Eden Alternative Tip of the Week: Thoughts for the New Year

Hard to believe we are on the brink of another new year. As always, a new year brings with it a promise of new beginnings and second chances. This reminds me of Principle 9: Creating an Elder-centered community is a never-ending process. Human growth must never be separated from human life. A new year also provides us an opportunity to reflect on the past year and how we included the Eden Principles into our day.

As we being our new year, let's celebrate what we do every day and how we continue to strive for a place worth living and working in for our Elders and peers. Some thoughts come to mind:

• Positive Thinking. We must celebrate our successes more than we focus on our failures. Who did we see living the Principles today that we can recognize? When was the last time you did a mitzvah for someone? Are we seeing opportunities ahead or impossible challenges?
• Determination. We just don't give up, do we? No matter what the setback or obstacle, we all keep plugging along or as the saying goes, "keep on keeping on." There is nothing we cannot do when we come together as a community around a common purpose!
• Dedication. Be proud of your community and those around you.  Be inspired by the dedication and compassion of those around you and how truly Elder-focused you have become. Be a dedicated role model to others. The calling to eliminate loneliness, helplessness and boredom continues to inspire us daily.
•  Appreciation. Thank each other for the extraordinary jobs we do every day, we all deserve it. Do not forget to thank the Elders for all the goodness and knowledge they add to our lives. Can you really get too many pats-on-the-back!

There are no more fitting words than those from Albert Schweitzer, "A man can only do what he can do. But if he does it each day he can sleep at night and do it again the next day." Thank those around you for the compassion and dedication they provide each day. Take time to look back and see how far you have come and then look ahead to what comes next in your journey. The lives of the Elders are enriched because of you!

By Theresa Schneider, St. John's Home, Rochester, NY