As I take on my new role as interim family caregiver coordinator, I am excited and looking forward to a wonderful new year.
Of course, at the start of every New Year most of us try to make life changing resolutions. Lose weight, change jobs, save money, become more involved, eat healthy, start exercising — these are just a few things many people vow to change. However, most of us usually fall back into our old ways within a month or so, leaving our long forgotten plan behind us.
So, this year, instead of making a new year’s resolution, I thought about changing the way I think about my daily routine.
For example, I will take time to be more courteous to people, will say at least one nice thing to someone each day, will bite my tongue when someone cuts me off changing lanes, and will try to smile while standing in the checkout line. These things sound so simple, yet we forget to do them on a daily basis. So many times it’s the simple things we can change that will make a difference, not only in our own lives but in other people’s lives as well.
So, for my New Year’s resolution this year, I am going to set goals that are easily attainable, while striving to make every day a cheerful one. I am going to help as many people as I can, going to try (notice I said “try”) to find the positive side of every situation, and smile even when no one is watching!
These are things, whether young or old, we all can do without paying a dime. And who knows? The one person you help the most may be yourself! Have a Happy New Year and take time to enjoy life this year. Melissa Gronda is the interim family caregiver coordinator at the Area Agency on Aging.
