Now that the Christmas season is over and a new year has begun, it's time to take stock of our blessings and establish our personal objectives for 2011. By that, I don't mean new year's resolutions.....frankly, people seldom ever keep a new year's resolution because they're usually hatched during a moment of weakness at holiday time and are either unrealistic or not specific enough to be carried out- "I'm going to get into shape"; "I want to resolve all the little conflicts I have with family members"; "I'm going to budget my money more carefully". No wonder we never manage to accomplish them, it's too easy to ignore them or make excuses why we didn't implement them. And another year passes, and the same old resolutions come up again next year! And they also tend to be very egocentric resolutions.....you as the centre of the universe. Now don't get me wrong, you need to take care of yourself....eat better, exercise, sleep well and maybe even improve your wardrobe :0). But maybe this year we need to focus on bigger things, things that can even change the world we live in. Try a New Year's Revolution instead!
Here's how to start your own New Year's Revolution. Take a long look at yourself....what do you need to do to become a better person? How can you become a more effective "global citizen"? What can you do to help people in need?
Here are a few thoughts:
1. Identify causes or programs that you would like to support. Then set aside some volunteer time or donation money. A few hours or a few dollars can really add up. One less mochachino, one less beer, one less pack of cigarettes and maybe even quitting smoking altogether, and then put the money you save aside to be used for a good cause. A small sacrifice that can help change another person's life.
2. What can you do to improve the environment? Be more diligent in your recycling efforts; buy more products that are environmentally-friendly; drive your car less and walk more....there are so many other ways.
3. Do something to help bring peace and justice to the world and preserve human dignity. Buy fair trade coffee and chocolate to help more of the money get to the grower and less to big business. Join groups like Amnesty International or OXFAM and participate in letter writing campaigns to your politicians to initiate some real action. Volunteer at your local Food Bank or soup kitchen.....once a year, once a month, anything you can contribute will help.
The bottom line is, do something big this year....something for more than just you and your family. The world and even your own country, city and neighbourhood is overflowing with need- do something to help out. One dollar or one hour of volunteer time doesn't sound like much, but imagine the impact if EVERYONE gave one dollar and one hour. You can help change the world. And in doing so, you will change yourself, more effectively than any new year's resolution. Feeling good about yourself for doing something for others, everybody wins.
HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR'S REVOLUTION!
About Me
- Dave Leclair
- Rumination......the act or process of thinking: brainwork, cerebration, cogitation, contemplation, deliberation, meditation, reflection, speculation, thought. No, I'm not going to analyze the title of my blog! But it does get me thinking about thinking. I have a habit of analyzing everything I encounter- Why do we exist? Why are we who we are? How can the universe be endless (that one still makes my head spin!)? Why do human beings need spirituality and to believe in a supreme being? How many fairies can dance on the head of a pin? Why does the sun go on shining, why do these eyes of mine cry? Do I have the answers to all these things? Yeah right, that's why I'm blogging for my own entertainment and not doing the lecture circuit! But I do have thoughts and opinions about virtually everything, a major flaw in my personality (ask my poor wife!). So sit back and ruminate with me...............
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