With the new year around the corner, we reminisce on the past year, and on the changes we hope to make in the next. And like every other new year, we brainstorm a list of resolutions we hope to keep, but hardly ever do. As this new year approaches, I couldn’t help but look back on my previous promises. Of course we’ve all said we would try a new a diet and hit the gym. Maybe even give up a nasty habit. But we tend to only think of a resolution that suits our own needs and desires.
So this year, I decided to think outside of myself. After all, with everything going on in our world, I think its time we spread more love and take time to make resolutions that will make our world a better place, not only for ourselves, but also those around us, near and far. I’m committing to these, and hope you will keep these in mind in the coming weeks.
Spend less time on your phone, and more time building your relationships
Its hard to stay away from you phone when you are constantly communicating with friends, and keeping up with social media. But what about communicating with those right in front of you? This new year, I am making it a resolution to put down the phone when I’m with my family and friends. Rather than sitting together all staring into the glowing screens, I want to have quality conversations with my friends and really enjoy the time I have at home with my family.
Say thank you
As basic as this seems, I can sometimes find myself forgetting to appreciate and realize how blessed I am for everything around me. Whether a stranger holds the door, your waiter brings your drink, or you receive a special gift from someone, make sure they know you appreciate them. A simple thank you can do the trick, but this next year, I’m making it my resolution to make every thank you is sincere. Go out of your way and truly show how grateful you are for those around you.
Give up your time to help others
Often times, volunteering can become an assignment, or an obligation. But you don’t know how much it can mean to those you are helping. The past few months I had the opportunity to volunteer at an after school tutoring program for the kids at a middle school near my university. When I began, I’ll be honest in saying I wanted to add to my resume. But the real love and appreciation I received from the kids made it more than just a volunteer resume builder. This coming year, my resolution is to give up more of my time. Because by giving, I end up receiving so much more!
Only speak words that build others up
It can be easy to judge others around us. But if you’ve ever had someone say something mean about you, you know the impact it can have, no matter how tough your skin may be. So instead of talking down to others, make an effort to always speak words that encourage and bring others up. And if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all. My resolution is to always try to say positive words, and keep the negativity out.
Go out of your way to do at least one act of kindness each week
Doing something nice for someone else can seem small. However, everyone is fighting a battle that we don’t know about. When you go out of your way to do something kind for someone else, the impact you have on them could be much greater than you think. My resolution is to do one act of kindness every week this coming year. I want to brighten someone’s day, like others have for me in the past.
No matter what your resolutions may be, I hope you think of the impact you could have on the world around you. Take some time to love your neighbors and make a change in yourself that has bigger and better outcomes.
