How To Live a Happier and Rewarding Life

Today was the first day of my in 'school' training for my volunteer position with Niagara Victim Services.  It was a really good and educational day.  Our speaker for the afternoon was exceptional.  I learned so much in the three hours she spoke; much of it is also applicable to my life in funeral services.  I feel like I took away a lot of helpful information to make me a better funeral director, a better crisis responder and a better person overall.  But the particular advice wisdom I want to share with you all that I was shown today actually came from an old United Way video called Suggestions on How to Live a Happier and Rewarding Life.

These suggestions are so simple, but often overlooked or out right ignored by many.  It's unfortunate that some people take life so seriously and in the process miss the important things.  Basically it should come down to two simple words.  A short but powerful sentence.  Be nice.

How to Live a Happier and Rewarding Life:

Take time to smell the roses.

Take a nap on Sunday afternoon.

Drink 8 glasses of water a day.

Never deprive someone of hope.  It might be all they have.

Be thankful for every meal. 

Don't be afraid to say "I'm sorry."

Don't take good health for granted.

Don't interrupt.

Don't tailgate.

Improve your performance by improving your attitude.

Wave at children on the school bus.

Listen to your children.

Leave everything a little better than you found it.

Leave the toilet seat in the down position.

Keep it simple.

Keep good company.

Keep your promise.

Be kinder than necessary.

Take good care of those you love.

Make it a habit to do nice things for people who will never find out.

Wear outrageous underwear under the most formal business attire.

Vote.

Judge your success by the degree that you are enjoying peace, health and love.

Be a good loser.

Be a good winner.

Be romantic.

Live so that when your children think of fairness, caring and integrity, they think of you.

Enjoy real maple syrup.

Never refuse home made brownies.

Never give anyone a fruitcake.

Remember other people's birthdays.

Sing in the shower.

Don't nag.

Don't gossip.

Don't expect money to bring you happiness.

Be forgiving of yourself and others.

Never give up on anyone. Miracles happen every day.

Say thank you a lot.

Say please a lot.

Take your dog to obedience school.  You'll both learn a lot.

Slow dance.

Don't rain on other people's parades.

Don't postpone joy.

Stop blaming others.  Take responsibility for every area of your life.

Take care of your reputation.  It's your most valuable asset.

Count your blessings.

Whistle.

Marry only for love.

Call your mother.

Do more than is expected.

Be there when people need you. 

Be someone's hero.

Support your community.