It’s a New Year’s Day tradition to make resolutions both large and small. Promises most of us have already broken or forgotten before January turns into February. Some folk have never made a resolution and others have given up making them because it’s so easy to fail, but I think we should put new energy into the tradition. True, every new day is another chance to make your own or someone else’s life better, but why not take a moment to reflect on your failures from last year and make a pledge to make this year better?

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Our country right now could use a LOT of positive vibes. There is so much divisiveness everywhere, in government, in the news, and in our neighborhoods. Why not take a moment to consider what you could do to make a change – even a small one? There was a popular advertisement this holiday season fir Toys R Us with the punch line, “The naughty list is not an option.” I think everyone in our country should take this to heart, children and adults. Just think what a great year we could all have if everyone tried in at least one area of their lives to behave as if they were determined not to be on that Naughty List! From the most public of places to the intimacy of our homes, a life with less strive, hate, anger and pettiness could become so much better for everyone with more positive energy, generosity, cooperation and respect.

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My resolution this year is to find one nice thing to say or do for someone else each day. It might be something no one will ever know I’ve done. It might be something that lasts only a moment. But the intent will be to make the world I inhabit a happier, friendlier, more positive place for all the lives I touch. I know I can’t change the world. I can’t change the violence that erupts on our streets and in our lives. I can’t reverse decades of hatred and bigotry. I can’t stop men or women intent on creating mayhem. But I can make a change if I try hard enough for the people I know and care about, and perhaps for some who don’t know me, but whose lives will still feel the impact of my actions.

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So, my challenge to you is to join me, and in the words of the New Seekers:

“I'd like to see the world for once
All standing hand in hand
And hear them echo through the hills
For peace throughout the land.”