Here we are facing the unknown of year 2013 and knowing this is a time of changes and unrest. We wonder; will war ever go away, maybe for good? Or will money greed rule out decisions to find the world at peace? “We, the People,” living today will steer that future to reality -–the questions are where, why and by whom?

A good future start is setting common good goals for this New Year, such as getting to know and like each other better, including our self. While that won’t change the world pronto, it’s a start.

I’m right up to here in all the cruelty and bad news being made, heard and brought into life today. From now on my motto is, “ If it don’t make me smile – it don’t matter.” How about that!

As to politics and elections, what’s up with this having to belong to the “correct” political party or you’re a no account. We can object to this war while still supporting the troops.

We may dislike what the other person believes and still like the person. Where did we decide it’s more acceptable to hate and disagree than to love and compromise? I don’t know, yet I do know it’s time to say, “Stop!” As famed television personality and psychologist Dr. Phil, would say, “How’s that working for you?”

Life’s greatest teacher – experience has taught me “The more I learn and grow older the more I realize how little I know.”

Some folks are just heck-bent to be grumpy. Think of the wasted energy it takes to frown compared to a smile and good word. Life should be about enjoying the trip not practicing for a perfect partisan funeral. Do you suppose it makes any difference if we’re Republican or Democrat in Heaven?

Why do people volunteer? Because it makes us feel good to be a helper. Why do we give gifts? Because, giving makes us feel happy. We’re reminded, “It’s better to give than to receive.” A 3-year old child at their own birthday party likely won’t agree – it’s receiving time for them, toys, cake and ice cream. Their day will come when they too discover the happiness of giving.

Meantime, talk about turmoil for our leaders! Small cities struggle with the ramifications of money shortage to meet budgets. Short-term, band-aid solutions won’t work. Financial integrity of the city is at stake. The good old days of barn-raising and bartering items/services is not an option much now, and perhaps sadly so.

Still this is the world we the people created--mistakes and all. The people have spoken and the piper must be paid. The ax has fallen and longtime employees and services are cut.

When our state Legislature opens their first session, right off the bat, politics likely takes precedence over budget. Aren’t there enough politically motivated accusations of skullduggery nationwide and somber faced television news anchors drowning us in bad news?

We need another Abraham Lincoln! We support fair elections, but I sure don’t support big money stirred in the political pot.

Small wonder working folks may hit the freeway with a vengeance to get home, or anywhere else in a hurry, to relieve the pressure-valve of steamed-up daily bad news frustration.

Let’s solve problems now, not prolong them. Let’s get our future leaders of tomorrow back home out of a foreign land war that should not have been started.

Political election behaviors resemble a schoolyard fist-a-cuffs mentality of he/she who hits hardest, first and best wins. Truth is at the end of day a very hateful behavior leads to the street of hard-knocks and emotional, mental and friendless poorhouse.

Someone said, “The integrity of a person is seen by how they treat someone who can do nothing for them.”

The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States of America declares, “We, the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union.” What happened with talking things over? America is teamwork. Scripture reads, “Come, let us reason together.”
As for me, I kinda favor that stress-free prayer of a child who said, “Lord, if you can’t make me a better girl, don’t worry about it. I’m having a good time like I am.”

Meantime, an unknown person wrote:
“Let’s keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.
Learn something new every day. Keep the brain active.
Life brings tears. Endure, grieve and move on.
Surround yourself with what you love, family, pets, keepsakes and music.
Cherish good health.
If unstable, get help.
Don’t take guilt trips.
Take a trip to the mall.
Forgive us our trash baskets as we forgive those who put trash in our trash basket.”

I leave you with these thoughts for the New Year 2013:
Let’s Smile lots, Live well, Laugh often, Love much be thankful for every day.

The number of days we live does not measure life quality. The breath of kindness and caring brings smiles that can pass on around the world to another New Year.

Today’s Thought: Advice is like kissing; it costs nothing and is a pleasant thing to do.”