Five Resolutions for a Great 2016

There’s something about the start of a new year that inspires us. There’s an innate sense that tells us it’s a new beginning, a chance to continue the forward motion towards a better reality. Most of us want to be the better version of our self, and we want the world to be a better place. In no particular order, here are five resolutions to consider for a great 2016.

Health

Wherever you are on the health continuum I encourage you to take steps to move forward. For some of us it might mean starting a routine of walking more often, perhaps doing a bit of yoga or stretching. For others it might mean getting back into a running routine, returning to the gym, or replacing a few hours a week of TV with a workout at home, or it might be changing eating habits. Whatever it is, be intentional about it. Make a plan. Write it down. Post in on the wall in your bathroom, or on the inside of your closet door. Do whatever it takes to remind yourself of your commitment to a healthier you.

Relationships

I’m not going to suggest you make a goal to make twenty new friends or to suddenly become an extrovert if that’s not who you are. But I am going to encourage you to think with a more relationship mindset. Not so much about what a relationship can do for you, but what you can do for others in a relationship. How can you be a better friend, sister, brother, uncle, mother, or neighbour? Be intentional about spending time with others, helping them, listening to them. Opportunities to build stronger relationships are all around us. Good relationships are key to building a better world.

Spiritual

It’s no secret that we are spiritual beings. Some of us might tend to fight that concept, but the evidence is just too strong. Whether it’s a spiritual connection with nature or with God, I encourage you to nurture it. Take the time to be still, to soak in the beauty around you. Take the time to listen to that inner voice. Take the time to seek your creator. You’ll be amazed how a stronger spiritual connection will help you create a better 2016.

Volunteer

A strong sense of community helps make the world a better place. When we feel united we tend to care more about others. Find ways to engage in community. Volunteer locally. It’s as simple as googling volunteer and the name of the city or town you live in. Something will come up. Or ask someone if they know a good place where you can volunteer. Get out there. Volunteer at a seniors’ home as a visitor, help out at a local food bank, find a cause you think is worth advocating for and get involved. Real community happens when we make an effort to help each other out, volunteering is a great way to do that.

Education

You don’t have to go back to school to educate yourself. It doesn’t have to be formal learning environment. It can be as simple as opening a book or surfing the internet and watching a TED Talk on YouTube. Take the time to learn more about anything. Learn about stuff you’re interested in. Take the time to help others learn. Maybe you can volunteer somewhere and teach, or help someone else teach. The more we learn, the more likely we are to care about the world around us, and the more likely we are to be open to new adventures. Life is filled with adventure, with opportunities to be part of this amazing world we live in.

Let’s not get too caught up in past resolutions that may not have worked out. Focus on moving forward. Focus on the power within you to find that better you, to help make the better us.