A pleasant surprise is the beginning of delight.You surprise and delight your family by listening to them.You surprise and delight your friends by being interested in what they say.You surprise and delight your customers by giving them your full attention.That’s why everyone likes you.Ray Bard is the ringmaster of untamed quotes, captured in the wild. Crazy quotes you’ve never heard before; frightful, delightful, insightful. One of my recent favorites is by Lisa Kirk,“A gossip is one who talks to you about others. A bore is one who talks to you about himself. And a brilliant conversationalist is one who talks to you about yourself.”Lisa Kirk’s observation applies to ad writers and online content writers as well.A gossip trashes competitors.A bore talks about their company and their products.A brilliant writer talks about how they hope to improve some part of your world.That’s you in 2018, improving some part of everyone’s world.2018 is going to be wonderful for you, because you have the courage, confidence and compassion to make every person you encounter a little happier.Even when they don’t deserve it.Your attitude springs from your gratitude, like water gushing up from an artesian well. You are thankful for all the good in your life. You find interesting ways to celebrate the ordinary.Lunch with a friend.Making a new co-worker feel welcome.Remembering others by their best moments.You have chosen to be grateful because gratitude makes every weight feel lighter.Gratitude drives away depression, just as light drives away the darkness.That’s you in 2018: a beam of light! Making others feel special by listening to them, being grateful for all the good in your life, finding ways to celebrate the ordinary.You’re really lucky to be you.I’m glad I know you.Roy H. Williams