Instead of going for the typical resolutions, why not commit to something genuine, something realistic, something… Awesome? Here’s a list of realistic, simple and achievable resolutions you can add to your list this year, without worrying you’ll fail before January 2.
- Say hello to a stranger. OK sure, this might seem hoaky, but it’s not. There are plenty of do-gooder movements across Canada and the World that are inspiring people to be kind to others. A group of Vancouverites started #SayHiToAStranger movement. Check out their video and take a chance. “A stranger is a friend you haven’t met yet.” http://www.sayhitoastranger.com/
- Help. Donate. Volunteer. Be. Not everyone can afford to donate money to causes. And there are a lot of great causes out there. But what we can all do is help or volunteer. Whether it’s helping a senior struggling across the street, or whether it’s taking one hour a week to walk the dogs at your neighbourhood shelter, we can all afford to spend 30 minutes or an hour of our time. Think about what’s important to you, and make an effort to be present and help them out.
- Eat cake. As Marie Antoinette famously never said (she actually never said this exactly), but “Let them eat cake.” Who doesn’t like love cake? And did you know that January 27 is “Eat Chocolate Cake Day?” And who cares that you pigged out during the holidays. Who cares that you’re supposed to be on a fast-track healthy lifestyle kick. Eating cake is important. It’s what life is all about. Cake in this instance is synonymous with whatever you enjoy so much it makes you weak in the knees. Once in a while, it’s ok to indulge; just make sure it was the best dang cake you ever had!
- Very few of us are actually responsible for saving lives. (So if you do, actually save lives, please ignore this point.) But for the rest of us, our jobs are mostly inconsequential – enough that we shouldn’t stress over it to the point of illness or exhaustion. As long as you’ve put in your best effort (and sometimes beyond), and as long as you know, in your heart-of-hearts, that you made every effort to make things great, that’s really all anyone can ask of us. Learn to let go. Learn to not take things personally. It’s not healthy. So let’s let it go, shall we?
- Take time away from social media. Put the phone down and experience life through your eyes, not through the lens of your smartphone. Pin later, hold the tweet, later-gram. ‘Like’ the moment you’re in for the sheer sake of being ‘in’ the moment, and not because you HAVE to share it with everyone and their @dog. #LiveForYourself
- Lastly. Be. This one’s pretty simple, methinks. Just be yourself, who cares what others think. Just be present (see #5 above) for the sake of those around you. Just be in love without overthinking or overanalyzing. Just be.
Do you have anything to add to this list? What inspirational things will you promise to start doing this year? Share. We love hearing from you!