New Year`s Resolutions

It's only January 2 as I write, and I've already broken my New Year's resolutions.January has always been a time for looking back to the past, and more importantly, forward to the coming months. It's a time to reflect on the changes we want (or need) to make and resolve to follow through on those changes.Below are the areas in which Campus Highlights think everybody should improve on

FAMILY RESOLUTIONS:

Agree to disagree. Learn to cooperate and compromise. Put yourself in your loved one's shoes, and truly try to understand how they are feeling and why they are reacting the way they are. Think before you speak or react. If all else fails, make believe the person you are hard on is a stranger, we often treat strangers kinder then our loved ones. Try not to hold a grudge, end an argument with the agreement you are on different sides of this particular topic, and don't allow it to upset the other aspects of your relationship.

COMMUNITY RESOLUTIONS:

Volunteer somewhere you feel you could make a difference. It could be a hospital, nursing home, church daycare, literacy programs, meals on wheels or you local SPCA. You'll know what feels right. There are volunteer opportunities everywhere. Check the Internet, local newspapers, and charities in your area.
Get involved in your neighborhood, join or start a block club. Many areas have community centers, where there are senior activities, and crafters clubs. Your local library may even have a readers circle you may want to join.

PERSONAL RESOLUTIONS:

Plan to exercise for 10 minutes everyday. Stretching is great for circulation, walking around the block is great for your heart. Not anything strenuous, just something to get the joints moving. Dancing and yoga are also good for your over all well being.
Read a daily devotion, mantra, or quote to enlighten your spirit. Keep a daily journal of best thing that happened today. Meditate, pray or focus on something beautiful in nature. Any of these suggestions will do wonders to nurture your inner spirit and will also help relieve stress.

FINANCIAL RESOLUTIONS:

Budget, spend less, and have more. Plan meals, shopping trips and make a list. Stick to the list and do not buy anything except what is on the list. Plan monthly allowance for birthday and special occasion gifts. Start putting money from coupon savings, bottle returns, or loose change in a jar for next year's holidays. Have a yard sale and put those proceeds away as well. Cut down on your heating bills by wearing layers of clothing. Cut down on your electric by using candlelight. Walk to the corner store instead of driving. Shop at thrift stores, rummage sales and garage sales for clothing, garden ornaments, and household decor. Sometimes someone else's trash (Throw Away) can become a favorite treasure for a few dollars instead of twenty or more.