Just a Thought- It made me think:)

The start of a new year brings a brand new outlook. A desire to change for the better. Optimism reigns while negativity cowers...temporarily. It's almost impossible not to have some sort of newfound hope and energy come January one. We look for ways to step up, so it's out with the old and in with the new. Bad habits and vices are put on hold, while plans to improve unfold. This ritual has been going on since the beginning time. We use the start of the new year to sweep our mistakes and shortcomings under the rug, so we can begin to work on becoming better people. We look at this fresh start as a means to become better humans. Happier, healthier more productive humans. Most New Years resolutions are personal. We look inside, search for flaws and make plans to improve ourselves. We want to exercise more because we know it the right thing to do. Some will stop smoking "for real" this time. These are I, me, mine resolutions.

Not that there's anything wrong with this, but most people's ME intentions and resolutions rarely get past March 1st. I'd like to propose that you also try a little something else this year. I'd like you to consider being a better human being by helping other human beings. Instead of looking inward, how about going outside of the ME box and see if you can find someone or maybe a group of people to help. Rumor has it that altruism is the easiest and fastest way to find happiness, joy and purpose. Serve others and in turn you serve yourself. When it's not about you, the pressure to change your life vanishes. Make this year's resolution count for something by helping someone other than you.

If you want satisfaction from your resolution then I recommend finding an organization that needs your help. Real charity work changes the world. When you change the world, you change yourself. It takes more than writing a check to an organization. I'm talking about seeking a cause and making contact with the people who need the help, or the folks out in the field doing the work. Everything from TreePeople (they plant trees) to church groups who help the homeless. The really cool thing is that when you get involved with charities, you're not obligated 7 days a week like personal resolutions. Most organizations just need help 2 or 3 times a month. Do yourself and others a favor and see if you can focus less on ME and more on WE.

Here are a couple of links:
http://www.focusonthefamily.com/volunteers/
http://www.christianliferesources.com/?/giving/volunteer.php