Remember other people's birthdays.
As we advance in age (ahem), most people don't feel birthdays seem the same as when we were children. But even adults feel purdy darn special when receiving a birthday card (or two or ten) in the mail. Okay, a greeting via text or e-mail is nice, too, but there's still a lot to be said for holding a card in your hands and knowing someone has thought of you and taken the time to send you a card.
Write "Thank You" notes.
Feeling appreciated is a basic human need. It really doesn't take that long or that much effort to write a short thank you note in response for something nice or helpful someone has done for you. An old-fashioned bit of good manners, you say? Perhaps, but once again, we all yearn to be appreciated and we all still like to get mail.
Do it now.
This is something I've taken to heart recently. Instead of writing a task on your list or making a mental note to do it when you "have time," do it now. We have too many items on our To Do Lists already and certainly our brain cells as so overloaded these days that trying to remember simply adds more stress. Unless it's a task that requires a large amount of time to accomplish, quit agonizing about it and do it. Then you know what? It's done. And you haven't added to the mental or physical clutter. There is an immediate reaping of the benefits.
Try to find the humor in all situations.
Other than extreme dire circumstances, there's always a funny or positive spin you can put on all happenings. Even if you have to go for silly, it will lighten the mood and put a smile on someone's face.
Show your appreciation.
No one will know if you only assume they know. Speak your appreciation, give a hug or even a kiss. (Although a loving kiss may get you into trouble at the DMV office.)
Be on time.
If you are habitually late, it does nothing but show disrespect for others. You will not win friends or influence people. It's guaranteed to create negative reactions.
Don't waste time grieving over past mistakes.
Learn from them (often times that simply means not repeating them) and move on. As Tim of Oakdale Farm recently commented on one of my posts, " . . . it is most important to learn to roll with the punches and look ahead, not behind. What was, was. What is in the future is what could still be!" If we don't move on, we will forever be stuck where we are.