And so it begins. It’s the New Year, when people start losing their minds trying to figure out what is wrong with them or their life, so they can start making resolutions. Why does it take a new year to be a better person or to live a better life? We all have our “stuff” to work on, but why not work on them every day?

Most people find that a fresh year is a great time to start anew. Understandable. Why not make every year a little better, right? Obviously. We should all strive to be healthier, happier, and nicer humans. The most common resolutions typically have to do with weight, exercise, or something regarding health in general. Others include quitting bad habits (e.g., smoking, drinking, gambling), starting or trying something new like a relationship, career, education or hobby, to save money or pay off debt, and last but not least, organization. That doesn’t just mean organizing your closest or your bedroom either, but also your time and life as a whole. With all the busyness and chaos in most of our lives, slowing down and determining what or whom really matters couldn’t hurt. Looking at all those resolutions, I can see why they’re the top things people want to work on every year.

First, America is a very unhealthy nation. Health.com says that 97% of us are unhealthy. Yikes! Only 3% of Americans eat right, control their body fat, avoid smoking, and get a moderate amount of exercise. I have one friend that I am positive is in that 3% (shout out to Melissa Lancaster, pictured below). She has the healthy and fit thing down pat and I know how much organization it takes on her part.

This leads me to organization. Whether you are single or married, have a job or stay at home, have a spouse and kids or live alone, organization can help make your life smoother. The way we manage our life makes a huge difference in what we accomplish. Being organized means having a plan, and then executing and managing that plan. It sounds easy enough, but it is hard to follow through with the entire plan when things are always interfering and changing. We cannot plan for everything and we usually get frustrated and give up.

Next, we could spend a little less time on things like TV, work, or social media, and more time with those whom matter. Easier said than done, because we have to check Facebook to see who went where, with whom, and what they bought. How else would we know what we need without seeing what everyone else has?

*The quotes in the pictures below...YES!!!!!

What a perfect segue to the next resolution, money. A majority of America could learn to be wiser with their finances. According to an article on the CNBC website, eight out of ten Americans are in debt. That is crazy! It seems everyone is trying to keep up with the Kardashians, or trying to help their kids keep up with them. It is sad that people are willing to go into debt to keep up the facade. Working hard and saving for things is a thing of the past. We want, want, want, and we want it right now. Not only are we impatient, but we are raising a generation of impatient children. The desire for immediate gratification far outweighs hard work and patience.

And for those who have a plan to quit something this year, good luck. For smokers, I pray you kick the habit. I cannot imagine anyone other than tobacco companies that wouldn’t be rooting for you to succeed. Not only would you be helping your health and pocketbook, but also everyone else around you. So, this is a time when it is MORE than ok to be a quitter! Did I mention that it is the number one cause of preventable deaths each year and that over 16 million Americans are living with a disease caused by smoking? As for illegal drug use….quit that too. Nothing good comes of them. I am glad this is a resolution people have. As for the other things people pledge to cease such as gambling and drinking, you know if you need quit all together or just learn some moderation. Again, you’ll sure save some dough if you give it up. I would even be willing to bet (pun was intended) that you gain self esteem, time for better things, clarity, and healthier relationships….but I’m not a doctor or anything.

Here are a few suggestions of other resolutions we could all work on in 2017:

1. Cell Phones…Stop using them while driving or when you are with actual people, face to face. There is no need to check them every second. Live a little outside of the www.
2. Be more forgiving. Swallow your pride one gulp at a time. It’s tough going down, but you feel better once you do it.
3. Love one another. Be more tolerant and accepting of others (and their opinions). Be nice and do not be vengeful or spiteful, EVER! Why is this so hard? No, really, why? The answer will differ for everyone. Just stop and think about it for a minute.
4. Boundaries. Set boundaries and adhere to them. Make others do the same. If you like to read, get the book “Boundaries” by Cloud and Townsend. It changed A LOT in my life for the better. You’ll understand why saying “no” IS alright.
5. Keep your motives and intentions honest. We’ve all heard “the road to hell is paved with good intentions.” If you ask me, that is nuts. If you are honestly trying to do the right thing, regardless of the outcome, you will have a clear conscience. You’ll know your heart was in the right place.
6. God! I literally saved the BEST for last. We all need more of Him in every part of our life. For me personally, the closer I get to Him, the further away some people or relationships become. I just have to trust in His plan and His timing. It’s a toughie though. Not to mention, the more you stand for God or try to be a better Christian, the more you will be judged and scrutinized for everything you do or say. People expect you to be perfect. Let them. It is out of your control. See # 7, you know your intentions and where your heart is!

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Articles mentioned & worth reading:

http://www.health.com/mind-body/less-than-3-percent-of-americans-live-a-healthy-lifestyle

http://www.cnbc.com/2015/07/29/eight-in-10-americans-are-in-debt.html

https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/average-credit-card-debt-household/

http://betobaccofree.hhs.gov/news/quit-smoking-plan.html