In an era when there’s all too much negative news and adverse feelings between people, I though maybe it’s time for a more positive message.

Not long ago Shirley Chase of Albert Lea gave me an item with the title of

&uot;Eight Blessings That Do Not Cost a Cent.&uot; There’s no indication as to the author’s name. However, his or her thoughts are worth passing along for the benefit of other folks.

&uot;The blessing of listening … But you must really listen, no interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your response, just listening.

&uot;The blessing of affection … Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and handholds. Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends.

&uot;The blessing of laughter … Clip cartoons; share articles and funny stories. Your gift will say, “I love to laugh with you.”

&uot;The blessing of a written note … It can be a simple “thanks for the help” note or a full sonnet. A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime, and may even change a life.

&uot;The blessing of a compliment … A simple and sincere, “You look great in red,&uot; or &uot;You did a super job,” or, “That was a wonderful meal,” can make someone’s day.

&uot;The blessing of a kindness … Every day, go out of your way to do something kind.

&uot;The blessing of solitude … There are times when we want nothing better than to be left alone. Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others.

&uot;The blessing of a cheerful disposition … The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to someone. It is really not that hard to say, “Hello” or “Thank you.” Smile!

&uot;Friends are a very rare jewel, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share a word of praise, and they always want to open their hearts to us.&uot;

While looking over these eight suggestions for being nicer to other folks, I was reminded of a famous author and motivational expert named Dale Carnegie.

No, he wasn’t the man who gave so many communities, including Albert Lea, their public library buildings. That was Andrew Carnegie, the nation’s steel king. He and Dale may have been distant relatives.

Dale Carnegie was born in Maryville, Mo., in 1888. He attended Warrensburg State Teachers College in Missouri, then became a salesman for Armour and Co., the meatpackers.

In time, he became a teacher of public speaking with emphasis on businessmen. This resulted in Carnegie’s first book, &uot;Public Speaking and Influencing Men in Business,&uot; published in 1931. His second book, &uot;Lincoln, the Unknown,&uot; was published the following year.

It was his third book, published in 1936, which became a best seller and made Carnegie famous. &uot;How To Win Friends and Influence People&uot; sold over 10 million copies and was translated into several languages. This book was the first of a multitude of imitators published since 1936 which are devoted to personality development and self help.

Carnegie’s fourth major book, &uot;How To Stop Worrying and Start Living,&uot; was published in 1948. He died in 1955.

Dale Carnegie’s books became popular because of his illustrative stories and simple, well-phrased rules. Two of his most famous sayings were, &uot;Believe that you will succeed, and you will,&uot; and &uot;Learn to love, respect and enjoy other people.&uot;

Carnegie’s books are available from the Albert Lea Public Library by interlibrary loan. &uot;How to Win Friends and Influence People&uot; is available in a newer 1981 edition, plus audiocassette.

Tribune feature writer Ed Shannon’s column appears Fridays in the Tribune.