal 2008!

31 comments:

beachgirl said...

Happy New Year Dave,
I never make resolutions. I just break them anyway. So I save myself the aggravation. And since I have quit all my vices and gotten healthy. What more can I give up?
Now I do have my wishes for 2008. I hope they come thru.
Tonight we had a family dinner at a local Sushi / Thai place. Food was good. Company even better. First one of the New Year. I do believe we will have many. My youngest ones girlfriend leaves for Denver tomorrow. Last 2 quarters of Grad school.
My 20 somethings have returned from New Jersey.
It's good everyone is home safe and sound. My adopted son is still having some lingering issues from someone slipping something into his drink last week. I just happy we didn't loose him. It was close. But he's home now.
May 2008 find you in good health, your life happy, and blessed.
Carol

Anonymous said...

Lovely photo. I like the settings.
Happy New Year Dave!

Alex
Alex's World! - http://www.kakinan.com/alex

Janice Thomson said...

I love the title of your post - that's truly what it is about isn't it - small steps and one at a time is how we change the world and move ahead. Hope 2008 brings you wisdom, understanding and peace Dave.

Portia said...

Happy 2008 Dave! I think your non resolution resolution sounds like a fine idea:) I tend not to bother anymore either with the official list because I already have too many of those.

Lynn said...

I think you have the right idea. Most people don't wield the power to effect change on a global scale, but we all have the power to effect change one person at a time.

Wanda said...

I agree, Small Steps is how much territory is covered.

Small random acts of kindness

A smile

A prayer

A word of encouragement

Small steps that can change the world one person at a time.

Love what you do Dave...you have already touch people this year with your post.
Wanda
((smile))

Anonymous said...

Wonderful post , and your last post , I am all blurry eyed , a very private moment and I truly feel he heard you and as you say laughed as you were on your way :)

Below is a little poem (Author???)
It has many variations , this is as close as I can remember , tells our loved ones are always with us . :-), most likely you heard /read it before ..



Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there.
I do not sleep.
I am a thousands winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.



Take care of yourself

Greeneyes

geewits said...

I like your ideas, they are very sound. My daughter didn't turn out exactly as I had planned, but she has a good heart and a soft spot for the elderly and infirm. Since she could drive (7 years ago) she has helped me whenever she can with Meals on Wheels. My goal with her was for her to be a (academic) star in High School to get scholarships, but I think the best thing I did was teach her to care about other people. Good post, Dave!

FO - 2 said...

Hello Dave.
Thank you for visiting my blog and for your nice comments.
I appreciate it. :)
Happy new year to you!
"Let`s hope it`s a good one......"

I am so sorry to read about the loss of your father.
I`m sending you my sympathy.

My father died 20 years ago. Only fourty years old. I still miss him...

I hope to see you around in "Blogland".
Take care.
Ida.

FO - 2 said...

I hope you reach all your goals!!!
Wishing you a Phenomenal 2008 also! :)

alicesg said...

Resolutions...I dont make them either...hehehe...Lets take one day at a time and look forward to a better 2008. Happy New Year Dave.

Akelamalu said...

Change can come about by one act of kindness, and one act of kindness leads to others - it's infectious! I'm sure you'll make a difference.

Reiki blessings to you have a fantastic 2008. :)

Andrea said...

Love the steps. Great shot there.

I don't try to predict what is going to happen for the year. I just leave that in God's hands.

I hope you are doing well. Still praying for you. I know 2007 ended sad for you losing your dad.

none said...

If we could just export some of that wisdom the world would be a lot better.

David Kim said...

I agree that making baby steps is the best approach when making resolutions. You have to make small attainable goals at first and then keep growing from there once you've made it a habit. Too many people make giant life changing resolutions and expect to change themselves the next day and of course they fail.

Anonymous said...

Dave,

I am certain your father is proud of the man he has raised. Worry not! The worst you can do is give up. Your plan is fabulous. You do make a difference by how your actions influence those around you, do not doubt it.

You shall be a beacon of hope for the new year, just don't forget to take it in stride. Remember, you said long-term investment, it's not just the kids.

Take Care,
P

Kostas said...

Work of art.
The photograph is amazing, what admires no one first, the capture, the colours and the nuances of grey, the depth, the frame, the subject, the movement, they are real very good. Marvellously!
I wish in 2008 it is peaceful and full health for you.

Jamie said...

"Hairy Fairy"! Ha!

I like your ideas, particularly of your kind of investment plan. It is something that should be so easy and yet, it seems that generation is slowly going to hell in a hand basket. It has to start somewhere...and it might as well be with you and yours!

This world is a tough place for the young--it's a tough place for us old farts, so I know the young will struggle. And you are so right, all we can do is teach them.

Have a very happy and prosperous 2008 Dave.

Cheryl said...

We should all have the same resolution as you. If we did, the world would be a better place.

sandy said...

Nice post today and very thoughtful post. So you make predictions..that's interesting. Would love to hear them.

But, I think you're right as far as starting at home with doing something good for the world. The more one raises conscientious caring people in the world, the world gets better.

And the news!!! Ahhhh..I've had it with the negativity and fear pedaling. It just gets to be too much.

And I find that our mainstream news channels, run the same news for three days, especially on certain stories, like Britney's sis' baby. arrrrggggg.

Enjoyed reading you.

sandy

Carol said...

I was so sorry to read about the passing of your Dad that is something I have not yet experienced so can only imagine what you are going through.

This post is lovely - I think small steps are the only ones to take...it's makes your goals more achievable if you make them bite size.

I truly hope that 2008 is a good year for you

and as for me.....my New Years Resolution is to tolerate fools more gladly. (provided this does not encourage them to take up more of my time :-).

C x

K M F said...

nice post

heiresschild said...

hi Dave, a long-term investment plan is a good way of looking at raising our children, and it doesn't stop just because they marry and leave home. just ask my daughter who's married and living in CA; i'm still investing. LOL

i think small steps toward showing love, etc. is good. if everyone took small steps and did their part, we'd have a lot of people doing the right things, and this world would be a better place for it.

good post Dave. have a great weekend!

smilnsigh said...

Great choice of picture, to go with this entry!

And I applaud your plans. Starting in your own home, with how you raise your own children. And trying to help the few instead of the many. And trying to take small steps by showing love, consideration and generosity to those at home, at workplace and in community.

Methinks people often get carried away with the 'big picture.' Which so many of us can't do much to influence. Perhaps it would be wiser to concentrate on "the close." Where we have more chance to do something.

Maybe...

Wishing you a Happy and Healthy New Year.

Mari-Nanci

Gudl said...

Your 'small steps' sound very good to me!!
I wish you a great year and much success with them!

Mother of Invention said...

I think this is a more realistic way to start off the year anyway. We have as much luck with NY's predictions as we have with crazy Canuck weather! On CBC just now, they were saying if you don't like the weather you see here out your front window, look out your back! (Or as I've heard, wait another 15 minutes!)

Have a Happy New Year...

Hope all is great,
In 2008!

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