24 Ways to Do Life Better

Something inspired me to write this list of ways to do life better. I hope to closely follow my own advice:

1. Forgive regularly. Resentment is a deep and sneaky poison. Do whatever it takes to send it on its way.

2. Offer sincere apologies… with no buts. “I am sorry” is one of the most powerful messages we can offer, however, only when we truly have sorrow for our behavior, when we do our best to not repeat whatever we’re sorry for and we don’t finish up our apology with a but….

3. Ask for what you need. Most of us haven’t mastered this one yet, so keep mustering the courage to be humble and risk rejection.

4. Donate to good causes. Volunteer your services. We’re all needed in this world and when we donate, everyone wins.

5. Listen better, ask good questions, and less “that reminds me of me.” True listening is done with our hearts, not our ears.

6. To combat your negative thoughts, try coming to your senses. Literally, “lose your mind and come to your senses.” Touch, look, listen, taste and smell. They can each be sanctuary.

7. Express gratitude throughout the day. There is not enough time to express our infinite blessings. Do it anyway. Take less, less, less for granted.

8. Go to a place of wonder and awe daily. We are teeny, weeny beings, even when our egos forget it. Wonder and awe remind us of our foundational reality.

9. Release your need to be right. First, you probably aren’t as right as often as you think you are. And second, hardly anyone ever wins these ego-tarnished skirmishes.

10. Make your bed every morning. We are here to do many, many simple tasks. Making your bed is a great one to begin the day humbly.

11. Look at yourself in the mirror honestly and whatever can be added, polished or removed: Do it. Dedication to personal growth is the key to transcending old patterns that have not, do not and never will serve our highest intentions.

12. See the beauty in everyone. Start with yourself. Say, “I am beautiful. I am beautiful.” That is not a misprint.

13. Do not talk crap about anyone. Gossip hurts the speaker, the listener and the one gossiped about. It is also a false way to feel better about ourselves.

14. Light candles. Candles are real-life examples of holiness and are role models for us to keep our light shining.

15. Realize you are a candle, too, and all the other candles need your light. You ARE a candle.

16. Remember, you need other candles’ light as much as they need yours. We need to connect to other peoples’ hearts and souls in order for ours to flourish.

17. Disagree when it matters, but only respectfully! An exclamation point?! Yes!! We need to express our opinions with both our strength and respect. Being respectful is the key to creating a kinder world.

18. Strive to be a better human being. This one could be the banner for the entire list. Repeat daily, “I want to keep learning, growing and becoming the best human being I can be.”

19. Love more and continue to keep learning more about it. It’s an ever-fruitful, never-ending journey.

20. “Fake it ’till you make it” is an old wisdom from the 12 Step programs. Behave at your highest level even when you aren’t feeling like it. Feelings are ephemeral. Our hurtful words and actions are not.

21. Remember to express your deep gratitude throughout the day. You will love it.

22. Don’t take anything personally. It’s a lifetime effort that pays high dividends. It’s not about you.

23. Most anxiety is not worthy of our precious time and energy. Breathe into your belly. Trust. Share your fears with close friends. Consider meds, if needed. Many of us tolerate more anxiety in our system than is helpful.

24. Get professional help when you need it, or just want it. It can make all the difference in the world.

May we all journey on with a dedicated intent to bring more love and light into our world. Blessings.

This article appears in The Source Weekly April 3, 2025.