Looking back over the years I made New Year’s Resolutions, I can’t think of a single one that stuck. I remember the feelings of guilt and shame that came with December’s end realizing I did not accomplish what I wanted, but the lure of a list of New Year’s Resolutions was too great. I kept going back again and again.
What do you really want? Think about that. What do you need in your life? Instead of making a list of 35 things you want to do or change, think of one thing that you most want to do. Then break it down into something manageable that you know you can do.
Maybe you want your family to be more community minded.
Take one small step toward that goal, such as volunteering with The Salvation Army every third Saturday of the month. One day out of thirty is doable for any family. After several months, your family might want to add another Saturday or help out with another charity. If you want your family to be more community minded and your children are too young to volunteer, look around your neighborhood for an elderly neighbor. Helping a neighbor has zero age restrictions and can make a huge impact on your family and the life of someone else.
Health is almost always the go-to life changing goal.
A small step toward helping your family as a whole become more healthy is to take a walk after dinner. Walking aids digestion, is movement your body needs, and can be a bonding experience. Another idea is to drink water before drinking another beverage. Have yourself and your children drink a glass of water before juice or soda. That is a small step that will make a big difference.
Mental health is an overlooked goal.
Limit your time on Social Media and stick to it. Decide the amount of time you would like to spend and the time of day. For example, 30 minutes on Facebook after the kid’s bedtime. Practicing meditation can do wonders for your mental health. You don’t have to sit cross legged for an hour to meditate. Set a timer on your phone for three minutes. Everyone can spare three minutes. Make sure the alarm sound is soothing and quiet to allow the peaceful feeling to last. Then focus on a single thought until the time is up.
Don’t be fooled by the siren song of New Year’s Resolutions. If you must create a list, write a list of all the things you want to do over your lifetime. When 2017 ends, I want you to look back and see that the small step you took to be more healthy, community minded, or toward the change of your choice moved you closer to where you want to be.
"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." - Lao Tzu
