Yes, I know, you want to lose weight, stop smoking, exercise and be better to yourself in 2019. Good for you; those are fine goals. But let’s get a little more specific in the coming year, shall we? I’m just gonna riff here. No one can do all these things, but try a few and see what happens.
1. Smile more.
2. Yell less.
3. Take more bubble baths.
4. Read more books.
5. Be grateful.
6. Give someone the benefit of the doubt.
8. Try a dish you’ve never had before.
9. Refuse to worry.
10. Ask someone out.
11. Ignore a slight.
12. Take that vacation even though it’s over your budget. The memories are worth it.
13. Listen to reggae music.
14. Turn off the computer and go outside.
15. Buy an electric bike.
16. Watch The Sound Of Music.
17. Buy a foam memory mattress to sleep well.
18. Stop expecting perfection.
19. Judge less.
20. Empathize more.
21. Buy a better pillow.
22. Volunteer for a good cause.
23. Write someone a letter by hand and mail it.
24. Start a journal.
25. Watch a documentary. True stories are often more powerful than fiction.
26. Tip well for good service.
27. Don’t text and drive.
28. Go for a walk in the woods.
29. Listen more than you talk.
30. Read Mary Karr’s The Liars Club.
31. Drink more water.
32. Thank a vet for serving.
33. Get a checkup.
34. Go to the after-work party once, even if you dislike your co-workers.
35. Listen to old Bill Cosby comedy routines.
36. Make the right choice, even if it’s the hard one.
37. Grow something.
38. Encourage someone.
39. Forgive yourself.
40. Go to a museum.
41. Make something with your hands.
42. Tell someone you love them, even if it’s embarrassing.
43. Be honest.
44. Learn CPR.
45. Never give up on your dreams no matter how impossible they seem.
46. Splurge on an article of clothing.
47. Take a train ride somewhere.
48. Focus on what’s good about someone instead of what’s bad.
49. Stay at a bed and breakfast.
50. Don’t give other people the power to determine how you feel about yourself.
51. Take a day off for no reason.
52. Be quick to praise.
53. Be slow to criticize.
54. Listen to the Les Misérables soundtrack
55. Watch Roman Holiday.
56. Do something that frightens you.
57. Laugh loudly.
58. Fart proudly.
59. Order the special.
60. Find time for quiet moments in your day.
61. Call an old friend out of the blue.
62. Make up with someone.
63. Have dessert.
64. Show respect for all living things.
65. Skip that last drink–you don’t need it.
66. Stand up for someone.
67. Remember that grief is not weakness, but part of the healing process.
68. Rid your life of people who are jealous, bitter, petty or mean-spirited.
69. Read Shakespeare.
70. Take responsibility for your mistakes instead of blaming others.
71. Call your mom.
72. Stop justifying bad behavior with “I was only kidding.”
73. Tell someone what you love about them. Be specific.
74. Put a puzzle together. It will relax you.
75. Get a mammogram if you are over 40 or have a family history of breast cancer.
76. Read a Harry Potter book.
77. Do something nice without worrying about who gets the credit.
78. Deflect anger with a smile.
79. Laugh in the face of adversity. It won’t last forever.
80. Sing aloud, even if you’re terrible.
81. Spend more time with kids–your own or someone else’s.
82. Play a board game.
83. Ride a roller coaster even if it scares you.
84. Make a list of things you like about yourself and read it when you’re down.
85. Introduce yourself to the new person.
86. Stop procrastinating. Do it now.
87. Get a massage.
88. Be generous.
89. Leave town for the weekend.
90. Sit in a hot tub.
91. Expect the best in people.
92. Rub someone’s feet. Preferably someone you know.
93. Go to a comedy club.
94. Buy new sheets.
95. Work late less.
96. Spend a day doing absolutely nothing productive.
97. Ignore gossip and refuse to spread it.
98. Do crossword puzzles.
99. Skinny dip.
100. Love people for what they are and forgive them for what they are not.
101. Keep your promises and don’t promise what you can’t do.
How about you? What are your resolutions for the new year?
May your 2019 be filled with peace, joy, grace, and love.
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