Last night my husband and I sat in bed and penned our top five or so resolutions for the New Year.  There’s something about the new year that is so inspiring and mysterious.  Who knows what the year will bring and what surprises are in store for the next 12 months?  Even if you hate surprises, like me, the unknown of what’s to come is quite intriguing.

This year, I struggled a bit with coming up with some resolutions.  Not because I don’t have lots of wishes or aspirations.  In fact, it was the exact opposite.  There are too many things I want to accomplish this year.  I want to be a better wife, mother and friend; to lose weight; work on my temper and focus on things which will improve my family – from linking my children to activities where they continue to thrive to helping my husband plan a family reunion.  In addition to personal goals and resolutions, I also have a handful of goals for Giggles, Gobbles and Gulps and of course, there’s the goals for my full-time (real) job.

And, while all of my goals and resolutions are solid and will lead to good things I am not sure they make me a better person.  Sure, I feel fulfilled and will be happy with my success if my goals and resolutions are accomplished but what impact do these goals have on the world around me?

I think we can all agree, the world around us needs some type of intervention.  We have seen way too many killings and tragedies in 2012.  We need a wake-up call.  What if we all had common resolutions?  Something we could strive to together for the greater good?  Here’s my first attempt at coming up with a list of resolutions which should be on everyone’s list.  Some are basic and some are more intense, but you get the idea.

1.  If you love someone, tell them – I am the worst at telling people I love them. I know this and constantly have to remind myself to tell people I love them.  I was not raised in a house where “I love you,” was said often.  It’s nice to hear you are loved and I need work on telling those around me that I love them more.  Listen to Garth Brooks’ song, ”If tomorrow never comes” and you will get what I am saying and I am not even a fan of country music.  (Hubby, if you are reading this, I love you!)
2. Invest in those who invest in you – Enough with the toxic relationships.  I am so over putting energy in one-sided relationships.  Whether it’s a friend or sadly, a family member, if they are not investing in you at the same level in which you are investing in them, move on.  Move your energy to those who value you and care about you the same way you care about them.
3. Find a hobby - Everyone should have a hobby.  Life is challenging and filled with all sorts of obligations and things you have to do (laundry, housework, pay the bills, work).  Find something you love to do and do it.
4. Say thank you more -  If someone does something nice for you, thank them.  Even if you are paying them – the babysitter, the lawn guy, the gas station attendant,  etc. – thank them for a job well done.  Thank people who help you everyday; who work to make your life easier.  Thank your spouse.  Thank your kids when they behave well or when they listen.  Just say thanks.  So simple yet so powerful.
5. Hold the door open for others – You’d be surprised how many people don’t do this anymore.  I will walk through the mall or somewhere with my son in a stroller and no one will open the door for me.  It’s amazing how we have lost touch with the little things.
6. Say what you mean and mean what you say – I think it is totally lame when people are wishy-washy, have no opinion or make false promises.  Stay true to your word, your character and your beliefs.
7. Cut it out with the aggressive/distracted driving - Both my husband and I commute nearly an hour everyday so we are on the road a lot and I see crazy drivers everyday.  Please don’t drive like a total maniac; no one is impressed and I’ve got kids I need to be alive for – thanks.
8. Be nice to animals – Everyone knows I am a huge animal lover.  I teach my kids to be nice to animals and to even respect bugs (no squashing allowed!)  If you are not an animal lover, fine, but please don’t mistreat them and that includes strays.
9. Do something nice for others – Volunteer at your kid’s school or for a cause you believe in; donate food to a local food pantry; donate toys around the holidays – whatever it is, just do something nice for a total stranger without expecting anything in return.
10. Show respect for all cultures and religions – Celebrate diversity and appreciate each other’s differences.  Our background and heritage influence so many of the decisions we make or the traditions we keep; it’s cool to learn about other cultures and religions and experience life from a totally different point of reference.

What are your resolutions?  What would you add to this list?  Come on, join the conversation.

I  hope we all have a great 2013,  Cheers!  <clink>