Here’s To A New Year

Here’s to a new year of embracing magical moments like watching your daughter make snow angels in her pajamas.  Holding the lecture on pneumonia and joining her in laughter was so much more fun.

Here’s to a new year of taking a few risks.  Sure, it won’t always work out, but when it does, we feel energized, euphoric, on top of the world.  Instead of playing everything so safe, let’s be just a little reckless; with our compliments (brighten someone’s day), our talents (go the extra mile every time), our faith (let someone know they are not alone).

Here’s to a new year of getting a little more healthy.  Not biting off more than we can chew by committing to an exercise regime that we don’t have time or money to complete.  But taking a few steps toward a fitter lifestyle.  Giving up soda and juice in favor of water.  Taking the stairs instead of the elevator — every time.  Doing jumping jacks during all the commercials.

Here’s to a new year of making the world a better place.  The opportunities are overwhelming but we have to start somewhere.  Commit to volunteering for a nonprofit organization once a month.  Clean out your coat closet or pantry and donate what you can without asking for a receipt.   Shovel your neighbor’s driveway right before they return from vacation.  Send a card to someone who means a lot to you listing specific ways they have touched your life.

Here’s to a new year of slowing down a bit and enjoying the world around us.  Go sledding with family or friends even when you have laundry to fold.  Treat yourself to a trip to the library or bookstore; take one hour and just browse without buying.  When you eat out, make a point of asking your waitress or waiter how they are and really listening to their answer.  Make snow angels…with or without your pajamas.