The new year is knocking on our door. And now’s the time you’re probably thinking about the things you want to change in your life during the next 365 days. Maybe you want to eat healthier. Exercise more. Plan your meals or make your bed every day. A resolution is all about words you want to live by — making a firm decision about something you will or will not do, and usually, it’s something that you hope will make you a better, stronger person in the year ahead.
We encourage you to make at least one resolution in 2019 that will bring you, or someone else, some positive vibes. Just smiling at someone can change their day, and the effect can be 10-fold if they pass it along!
How should you develop inspirational resolutions? Glad you asked. 😉 Here are a few things you can decide to do in 2019 that could make a difference:
Rejoice. Be Glad. Repeat.
One thing all people on this earth have in common is a desire to be happy. But how do we get there? Could it be as easy as just being grateful? In one study, 200 college undergraduates were divided in three groups, each writing 10 weekly diaries focusing on gratitude, hassles and annoyances. At the end, those in the gratitude group felt happier and more optimistic about their lives. Make a decision to appreciate your surroundings, and great things will follow.
Roam.
There’s no secret here. Traveling (or even planning a vacay) is GOOD for all the people. Trips can often reduce stress and depression. But you don’t have to plan a magnificent journey abroad (or even cross-country) to get the benefits of roaming around. Plan day trips to places around your community you’ve never been. Take short (or long) hikes. Resolve to be outside more often, on a regular basis. Studies show it will make you a happier, healthier, more creative person. And those vibes will spread to others when they’re around you, guaranteed!
When You Can’t Change the Direction of the Wind, Adjust Your Sails.
Maybe 2018 has been a tough year for you. You just can’t seem to catch a break. Time after time, you feel like you’ve done everything in your power to influence a positive outcome, but it turns out Murphy’s Law has your name and mugshot right next to its definition. While it might be easier to sulk and believe that your life is doomed, you might simply need to change your approach. Resolve to tackle problems with a positive outlook, and you might notice things begin to turn around.
Be Someone’s Sunshine.
It’s easy to share a smile. Buy someone’s coffee. Pick up a dropped bag for someone else. Resolve to commit one act of kindness per week in 2019 and see how it spreads! In this excellent children’s book by Emily Pearson, Ordinary Mary changes the world by picking blueberries and leaving them on a neighbor’s porch. By the end of the book, that one deed spreads to more than 30 million good deeds across the world. That’s some serious sunshine for others, folks. We can make it happen, one resolution at a time!
Share your New Year’s Resolutions with us on Facebook or send us a message!