The 10 Best New Year's Resolutions for 2009

Emotional Generosity is Better Than Money in the Bank

1. Read One Book Every Week in 2009.

A wise very well educated teacher in his 70's advised me to do this in high school. He taught a speed reading class and recommended that I take it. He very subtly suggested that this is the way to become an educated person: Read a book a week and within a few years you will not believe what you will know. He recommended several classic novels, but made no further suggestions on what I should read. When I saw Robin Williams in Dead Poet's Society, I thought of this great teacher.

2. Work Hard and Be Nice To People.

This recommendation came from a very dear architect friend, who studied with Frank Lloyd Wright at Taliesin West. Besides his incredible architectural talents, this man is one of the best listeners on the Planet. His gentle suggestions have been an inspiration to me to see the world in a more generous light , to see new opportunities, and to launch me on adventures half way 'round the world.

3. Recycle Like You're Running Out of Time

This resolution deals with facts: We are running out of time to fully grasp the concept that the planet will survive without us, but we will not survive unless we care for the planet. Karl Henrick Robert has a lot to say in his essay about how The Natural Step * got started. Robert Gilman interviewed this mentor to many in the environmental arena. This man worked on solutions to sustainability, joined forces with world scientists and came up with some answers. He managed to change the habits of the whole country of Sweden.

4. Clean The Kitchen Sink Every Night Before Bedtime.

Clean the sink slowly and deliberately. Thich Nhat Hanh , the Vietnamese Buddhist philosopher describes doing the dishes as a step to centering oneself in his book titled The Miracle of Mindfulness. Practicing very simple necessary steps in our lives with joy and peace can shift our consciousness,leading to happiness and prosperity.

5. Encourage Young People to Read the Classics