1. The Beads
The following pages will give you a detailed look at each bead, their icon
and the daily goal it represents. The photos are actual hand-paintings we
use as a guide in Haiti. (Each bead is individually painted, so they vary a
bit in style and color. While hand-painting is much more time consuming
and expensive than mechanical processes, we love the fact it makes each
bracelet one of a kind.) With the photo, we included a description of the
goal itself and a few ideas. Consider these simple “Thought-Starters”.
The way you accomplish your goals may be much different. We hope
you’ll share these with us in the “My Experiences” section here on
facebook. The listing of the beads is in the same order as they are strung
on each bracelet. This helps you use these pages as a guide as you start
the program. The longer you work with the program, the more ideas you
will create.
These beads are painted in Haiti with the coordination of XXXXX XXXXX
Ministry. The majority of each dollar created through bracelets sales
goes directly to the artisans doing this wonderful work. By purchasing a
bracelet, you’ve already changed a life for the better. This income can
literally be the difference between the women being able to feed their
family or going hungry. We appreciate the help provided and hope
wonderful things come to your life as well.

2. Gratitude
We encounter things every day to be grateful for. It’s easy to take them for granted
and consider “expected” rather than gifts. Two incredibly powerful words are
“Thank You”. Often, “Thanks” is said as a reflex rather than a sentiment.
When it’s not an expression of emotion, you can feel the difference. Others can
as well. Keep your eyes open for what makes your life a little richer. If it’s a
person, look them in the eye and really thank them. If it’s something else, pass
along a silent “Thank You” for having it in your life.
Teach
A natural reaction watching a person stumble through a
process we understand is impatience, especially if it
inconveniences us. Think about it for a moment. Chances
are someone walked through this same task with you. When
you see a person struggling, recognize it as a wonderful
opportunity to teach and makes another life better.

3. Think “Green”
It’s obvious our planet isn’t feeling well. People also wonder
what will be left for their children and grandchildren. If we do a
few small things, it makes a huge difference. Recycle something
today or pick up a wrapper and toss it in the garbage. Think how
much better things would be if we carried a few things once in a
while rather than always getting a plastic bag. If we improve
“our corner”, a lot of corners will get healthier.
Pinch a Penny
A penny saved isn’t a penny earned…it’s a penny
earned twice. Whether it’s passing up an item
you don’t really need or taking a longer look at
your bills than usual, do anything to make your
dollars go a bit further.

4.
Show Someone You Love…Love
Is there anything that makes you feel better than being loved? It’s
as essential to our happiness as air, food and water are for our
health. Feeling loved is great but showing love is equally
important. There is a world of difference between yelling, “Love
Ya” as you run out the door and taking that person by the hand to
explain how much you really, really love them. There are many
ways to show it. Take an interest in something important to them.
Spend a few moments to really hear what’s going on in their life.
Appreciate the challenges and fears they face. And tell them you
are doing this because you love them so very much.
Learn
At what point in life do we know everything? Many people become
“un-teachable” at one point in their lives and it’s sad to see. A day
shouldn’t pass when we don’t pick up something new. It doesn’t
have to be quantum physics. Learn a card trick, a bit about a
hobby that looks interesting or explore a popular website you
wouldn’t normally. There are many things we’ve been curious
about but haven’t investigated. Any road you haven’t traveled is a
great place to start.

5. Keep Anger in Check
Anger destroys everything it touches. Getting mad
doesn’t make traffic move faster, a stubborn person
reasonable or a long line shorter. Anger only brings
more misery to a tough situation. Take a breath,
paste on a smile and watch the show other angry
people provide instead.
Practice Kindness
Random acts of kindness are talked about more often than
practiced. Keep your eyes open for a person in need.
Perhaps a couple of bucks or help with a door. At times, just
a smile and kind word mean the world. Think of how you look
and feel when it seems nothing can go your way and what a
difference a little kindness could mean at those moments.

6. Honesty
Tricky, Tricky, Tricky. First and foremost, be honest with
yourself when selecting an acceptable goal. Whether it’s a
whopper or a “little white lie”, we all do it. We know when
we’re dishonest, many times before it leaves our mouths!
Work on it and make progress. Don’t expect perfection in this
area, just effort and steps in the right direction. Don’t move on
until you can honestly say you are happy with your results.
Meditate
There are many forms of meditation. Spend time to explore
the variety most attractive to you. Then find your place, your
time and the manner of meditation you feel has promise.
Choose your own path. Whether it’s 5 minutes or an hour - by
yourself or in a crowd - in a quiet place or a noisy one. Give
your mind and body a break. Being lost in something is far
different than being lost.

7. Something Healthy
Don’t panic! This isn’t about an extreme diet or insane
fitness routine. Just find one, small thing you can do for
the benefit of your health. Skip a donut, drink a little
more water, take the stairs or get the amount of sleep
you really need. It shouldn’t be drastic. Remember,
small habits can yield big results.
Remember the Animals
“The Greatness of a Nation and its Moral Progress can be
Judged by the Way Animals are Treated.” (Attributed to Mohandas
Gandhi) Imagine how empty the world would be without the
beauty and joy animals provide. Toss a ball for a few minutes or
throw out some stale bread. Perhaps you know a local shelter
that could use a few old blankets. Make an effort to return the
happiness and love animals give us all so freely.

8. *$%@#* “Language” *$%@#*
Everyone has a personal definition of what “bad” language is
and their own set of “bad” words. Using them shows a lack
of respect for yourself and those around you. At times, we
say them before we even think. Stopping a reflexive
behavior isn’t easy. Choose one word or phrase you’d like to
avoid and do your best to remove it from your vocabulary. If
you slip, there’s always tomorrow.
Bad Habits
We all have bad habits. Some are irritating and others actually
threaten our lives. You know what yours are and probably avoid
dealing with them. They just seem so overwhelming. No need
for ridiculous promises. Do one thing that helps the cause.
Don’t allow these behaviors to own you. Take any step to move
them into your past rather than cementing them into your
present. All habits aren’t bad. This program is about picking up
good ones and slowly squeezing out the others.

9. Negativity
Being part of the solution rather than the problem is easier said
than done. Negativity erodes good ideas and relationships.
Your outlook on the world determines what the world gives
back. Pour your half-filled glass into a smaller one and fill it.
Discover the hidden winners, just needing attention. If you see
someone having a tough time, give them the support they need
and provide encouragement. Consider why something could
work rather than why it couldn’t. This attitude will bring
amazing benefits.
New Languages
We live in the most diverse culture on the planet. No one
expects fluency in 6 languages but wouldn’t it be great to know
a few words and phrases? It’s fun while showing welcome and
acceptance of those around us who may be from a different
place. Surprise someone with a “Hello”, “Thank You” or “How
Are You today?” in their tongue. You’ll be delighted with the
response!

10.
Reach Out
We all enjoy getting a card, call or email from a long lost
friend or relative. It’s wonderful to know you are
remembered and another person is thinking about you.
Find a person from your past you’d enjoy connecting with
again. Let them know you are thinking of them and
they are indeed missed.
Neighbors
We all live around people we don’t know well or rarely
speak to. The practice of being “Neighborly” has become a
lost art. Tell a neighbor about a car window left down,
walk the newspaper to their door or ask if you can help with
a chore. Being better acquainted with those around you
leads to a more pleasurable life at home, less stress and
enhanced security.

11. Forgiveness
We often avoid the important act of reaching out to let someone
know we sincerely regret something we’ve said or done. We
hope for a positive response but the therapeutic benefit is being
rid of bad feelings and resentments. We all have people we owe
an apology to. Some circumstances are simple and others more
complex. Start slowly with less volatile situations and clear the
air. You will be amazed how great it feels. Get these nagging
things off of your back…and mind.
Rest – Reflect – Repeat
Congratulations! You’ve made an enormous effort to
change many areas of your life for the better. This brings
more happiness to you and those you care about. You may
have picked up a few great habits already. It shouldn’t have
been tough and that’s the secret of Better Life Beads.
Consider the additional ways you can make life even more
enjoyable. Then, do it all again! I hope this is a path you
never want to stop walking and continue to make life better
and better and better.

12. Tell Someone About Your Beads
You may have noticed many people who are curious about your
beads. They are very unique after all. Don’t be shy! Working to
become a better person is a thing to be proud of and shared with
others. Find someone who may want to take the same steps you
have and tell them about your experience. The only thing better
than making our lives better is helping someone else to achieve
that once elusive goal as well!