Every time a new year rolls around, we all hear the constant talking of "New Year's Resolutions." Everyone wants to take advantage of the new year and use it as a clean slate to become a better person in some way, shape or form. Whether the goal is to get more healthy, be kinder, be more organized or cut back on the swearing, people usually have something in mind each new year for what they hope to improve. For 2017, I think that we should all have several resolutions. It is common for individuals to come up with one big goal and work toward it throughout the year, but what about if this year we all come together with several little goals that will improve the world as a better place as opposed to just solely focusing on ourselves? I have prepared a list of things that I would like to improve or do more this year, and I believe that if everyone can make these little things part of their New Year's resolution, the world will become a better place. So this new year's, let's not focus on only ourselves, but let's think about what we can do to better everyone around us.
1. When the cashier asks if you want to donate $1 extra to charity, say yes.
2. Be patient toward waiters when they are taking long or messing up your order.
3. When you are done shopping, bring the grocery cart back to the designated location instead of leaving it in the middle of the parking lot.
4. Explain to your loved ones how much they mean to you, even if you already think that they know it.
5. When you see a piece of litter outside, pick it up and throw it out.
6. When people are trying to merge into your lane on the highway, let them.
7. If you see someone struggling to find a few extra cents when paying for something, give them that few extra cents that you have handy.
8. Help your mom clean the house even when she doesn't ask.
9. Put your 75 cents change in the tip jar.
10. Smile at people passing by when you make eye contact.
11. Don't take your bad mood out on others.
12. When you like someone's hair, actually tell them that you like their hair.
13. If someone looks lost, ask if they need help.
14. If someone is giving off bad energy, walk away instead of putting out more bad energy in response.
15. Call your grandparents often, if you still have the privilege to do so.
I think that these goals don't take too much effort to complete, and if each of us who share this earth strive to make these things our New Year's resolutions, then I think that these are steps to making our lives better ones to live. Let's work on improving the lives of everyone around us and not just our own this year.
