What are you looking to begin in 2025?

The top three annual New Year's Resolutions are: 1. Save more money. 2. Quit smoking. 3. Spend more time with family/friends.

What should your New Year's Resolutions be for 2025? Here are ten suggestions you may want to consider:

1. Develop a self-care program dedicated to things you enjoy. This will not only make you a better person but also show your prioritize your well-being.

2. Get more sleep. Sleep is paramount for your physical and mental well-being, and a third of people are sleep-deprived.

3. Read a book each month. Reading is not just a leisure activity; it is good for the brain because it improves memory and concentration.

4. Declutter. Having a cluttered desk, home, or life causes stress. Spend time each day decluttering your environment.

5. Volunteer. Spend time each month volunteering for a cause that is important to you. As Fred Rogers, the host of Mr. Roger's Neighborhood, said, "Life is for service."

6. Develop a writing practice. Writing improves your cognitive skills by requiring focus, organization, and planning.

7. Be kinder when you speak to yourself. (We all talk to ourselves.) Your brain doesn't know the difference between what is real and what is imagined. How you speak to yourself can make the difference between a positive or negative attitude and personality.  

8. Stay in touch, especially with people that matter to you. It will improve your outlook and your relationship with the other person.

9. Avoid negativity. Regardless of how positive you are, negative people suck the enthusiasm out of you. In addition, destructive, depressing, and discouraging events deplete your energy. 

10. Do something uncomfortable, that scares you, or that makes you nervous, every day. Being edgy allows you to grow through bravery.   

Please let me know your resolutions for the coming year. Your thoughts and perspectives are valuable, and I enjoy reading them.   

Do you agree that it is better to give than to receive?

As Christmas approaches, we hear about how the holidays are "the time to give."

Is Christmas the only time you think about giving your time, talents, or treasures?

Studies have shown that giving to others not only makes you happier but also makes you more willing to give in the future. Even seemingly minuscule acts of kindness like smiling and saying "Hello" to someone can improve your happiness.

In The Bible, in 1 Corinthians 16, we learn the seven principles of giving: 1. regular giving, 2. participatory giving, 3. intentional giving, 4. proportional giving, 5. anticipatory giving, 6. effective giving, and 7. accountable giving.  

Non-profit organizations generally receive as much as 30% of their donations in December, while 10% of all annual giving is done in the last three days of the year (usually for tax purposes).

Individuals donated over $319 billion in 2023, with the average one-time gift averaging $121!  

Being altruistic doesn't have to involve money only. Here are eight simple ways to give to others:

1. Spend money on others.

2. Spend time with others.

3. Volunteer

4. Be emotionally available.

5. Perform random acts of kindness.

6. Compliment someone.

7. Make someone laugh.

8. Tell your story. 

While the holidays are a wonderful time to be philanthropic, imagine the impact of making "giving" an integral part of your life year-round. Your generosity will not only benefit others but also bring you lasting happiness.

Please comment on how you plan on giving this holiday season. Your thoughts and experiences are valuable to me, and I look forward to reading your comments.