Three Life Changing Practices

Join me in making life and community better.

Year-end has always been a period of self-reflection for me. I also evaluate the quality of the relationships I have cultivated throughout my life. The new year offers a special opportunity to set a new direction and affirm past successes with greater commitment.

Resolutions to lose weight, to exercise more, and to save money are common. These resolutions often fail because they require special effort at specific times. For example, you plan to eat better but have forgotten to shop for better groceries. Or perhaps you joined a gym but feel too self-conscious in front of those who are currently in better shape. Then when living paycheck-to-paycheck and month-to-month, it can feel impossible to put aside any money for savings.

Three life changing resolutions that I am applying this year are not dependent on outer circumstances. They depend entirely on my personal commitment. I hope that you will join me in adopting the following three resolutions for 2025.

In 2025, I commit to be positive and supportive in all in-person interactions.

Positive people harvest many desirable results from their behavior including:

§ Positive outlook and affirmation improves mental health and physical health.

§ Positive friends are seen as good friends and are included and remembered more often.

§ Positive co-workers are perceived as inspirations and a driving force for success.

§ Positive customers receive better treatment from service staff.

§ Positive service staff receive better tips and drive the success of a business.

It’s easy to be negative and sarcastic. It’s easy to blame others for our own disappointments. While criticism is sometimes necessary and sarcasm can be a cathartic release, I personally plan to limit negativity to critical assessments offered in writing. For all in-person interactions, I will be positive and supportive. If I can’t be, then I will walk away from the situation.

In 2025, I resolve to place my personal creative goals above all other material goals.