Roy Exum
In 1993 a 95-year-old man named William Snell created a list called “Life’s Little Instructions.” His list has swirled around in the Internet ever since and it is, indeed, a delightful checklist to keep us focused in the right direction.
Curiously, when I read over it this past weekend, it dawned on me that if each of us would try to accomplish just 10 items on Mr. Snell’s list this week, it might relieve some of the strain and stress that sometimes seems to accompany our biggest holiday.
The WebMD website warns us “that for many people it is a time filled with sadness, self-reflection, loneliness, and anxiety.”
The story states that, “Sadness is a truly personal feeling. What makes one person feel sad may not affect another person,” and such things as “unrealistic expectations, over-commercialization, financial stress, the inability to be with one’s family and friends, and reminders of loss and bereavement” can do a body in pretty quickly. So let’s overcome it!
The top experts agree the best way to get around the Christmas blues is to be as positive as you can be. It’s for certain William Snell had it pretty well figured out so as you read his list of “instructions,” pick out 10 you know you can accomplish and it will guide you towards one of the best Christmases you have ever had. And if you do more than 10, you’ll get extra credit within your heart:
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LIFE’S LITTLE INSTRUCTIONS
By 95 year old William Snell in 1993
Sing in the shower.
Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated.
Watch a sunrise at least once a year.
Never refuse homemade brownies.
Strive for excellence, not perfection.
Plant a tree on your birthday.
Learn three clean jokes.
Return borrowed vehicles with the gas tank full.
Never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them.
Leave everything a little better than you found it.
Keep it simple.
Think big thoughts, but relish small pleasures.
Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.
Be forgiving of yourself and others.
Say “thank you” a lot.
Say “please” a lot.
Avoid negative people.
Wear polished shoes.
Remember other people’s birthdays.
Commit yourself to constant improvement.
Have a firm handshake.
Send lots of valentine cards, sign them.
Look people in the eye.
Be the first to say “hello.”
Return all things you borrow.
Make new friends but cherish the old ones.
Keep secrets.
Plant flowers every spring.
Have a dog.
Always accept an outstretched hand.
Stop blaming others.
Take responsibility for every area of your life.
Wave at kids on school buses.
Be there when people need you.
Don’t expect life to be fair.
Never underestimate the power of love.
Drink champagne for no reason at all.
Live your life as an exclamation, not an explanation.
Don’t be afraid to say, “I made a mistake.”
Don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t know.”
Compliment even small improvements.
Keep your promises no matter what.
Marry only for love.
Rekindle old friendships.
Count your blessings.
Call your mother and your dad too, if they happen to be alive.
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Let’s add one more: Enjoy the glory of Christmas Day.
royexum@aol.com