A different kind of New Year’s resolution

       How are those New Year’s resolutions coming?
     According to a search of the internet, 38.5 percent of U.S. adults set New Year’s resolutions. Of those, 9 percent see them through to competition. Most give up within a week or by the end of January.
​      According to the internet, the top three New Year’s resolution are: exercise more, eat healthier and lose weight.
    Other resolutions include saving more money, spending more time with family and friends, spending less time on social media, reducing job-related stress and reducing spending on living expenses.
      I’m sure it would safe to throw in buying a new or better car, paying off bills and getting out of debt, getting a new or better job, making new and more friends, decluttering and clearing your home, reading more, going back to school, taking time for yourself or taking that much-needed vacation.
       These are great things to living a good life.
     Setting goals is never an easy task. Exercising and eating right is probably the hardest challenge most of us face on a daily bases.
     There are so many options from pills to surgery to diet plans. It’s enough to make my head spin. I’ve lost 60 pounds since I was my heaviest in 2013. It’s not a lot of weight, but I feel much better and my clothes fit me better.  
      I’m eating better (most of the time) and I’m walking and moving more. I stopped drinking soda pop, I stay away from alcohol and I try and eat more meals more often. Sometimes it’s the small things that net the biggest results.
Unrealistic goals
      Instead of setting unrealistic goals each year, I offer you a different option. Spend your days and weeks doing good things for others instead of yourself.
Following are some ideas:
• Open the door for someone on a daily bases (in public and at work)
• Let someone go in front of you at the checkout stand at Wal-Mart or the grocery store
• If you have some extra changes, pay it forward
• Leave an extra tip when you go out to eat
• Make friends (even to strangers) – people have so much to offer that can enrich our lives
• Invite some neighbors over for a summer barbecue cookout
• Purchase and give gift cards to neighbors and friends
• Participate in a Christmas giving or angle tree to make life better for others
• Mow your neighbor’s yard or offer to clean out their garage or help in some way
• Offer a ride to an neighbor or elderly person to the doctor or grocery store
• Get involved in a community betterment group. If there is none in your area or neighborhood, start one
• Work to make your city, town or community a better place now and into the future
• See challenges as opportunities
• Volunteer at the local food pantry or at a community event
• Donate to the local food pantry
• Host a food or coat drive
• Give blood at a local blood drive
• See the positive in everyday things
      I’m sure with some digging, there are many other ways to make life better for others and yourself.
     My parents were good people. They loved God, they loved their family and they believed in working hard and doing good for others.
    I appreciate all the good things they taught me from the good book and taking me to church and teaching me to give more than I took.
    There’s so much division in our world and political up evil and craziness. You may not be able to change the world, but you can change the world around you by doing good for others. 
     Have a great week and always remember that “Good Things are Happening,” every day and always.