New Year Etiquette
Promise Yourself
By Christian D. Larson, 1912
Editor’s Note: New Year is a time of renewal, as most people make "resolutions" on how to improve themselves.
This page was created by the original owner of PracticalEtiquette, Kariëlle Samstad. This was a poem written by Christian D Larson about the promise of the year ahead. It is a simple message of being true to yourself, recognizing your strengths and weaknesses, and committing to yourself to make a better you in the coming year. It is a simple message, but, as it did in 1912, it continues to ring true today, 100 years later. The changes Christian and Kariëlle are suggesting do not change with technology or time or other factors that impact "how we live" from a material aspect, but "how we live" from our own human behavior. We touch on these concepts on our teaching social skills and respect pages. Christian’s simple advice could have a profound impact on how you act and how others interact with you.
To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.
To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.
To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world, not in loud words but in great deeds.
To live in the faith that the whole world is on your side so long as you are true to the best that is in you.
Have a wonderful and successful New Year!
Kariëlle Samstad
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