Volume 4, Issue 1, January 2005 BACK TO BASICS 2005 - Boy, does time fly.  With a new year many people give themselves a new beginning.  They have resolutions and goals that they believe will take them to the next level.  Then for some by February, they are back to their old habits and life goes on. It seems our problem is we strive for new resolutions, new ways of being and new direction, but we forget to go back to basics.  Back to the simple concepts that make this journey so wonderful. I have often thought of starting a new movement called “The One Law Society”.  The society would embrace the Golden Rule, Do Unto Others As You Would Have Them Do Unto You. Think about the wonderfulness and the simplicity of that saying.  If we treat everyone the way we want to be treated, then all else follows. “That sounds too simple, Ted.  Life is more complicated than that.  What about those who go out of their way to do you harm?” Yes, there are people who do not understand the Golden Rule (these are the 2%ers) but, that does not mean we have to become them and go down to their level.  Always take the high road and always use the Golden Rule as your guide.  Let us couple that with the Mouradian Model for Cooperative Action© and you will see how getting back to basics can guide you in the New Year. First begin by validating and celebrating everyone you come in contact with.  Make them feel special; similar to how you would like others to make you feel. Then allow everyone else to be the person they were meant to be.  We need to embrace our differences.  When you allow others to be the people they were meant to be, you will be free to be the person you were meant to be. When someone does adversely affect you, keep in mind that they may not realize that they are doing anything wrong.  I know that sounds strange, but many people do not believe their actions are wrong.  So instead of telling that person what they did wrong, tell them what you need.  This avoids conflict.  You can be assertive, but never become aggressive or you become “them”. Always do your best to accommodate the needs of others without losing your sense of self.  By doing so, others will be happy to accommodate your needs.  Most of us already do this but have not realized our pattern.  We do for those who do for us and we are reluctant to do for those who do not do for us.  “Like” kindness begets “like” actions.  Do not pick or choose who you will accommodate.  By making this your basic belief, you will be surprised who will begin to accommodate you as well.  Sometimes all others need is an example of how to act. Do not hold power and ownership over anyone.  Build all of your relationships on mutual trust and respect.  You do not own your partner, your children, your friends, your coworkers or your subordinates.  “Trust” begets “Trust”. Finally, if the relationship is not working and you have done everything you can, then walk away.  The same holds true with someone with a 2% mindset.  Never try to change their point of view.  Acceptance is not necessarily agreement.  You will never change them and as long as they are not harming others, they don’t have to change.  Walk away; it really does not matter. So, get back to basics and do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Peace and Prosperity in 2005 Ted DID YOU KNOW?  By Pierre R. Ouellette Hon. B.A., LL.B. One of the more insidious aspects of psychological harassment in the workplace is how a victim becomes isolated and marginalized. Workplace bullies often denigrate their victims behind their backs. So by the time the victim works up enough courage to complain, their boss is insensible and simply does not believe them! Did you know that targets of workplace bullying endure their pain for an average of 22 months? For more information on dealing with Psychological Harassment in the Workplace write me at info@cooperativeaction.com FEEDBACK My friend Russell Plumley pointed out that I used some wrong wording in the last Caravan.  I should have used the word “hanged” instead of “hung”…thanks Russell. Humphry Says… You will be free to be the person you were meant to be once you allow all others the freedom to be the people they were meant to be…so…do unto others as you would have them do unto you. To find out how we can help you or your organization please browse our website To subscribe to THE CARAVAN please send an email with your name to info@cooperativeaction.com and type SUBSCRIBE as the subject.