Put down the crack pipe and hear me out...

OK, second day of January and some things are coming to light already. I'm guessing about 85% of you out there have already broken your New Years Resolution. It probably went something like this:

12:00am New Years - in celebration you throw cigarettes, cheeseburgers, crack pipe, or whatever out the window vowing to never touch said items again.

12:15am - first twinge of regret comes on - people ask what's wrong - you stare straight ahead.

12:45am - first look out window to see if anyone picked up the items.

3:00 am - party is over you lie in bed staring at ceiling telling yourself that you will make it through this.

6:00 am - you find yourself driving like gangbusters to the nearest 7/11, McDonalds, or crack house in order to purchase that which your heart desires. So what the hell went wrong?

The problem was that somewhere along the night you realized that true change does not come with just making a quick declaration and half hearted display. No, true change needs to be deeper than that so your efforts go out the window realizing that even though the calender has changed, you are still the same cancer patient in training, fat slob, or crack head you were the day before. So how does one change?

The answer I believe is first finding worth in oneself. One must love him/herself first in order to stop the destructive behavior. Easier said than done right? Probably, but people don't go about it the right way either. People believe that in order to love themselves they must chant endlessly, or buy the items they want in order to demonstrate love and worth. This of course is wrong because no matter how many times you parade in front of the mirror with the new coat you've been dying to have - you'll still be the same A-hole - just in a new coat.

No, I believe the way to personal salvation is to go out and help others. First., it will validate to your subconscious that you are indeed a good person inside. Additionally, you'll have the added benefit of reclaiming your good feeling every time you run into the person you helped for they will always be glad to see you. Now expand this to a few hundred people and you will be one of your town's favorite persons. You will be receiving thanks and smile's everywhere you go. Once your mind recognizes that you are indeed good - the destructive behavior should stop because you will have a new appreciation for yourself.

OK, so this was a simplistic answer for complex behaviors, but what if it worked for some people. Most of us have fallen into the me, me trap which has resulted in lot of unhappy people. Maybe the key is to think of other first. Or maybe I should shut the hell up and mind my own business. Oh well, enjoy your vices then. Happy New Year!