New Year’s resolutions often focus on an external goal that doesn’t have lasting impact. This year, try looking inward and taking a new approach.
Over the past few years I’ve noticed a trend in the external resolutions of my friends and acquaintances as the arrival of a new year descends upon them. They make promises to themselves to get thinner, make more money, get more stuff, buy a bigger house, travel, invest, and so on. And while these things aren’t always impractical and mindless, they don’t actually bring much lasting happiness.
Last year my resolutions led me to write a daily post on living greener, and while I’ve followed through with it for the most part, the time and energy it required has revealed some less than admirable sides of me. It has also reminded me how precious time is, and how having a distinct separation between work and relaxation is an incredibly important thing. But as I sat down to write my resolutions based on the internal improvements and soul soothing practices I wish to make, I’m reminded that the world beyond me is in incredible need of help and thus should be considered in my thoughts and intentions for the year to come.
2017 has been a hard year for almost everyone, and I think with all that’s happened it’s important for all of us to set goals that encourage growth, not only for the changes which we wish to see in ourselves, but also the changes we wish to see in the world, and how we can help improve the state of things.
They say the road to world peace begins inside each and every one of us, and while personal enlightenment is a very important thing, it doesn’t necessarily aid in change or community development. So this year what I’m encouraging myself and others to do is find a healthy balance of improvements of self as well as improvements in the ways each of us participate in the world.
Though you may not know it or want to, this world is in a pretty startling state and whatever your passion or motivation, it is important to find one to get involved in so you might make your mark on this planet in a positive way. We can’t individually make a difference in every facet of eco and ethical warrior-ship, but we can definitely make a difference in at least one.
For the year to come I want to work on creating balance, both within myself and in the world that surrounds me as well. I want to not only exemplify the changes I wish to see in the world with zero waste sustainable living daily practices, but also involve myself in activities that will aid in unity and activism.
I encourage you to share your resolutions widely, and to inspire others with vulnerability on your own internal improvements and external plans of activism to ignite a rumbling of change and growth in your own communities and the communities around you.
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