Those folks who know me and have read my column over the years know that I traditionally start my year off with the exact same column. I’ve been doing this some time now and I know that each year at least one other person reads it for the first time.

The column has over the years been an inspiration to me and keeps me focused. I honestly feel that it does the same for some other folks as well.

In keeping with that tradition I have had for some time now, I decided that &uot;if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it&uot;. I’ve used some pretty good words over the past few years that people have responded to without hesitation.

The new year is upon us and it is now the perfect season to reflect on the past year and plan for the future. It’s a time for fresh starts and new beginnings and time for extending the spirit of Christmas by doing something for someone else.

Many of you have started a list of resolutions, which you will attempt to complete this year. Some of these resolutions may be realistic and others you know you will never complete. I guess it’s okay to do that, but if you know you don’t have that will power, then why even say you’re going to make a change. Just live.

For the past several years I’ve shared some resolutions with you and because a lot of people talked about how very much they enjoyed them, I thought I would again begin this new year with those resolutions.

Some may say, &uot;I’ve read these before and why is she repeating them this year?&uot; I thought I might share this list of resolutions in an attempt that you might share them with someone special during the year. Or you may even want to make your own list and share a touch of warmth and cheer with a loved one or someone you haven’t seen for years.

I hope these resolutions will guide and direct some of you throughout the year. They include:

* Express your appreciation to someone for their work or service.

* Look up an old friend and tell that person you still care.

* Forgive an enemy or mend or quarrel.

* Do something spontaneous and kind for a young child.

* Find the time to keep a promise.

* Be a good listener to someone who has a problem.

* Make something or bake something for a neighbor or friend. Have it delivered anonymously.

* Take time to speak kindly to a stranger.

* Re-read your Christmas cards and pray for each person who has touched your life in a special way.

* Smile and laugh. Then double that joy by sharing it with another.

* Turn off the TV and enjoy some good music with your family.

* Treat someone to their favorite dessert.

* Encourage an older person with a smile or a helping hand

* Be patient and understanding with an angry person.

* Enter into another person’s sorrow by offering a listening ear or words of comfort

* Pray for someone who helped when you were in need.

* Compliment a friend who is struggling toward a goal.

* Give a family member a hug and kiss.

* Resolve to be cheerful and helpful. People will repay you in kind.

* Avoid angry, abrasive people. They are generally vengeful.

* Resolve to listen more and to talk less. No one ever learns anything by talking.

* Be chary of giving advice. Wise men don’t need it and fools won’t heed it.

No one will ever get out of this world alive. Resolve therefore to maintain a reasonable sense of values. Take care of yourself. Good health is everyone’s major source of wealth. Without it happiness is impossible.

And last, but not least, do not equate money with success. There are many successful moneymakers who are miserable failures as human beings. What counts most about success is how a person achieves it.