New Years: Five Resolutions Worth Keeping
Five New Year’s Resolutions Worth Keeping
Every year we resolve to be better versions of ourselves. We promise that we’ll try harder, do better, be more successful…but inevitably, as the shine of the new year wears off, so does our desire to honor our word. Some resolutions are easier to keep than others, and a few are more like life changes than a shallow new year promise.
Read on to learn five great “resolutions” (aka life changes) that will serve you well in the new year and for a lifetime.
1. Be Kinder
Things have been kind of rough lately. Not sure if you’ve noticed. The world is a hot mess and it’s nearly impossible to avoid hearing and seeing the bad news at every turn. It’s easy to be grumpy and discouraged because of it. We tend to live inside our own heads and try to hide from the noise and darkness that surrounds us. But if we all woke up and lived mindfully, blessing others with our goodwill and smiling face, life might get a little brighter and happier for everyone. Kindness goes a long way.
2. Simplify Your Life
Cut the clutter. Ask yourself if you really need those bins of CDs from college. Or your favorite high school t-shirts. Is it necessary to have 30 drinking glasses in your cabinet when only three people live in your house? Pare down. Part ways with the “stuff” and see how much lighter you feel mentally and emotionally. Donate, sell, or toss unwanted and unnecessary items several times per year for best results.
3. Serve Others
It’s not all about us. It’s about everyone else. True happiness comes with giving our time and money to others in need. Google local charities and narrow down which you’d like to contribute to. Contact them to discover their volunteer policy, roll up your sleeves, and get to serving. You’ll get so much more out of it than you give!
4. Learn a New Skill
Always wanted to learn how to play the guitar? Wish you had a black belt in karate? Have a love for sailing? Then what are you waiting for? The years are slipping by and unless you take action, you’ll never pick up a new skill until you take the leap and go for it. Keep it simple. One new skill at a time. You can finish the new year knowing you’re all the wiser.
5. Explore the World
Much like learning a new skill, traveling to new places is something you shouldn’t put off. Take all the money you make from selling your clutter and put it into a travel fund. Look online for great deals to get you to where you want to go on the cheap. Spread your wings and go!
New year’s resolutions are great. We should all try to improve with each passing year. But, some resolutions can be unrealistic, self-punishing, or just plain depressing. Stick with some or all of the aforementioned life changes and level up this year.
Ten New Years Pursuits
New Year’s Resolutions are great, but they can also cause a lot of pressure and sabotage our efforts if taken too seriously. Instead, here’s a list of “pursuits” you can aspire to in the coming months:
Interesting Christmas Song Facts
Several of the more popular Christmas tunes that we all enjoy (or that drive us crazy after hearing them a thousand times) actually have very interesting origins. Let’s delve down into the history of some of the classics.
Declutter Before The Holidays
The one tough thing about Christmas is the fact that more “stuff” makes its way into our already cluttered homes. This year, commit to taking some time to clear your house out before Santa visits.
Christmas Traditions From Around the World
Have you ever wondered what common Christmas traditions exist in other places around the globe? Here are some of the more interesting Christmas Traditions from around the world:
The Origins of Christmas Traditions
Have you ever wondered what the origins of our most commonplace holiday traditions are? Perhaps a little insight into some of these rituals will give them further meaning and poignancy to you and your family!
Candy Cane Christmas
There’s not much that says Christmas more than the red and white striped candy cane. Learn why, and come on in for some Candy Cane Fudge!
Pumpkin Decorating Ideas
Gorgeous gourds and pretty pumpkins! Don’t be dull and do the usual. Pick a different decorating method this year and show the world just how Pinterest-y you can be!
Thanksgiving Traditions
Why do we eat what we eat, watch what we watch on TV, and do what we do on Thanksgiving Day? Here is a little history behind some of our most common Thanksgiving traditions.
Thanksgiving Food Alternatives
Are you tired of eating the same exact things every single year on Thanksgiving Day? Why not mix it up and try out some new recipes this year! Check out these ideas:
5 Unexpected Pumpkin Spice Recipes
Pumpkin Spice takes over in the fall, and there is no shortage of recipes for this favorite seasonal spice. Here are 5 Unexpected Pumpkin Spice Recipes to keep you on your toes!
Five of the Best Aspects of Halloween
We’re on the countdown to Halloween which is arguably the undisputed most fun holiday of them all. Read on to review five of the best aspects of this spooky season!
Amish Education
The month of September always signals “back to school”, and we thought we’d share with you how education in the Amish communities of Lancaster County differs from conventional educational systems and institutions. But, first, a little history.
