Take Risks. Be Kind. It’s a New Year in March (really).
By Olivia Gobel
Good news about the discouraging wait for the end of the pandemic. As we approach the one-year anniversary of stay-at-home orders, school closings and remote learning, we have the opportunity for brand-new New Years’ resolutions.
Since the last year has been full of abnormalities, I want to start our “new” pandemic year by hitting the reset button, just like some people do on January 1. Now, some people are completely committed to their resolutions. … for about a month, and other people don’t try at all. I personally forget about my resolution a week after I write it. But this year, I challenge everyone to pick the same New Year’s Resolution. We should all focus on being the best possible version of ourselves in 2021, which may be the year we can all breathe easier -- literally and figuratively. I bet some people would roll their eyes at that, but it’s a good resolution. Here are some tips to help you, if you choose not to roll your eyes and try it instead.
Take Risks: Helen Keller once said, “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” Humans in general seem to shy away from things that scare them, and sometimes that can mean we miss out. We have to step out of our comfort zones to experience new things. These things can be small (like eating octopus) or big (like driving alone on the highway for the first time). It doesn’t matter how much of a risk it is, just try to get even a little bit out of your comfort zone. It’ll be worth it, I promise. (Although I don’t take legal responsibility for any accidents that you get from following my advice...just kidding.)
Be Kind: Some people think that being kind is a given; it’s just part of your personality -- which is an amazing quality by the way -- but for other people, it’s a bit of a challenge to have kindness and to focus on people outside of yourself. Here are a few simple ideas:
Happy New Year!
By Olivia Gobel
Good news about the discouraging wait for the end of the pandemic. As we approach the one-year anniversary of stay-at-home orders, school closings and remote learning, we have the opportunity for brand-new New Years’ resolutions.
Since the last year has been full of abnormalities, I want to start our “new” pandemic year by hitting the reset button, just like some people do on January 1. Now, some people are completely committed to their resolutions. … for about a month, and other people don’t try at all. I personally forget about my resolution a week after I write it. But this year, I challenge everyone to pick the same New Year’s Resolution. We should all focus on being the best possible version of ourselves in 2021, which may be the year we can all breathe easier -- literally and figuratively. I bet some people would roll their eyes at that, but it’s a good resolution. Here are some tips to help you, if you choose not to roll your eyes and try it instead.
Take Risks: Helen Keller once said, “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” Humans in general seem to shy away from things that scare them, and sometimes that can mean we miss out. We have to step out of our comfort zones to experience new things. These things can be small (like eating octopus) or big (like driving alone on the highway for the first time). It doesn’t matter how much of a risk it is, just try to get even a little bit out of your comfort zone. It’ll be worth it, I promise. (Although I don’t take legal responsibility for any accidents that you get from following my advice...just kidding.)
Be Kind: Some people think that being kind is a given; it’s just part of your personality -- which is an amazing quality by the way -- but for other people, it’s a bit of a challenge to have kindness and to focus on people outside of yourself. Here are a few simple ideas:
- Smile! Have you ever noticed that when someone smiles at you, it just brightens your day a little more? Now try it on other people and make their day a little brighter!
- Choose words with positive intentions. Now, this is something that I think everyone should work on. This world is so full of doom and gloom and negativity for so many things. We shouldn’t add to that by being unkind to other people. Just take a second to think about what you’re going to say.
- Let someone know that they are noticed. We’ve all had those bad days when nothing seems to go right. If a friend is having a bad day, boost their spirits with a hug or make them laugh or just let them know that you’re there if they ever need you.
Happy New Year!