LISTEN! We are all eager to be heard. After all it’s a "me" society. But if we can be quiet for a moment to actually listen to another person, it’s possible we will understand their perspective better. In doing so we may realize we have something in common. We may empathize with the person, thus avoiding misunderstandings. We may be inspired. Or conversely we may be more convinced of our own opinions.
Don’t litter! Imagine a clean world. Imagine no trash lying around. How much nicer and how much more enjoyable would our streets, neighborhoods, cities and natural areas be without debris?
Read! Learn, explore, discover through books. Be inspired and get motivated by reading. One of the most word savvy people I know, grew her vocabulary and knowledge from her love of books.
Be nice to animals! And respect their nature! This is true of all animals. But let's consider dogs as an example. Do you think dogs really like being dressed up? Imagine being forced to wear an extra, constricting layer, when you are already wearing a fur coat. In extreme weather we might consider a coat or booties for our less furry friends but otherwise it's not necessary.
Also, dogs like to walk around and smell their surroundings. They know what's going on by doing this! And walking provides exercise. Leave the use of carriages to babies. Let dogs walk! After all, would you put a duck in a stroller?
Slow down! Especially in cars. Everyone is in a rush - often simply to get to a red light. I recently had a driver pull abruptly in front of me as I was walking just so that she could turn into her driveway. She didn’t rush out of her car to get somewhere. She just felt it necessary to race up to her garage. Not sure what she thought would happen if she had waited five seconds for me to pass!
Quiet your phone. When in public turn your phone on vibrate. Nobody except you needs to know you are getting a call or a text.
Along the same theme, take your cell phone off speaker and use earphones when you must have a phone conversation in public. Nobody else needs or wants to hear your conversation. It’s annoying! Imagine if everyone did that? It would be mind-numbing!!!
Greet people on elevators with a hello or simply a smile. Acknowledge there is a living being next to you. If this is uncomfortable, at least say goodbye as you exit. Spread some good feeling!
Show common courtesy! Let people exit an elevator, bus, subway car, or train before you try to enter. It’s not only the polite thing to do, it avoids running into others.
Use the “Magic” words “excuse me”, “thank you”, and “please”. A little pleasantry goes a long way.