I really want to be a better person.  To clarify that, I’m not talking about physically better, like losing weight or getting in shape.  Rather, what I mean is I want to be a better person on the inside.  I think that being a kinder, gentler person will give me a richer life.

To become a better person, I will be:

• Nicer 
• More forgiving
• Considerate of other’s feelings
• Generous with compliments
• Less snarky
• Patient
• Respectful

When I was growing up, I was a nice kid.  What happened?  

Maybe it had something to do with moving to New York City. 

too many people live in a small amount of space.

You’ll run into all kinds of people when you live in a city with a population of 8 million.  Therefore, New York City isn’t for the faint of heart.  Especially during the decade that I lived there.  Those were hard times in the 1970s, and some citizens were, shall I say, not really concerned about accommodating others’ interests.  In fact, I wrote a little about it in this Dance Safari post, “In Times of Trouble We Need to Dance“.

New York City consists of masses of humanity shuffling down the sidewalks, while cabs and other vehicles crowd the streets.  You hear police cars, fire engines, and ambulances blaring all day and night.  What’s more, there’s always a line for whatever goods or services you need. You learn fast not to let others take advantage of your good nature.  However, there’s a lot going on and it definitely gets to you after a while.

It’s hard to be a better person when you’re broke.

Not only that, but it’s expensive to live in NYC.  If you’re like I was and just getting started in your career, you have to make do with a lot less than you’re used to.  In addition, with sky-high rents, you’re probably going to have at least one roommate.  It could be someone you know, but it wasn’t unusual for it to be a more recent acquaintance.  My first apartment was a very small studio and I had a roommate.  It was pretty tight quarters.

To top it all off…

It’s for sure, New Yorkers aren’t shy about expressing themselves.  Especially if they feel they’ve been disrespected in some way.  There will be no hesitation, they’ll straight-off tell ya where it’s at.  As a result of over 10 years in the City, I learned to be pretty lippy. 

The thing is, I don’t want to stress myself and others out by being loud, self-centered, and bossy.  I just want to be a better person. 

Speaking of speaking, here’s a video that explains 27 Words You Will Only Hear in New York City.  So true! 

So, what’s your plan, Barbara?

My plan for self-improvement is simple:

• Listen better
• Respond, don’t react
• Practice gratitude
• Stop yelling
• No more cussing

Wish me luck!