As we close the door on another year, the calendar brings us to a time to reflect on what matters most in our lives. We live in a troubled world where rising anger places us all in danger whenever and wherever we go in public places. Families are disintegrating from daily struggles to make enough money, to keep the peace at the dinner table, and to live in a home rather than in a house.

On New Year’s Eve we will make our usual resolutions to lose weight, to get new jobs, to start new lives. Perhaps we should instead focus on the simple quality to just be good.

Country singer Tim McGraw provides some simple ideas in his song, “Stay Humble and Kind.”

Visit grandpa every chance that you can

It won’t be a waste of time

Always stay humble and kind

Hold the door say please say thank you

Don’t steal, don’t cheat, and don’t lie

I know you got mountains to climb but

Always stay humble and kind.

When the dreams you’re dreamin’ come to you

When the work you put in is realized

Let yourself feel the pride but

Always stay humble and kind

Don’t expect a free ride from no one

Don’t hold a grudge or a chip and here’s why

Bitterness keeps you from flying

Always stay humble and kind

Don’t take for granted the love this life gives you

When you get where you’re goin’

Don’t forget turn back around

Help the next one in line

Always stay humble and kind

Throughout my life I’ve gathered wisdom from great philosophers and wise people who I believe get it right when it comes to how we should live this brief journey we call life. I’d like to pass along their advice to you and include them within my own self-improvement plan for 2018.

Be prideful, but stay humble. In this world of attention-seekers and selfie-takers, let’s stop looking in mirrors and look to help others more. Expect little in return other than the sense of satisfaction for being selfless instead of selfish.

Forgive, forgive, forgive! Free those who have hurt us from their guilty consciences. We all say and do things that hurt the people we love. Don’t hold their transgressions against them forever. By forgiving them, we release them from the suffering that they have been carrying for far too long. Only then can relationships begin to heal.

Say we’re sorry when we upset someone and mean it. Don’t shout, “Well, I’m sorry, OK!” Lower the voice. Look the person in the eye and calmly speak the words.

Become an instrument of peace. Speak softly in tense moments. During a disagreement, stay focused on the topic. Don’t throw insults or shoot arrows of disrespect.

Listen. To understand what someone is saying, stop shouting over their words when they try to speak.

Keep an open mind. Our country, our neighborhoods, and our families are polarized by single-minded points of view. Compromise so that everyone gets a little and gives a little. Realize an opinion is just an opinion. Consider the welfare of others when making life-altering decisions. The old saying applies here. Believe it or not, the world does not revolve around any one of us.

Be positive examples to our children. Model proper behavior, especially at home. Teach our kids to respect our elders and everyone who holds a position of authority.

Don’t just love someone when he or she pleases us. Love them when they are most unlovable. Don’t demand that someone earn our affections. Real love is unconditional.

Just because someone has broken your trust does not mean you shouldn’t trust everyone else.

Accept constructive criticism and put good advice into action.

Spend time alone with our inner spirit. Listen to the voice in our soul.

If we show goodness in ourselves, goodness will be returned as our reward.

Happiness is a choice, not something we attain through good luck or hope.

In this crazy world of technology, keep focusing on the simply beauty of nature.

Believe in the powers of touch. Never stop hugging and kissing the people we love.

American poet Maya Angelou wrote, “People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Happy 2018, everyone!

Rich Strack can be reached at katehep11@gmail.com.