01/08/99

Readers Plan for the New Year

... in response to "Authenticity in 1999" (12/24/98)

Among the reminders that the millennium really begins on January first in the year 2001, readers vowed to improve the world for themselves and others in 1999, as summarized below.

Live Up to a Role Model

"As the century draws to a close, I think not of my life but of my father's. Life was difficult for him. His mother died when he was just a week old, so he boarded with a neighbor while his father sought work in a nearby city. Before my dad reached his teens, his father died also. The neighbor couple kept him, requiring him to work hard for his keep.

"Throughout his life he always gave friends or strangers a helping hand. I was born when he was 39. He always told me, "Go for it, Babe. There is nothing you can't do." Wouldn't the world be a great place if all dads encouraged their daughters like this? No problem was too large or too small to work out with Dad's help.

"I grew up in a warm, loving home with gentle and kind parents. When Dad died in 1994, he was ready to join my mother. My mother liked to nag; I could almost hear her say, "What took you so long, dear? I've been waiting forever for you!

"I hope that as I start the new year, I can become more like Dad."

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Find the Courage to Take Risks

"Your article about "authenticity" gave me hope and courage as I enter the "empty nest syndrome." My son will be 18 in January, and I promised myself that when my youngest turned 18, I would begin my life as a woman of freedom and independence. I have been teaching my children for years to be the people they want to be. Now the tables have turned. Courage to change and take risks. That's scary stuff, but the risk is worth the ride. There's a big world waiting for me to explore and now it's my turn to take what I've given them for myself. I find the idea of "freeing others through freeing myself" to be especially appealing. Thanks for your insight."

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Quotes to Remember

Some quotable quotes for the new year:

• "Look at each day as your own perfect miracle."
• "The only person who never makes mistakes is the person who never does anything."
• "Be kind in the things you say; harsh words can bruise hearts."
• "If you want love, you must be able to give love. Give it freely and it will come back to you in abundance."
• "Our lives begin to end on the day we become silent about the things that matter to us."

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Keep Friendships Going

"When you get to be my age, it's a miracle to be here at all! My fondest wish is to make it to June, 2000, so I can see my grandson graduate from West Point. Toward that end, I'll moan less about arthritis, smile more, and be thankful for my blessings. I'll also contact as many friends as I can, because with each passing year, there are fewer of them around. Viva 1999!"

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Set an Example for Others

"The following fresh idea comes to mind as the year 2000 approaches. As a nation, we need to close the 20th century on a positive note of reaching out to help others. families, friends and nations need to help each other to enhance the world we are all moving into. Too many people live with heavy grief and worries.

"I'm not a love and peace 70's groupie. I just believe there is too much judging of others' backyards and not enough cleaning in our own. We are all equal and should act that way, by setting examples for others rather than judging them."

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The Next Millennium begins in 2001

"You actually have more time than you think until the 21st century. 1999 is not the last year of the century -- 2000 is. A century consists of 100 years. The beginning of a century starts with a year ending in the number 1, so the 21st century begins in 2001. Happy New Year!"

Please send questions or comments to bbruno@snet.net.