By Shellie Miller-Farrugia
This headline may be somewhat cliché for this time of year, but the facets of the possibilities of a “new you” go far beyond cosmetic makeovers. Although a great jumping off point may indeed be a commitment to better health, fitness and ditching a tired hairstyle, the person you are on the inside might also be ready for a little renovating.
We are not just human beings. We are human be-comings! Every day we need to take responsibility for one of three things. Either we are moving forward, stagnant or becoming less than we were the day before. Because we are fortunate enough to live in a country that is known for personal freedoms, no one except YOU is in charge of WHO you become in the future. Planning is always essential to reaching a goal. Make a commitment to yourself now as to who you plan to be one month, six months, three years from right now. Make up your mind every day to take another step toward that person you intend to be.
Four great ways to improve ourselves and our relationships with others uses the acronym CARE.
Connect – Reach out to others by volunteering, adopting a child, building a church, running for office, teaching a class or ___________(fill in the blank). There are so many opportunities to make a difference in someone’s life and, by doing so, we bring fulfillment into our own. Become a coach, coordinate a fundraiser, buy lunch for the person behind you in the drive through, or just be willing to get to know someone in the grocery line….or that lady in the deli who always remembers your order. You may be surprised at what you have in common!
Accept – Understand others right where they are. Judging someone based on their appearance, social status or financial ability is counterproductive to both them and yourself. Your opinion is usually not as welcome as a genuine smile, a meaningful conversation or a helping hand.
Respond – Make a difference for yourself and friends by planning a get-together, running an errand for someone or watching their kids while they take a much-needed break. Plan a week of meals for a new mom. Drive a friend to and hold their hand through a chemo treatment. Bring your neighbor’s trash cans back in from the curb. Call your mother! When we address someone’s need, our needs are also met in the long run. Karma, as they say, is a blessing!
Encourage – One thing that I’ve been very aware lately feels like a lack of gratitude, empathy and encouragement. Life is not a competition! None of us is getting out of here alive. Everyone has a bad day, and I believe the best way to help is by reminding our friends and ourselves of the blessings we DO have. The glass half-empty is an attitude that many struggle with when the going gets rough. Be the friend who reminds others just what you appreciate about them, and why you’re happy to have them in your life. Recognize their gifts, and encourage them to utilize them every day. Regardless of what we “think” someone is thinking, everyone appreciates encouragement!
Happy New Year!! Enjoy 2018 and savor every positive change it brings to you and your family!