Unique New Year's Resolutions

New Year's Day is a time of year when many individuals commit to beginning a new chapter in life. An opportunity to refresh and make a change personally and to make an impact in the community or environment. For some individuals, the New Year's Day marks the beginning of a new experience, trend or possibly breaking an old habit. Common New Year's Resolutions, such as weight loss, spending time with family and even saving money are common resolutions of the past. As an alternative, consider these unique New Year's Resolution ideas:

Weekly Card Giving: On New Year's Day, begin a list of every people you interact with on a regular basis. For most people, identifying 52 individuals is not difficult to do. From church members, to a local florist or even a hairdresser, begin listing all of the individuals who provide a service to you at some point during the year. From this list of 52 individuals, begin sending a card each week of the year as a way of expressing gratitude for their service and care.

Donate One Item to Charity per Month: Most of us can locate 12 items we consider of little value in our homes. Items we may no longer use, wear or even items we keep stored away. Each month, on the first day, gather one unused item and make a trip to a local charitable organization for donation. In doing so, you may find, after several months, that more than one item is donated each month. Don't forget your charitable tax deduction slip!

Donate Two Hours to Charity Per Month: Charities all over the country rely upon citizens of the community to support and serve the cause. As a New Year's Resolution, pick a regular and consistent day of the month to participate in local charity volunteer service. For example, you may choose the third Saturday of each month. Find a local charitable organization in need of assistance and make a commitment to work two hours on a specified day of the month. In doing so, you will provide support to the organization and your community.

Bake For Your Neighbor: In every neighborhood there is a senior adult living alone. In some neighborhoods, independent senior adults are seeded throughout an entire area. As a friendly neighbor, identify one or two senior adults who reside alone and pick a day each month to share baked goods with them. Prior to doing so, inquire of any health concerns and special interests. Prepare baked items based on the senior adults health needs and prepare neat gift bags with activity based items which may strengthen memory skills such as word problems or search and find game books.

This New Year's, consider establishing a New Year's Resolution unique to your community and to the people who service and bless your life. Rather than focusing on personal goals, focus on paying forward a token of kindness. In doing so, you may find your New Year's Resolution will become a positive new habit and tradition for many years to come.