Recycling

Are you recycling yet? Here in Minnesota it's mandatory, but even though I don't like overly intrusive government I think it's O.K. Landfills can't keep expanding forever.

Recycling is the process of creating things of  value from discarded things that are used. Recycling used paper, glass and cans is finally becoming a way of life for most of us in a culture whose wastefulness is almost legendary.

Ideas can be recycled, too. The times may change, but there have been many long dormant insights, maxims, proverbs and sayings that can be an invaluable help for us in every facet of our lives. We don't necessarily need to come up with new formulas for living. The old ideas, maxims and proverbs still speak to us if we would but recycle them and put them into practice.

Have a conflict you're avoiding? A stitch in time saves nine. You've been as to speak on a special occasion that might open more doors in your career? Strike while the iron is hot. Don't know how to assess a situation at work or a difficult financial decisions? Two heads are better than one. Moving to a new house? Many hands make light work.

Proverbial wisdom abounds, for those who have ears to hear. The Golden Rule --"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you"-- is a powerful maxim that has inspired a multitude of generations and makes a great creed to live by no matter what age you live in.

Just because something is new doesn't mean that it's better. There is real value in recycling the best ideas and principles of those who have gone before us.