Move over Gandhi: Words of wisdom from Publisher Beatty

Why did I choose this topic? Maybe it is because I hear the angst in people's voices as they discuss the state of our state - NY Senators acting more like little school girls than elected officials collecting pay checks on our tax dollars. 

Or maybe I am disgusted by stories of parents getting in fist fights at childrens' sporting events.

Who knows? It may even be the state of Welfare in our country and the fact that a needed system is being abused by some to support generations of families who are perfectly capable of working and contributing to society.

Whatever the reason, I decided this was a good time to breathe deep, live in the moment and become Zen-like.

So pull out your yoga mat, ponder my simple yet effective steps and enjoy life:

10. Take time to listen to and enjoy the laughter of children. It's like candy for the ears.

9. Smile when people aren't around. Try it on the mirror. Laugh loud and hard.

8. Stop and smell the roses - actually get down and smell them.

7. If your child wants to sleep in bed with you, let them. They will be grown and out of the house before you know it.

6. Stop complaining. Seriously, stop. Life is too short and nobody wants to hear you anyway.

5. Decide what you want to do in life and do it. Don't go through life as a dabbler. Anything worth doing is worth doing right. Give life 100 percent.

4. Decide to be happy and act happy. Actions bring about feelings and feelings influence thoughts. We are what we think.

3. Surround yourself with pictures of people you love. When you are stressed out, slow down and look at them.

2. Help others and be pleasant. Putting a smile on someone's face always helps to put a smile on your own face. Put change in the parking meter of someone you don't know.

1. Think about how you want to be remembered and then live your life like that.