2016 silently tiptoed out for many people who were not into the blowing-horns-saluting-the-New Year-with-bubbly mode. On tiny cat feet, 2016 quietly walked out the door, and gave a hug to 2017 while whispering in its ear, “treat every day with kindness and love”. Those who greeted the New Year with reflections of the past year and a cup of hot cocoa or Earl Grey tea may be thinking of new ways to journey along the path of 2017. Resolutions may include getting more exercise, cutting down on nibbling junk food while watching tv or get started on that endless honey-do list.
I’ve thought about “New Year Resolutions” and realize that despite my good intentions, my resolves to do this or that fall by the wayside a few weeks after the New Year begins. This realization triggered some thought about making an effort to “do better” in small but significant ways. Making changes that would put smiles on the faces of those who are in your little corner of the world would be a good starting point.
POSITIVE THOUGHTS
When waking up in the morning, focus on the power of positive thinking. Instead of lamenting “Oh, great! My plate is over-filled today. How can I get it all done?” Think, instead, “I should prioritize what I have to do today. I know I’ll be able to do this because, first-off, I like to do these things and secondly, hey, I’m good at doing them!” That kind of thinking will get your creative juices flowing and also make you feel good about yourself. Giving yourself a pat on the back is a gentle push to get moving in a positive direction, not a negative one. This resolution will make your inner self ready to meet the day and give it your best efforts.
KIND WORDS
Brushing your teeth is part of your morning routine. Why not add another must-do? Make a conscious decision, each morning, to speak kindly to your family as they gear up for their day – whatever it may be. Too often the hustle-bustle of getting breakfast, grabbing important paperwork, feeding the pets, throwing on a load of laundry or figuring out what else needs to be done before you head out the door…result in unkind words being thrown at family members. Criticism spews from a mouth like an angry volcano. Those in the path of such words become defensive and then, in turn, ready to speak unkindly to others. Remember, once spoken, words cannot ever be retrieved! Sure, you can follow up with “what I meant was” or “sorry”, but the damage has been done. The target of your ire just had a chunk taken out of their heart. Now there is a dead spot on that heart where once was a smile. I speak from experience of being on the receiving end of words that went right to my heart and did damage – it hurts! Yes, this will take big-time effort on your part but what a life-changer it will become when you make it routine. Sending your family (and yourself) off to meet the day with smiles is awesome! A great resolution!
SINCERE CARING
Too often we know someone who is experiencing a huge bump in their road and their day is falling apart. We may tell them we are sorry or off-handedly say “let me know if I can help” and then hope they won’t really ask us to do this or that. After all, aren’t we all busy with our own lives? Or so we tell ourselves. Reach out to friends, family or acquaintances when they need help. Put aside some time in your day to check in on them and, again, remind them you really want to help. Caring about others does not have a time limit – it is endless! And rightly so. Sincerity is caring with you going the extra mile. Think about it. After all, when someone reaches out to us and then follows up with a phone call or knock on the door, isn’t our load somewhat lightened knowing that someone really cares enough to want to help – that it just wasn’t an off-hand gesture? Sincere caring is a resolution that will bless them and your own heart, too.
LOVE YOURSELF