Although this is a little late, Happy New Year! Yes, I can still say that because I just took my Christmas decorations down last night (don’t judge). But now the house looks so empty. And sad. It makes me want to unpack all the ornaments and re-hang the garland. It wouldn’t be that difficult, I mean, the large, plastic containers securing the memories I love will most likely sit in my living room for another week or two. And it wouldn’t take me that long…

Okay, maybe not. But the twinkling lights somehow made it easier to digest all that is happening in the world. I’m not talking about politics…okay, maybe I am but I’m just going to picture those happy lights and hum Christmas carols until the moment passes.

Anyway, with each new year, comes new resolutions…and the realization that we did (or did not) follow through with those previously made. Hopefully, we didn’t fail too miserably. Last year, I resolved to eat healthier. I did. Kind of. Sort of. Occasionally. What about you? Never mind; don’t answer that! We’re focusing on the positive, right? I did exercise more and was a little more spontaneous, and I buckled down on my writing and completed my first novel (woo-hoo)! It’s still in need of revisions but that leads to this year’s resolutions.

This year, I resolve to edit and revise my novel, find an agent, maintain a healthy and active lifestyle, improve my diet (donuts aren’t that bad, right?), not cry my contacts out at our daughter’s high school graduation, nor when we drop her off at college. Sob! 🙁

On paper, our list of resolutions may seem daunting but the good news is that 2017 brings an entire year to pursue our dreams, improve ourselves, and do something to enhance the world around us. Use the remaining 343 days to launch that company you’ve been dreaming about but have been too scared to start. Ask for that promotion you know you deserve. Register for college and earn that degree you’ve regretted not having. Make spending time with your kids a priority.

But remember to do something nice for a stranger. Pay for the person behind you at the coffee shop. Ask an elderly person if they need help loading the groceries in their car. Thank the garbage collectors for their hard work. Donate clothes and school supplies to the local foster care agency. Collect old books and give them to impoverished schools.

Remember, kindness spreads kindness, so go out there and sprinkle it around! 🙂

 

Care to share your resolutions? Please note: you have better odds of keeping them when you put them in writing!