Saturday, December 31, 2016

Times Like These


I for one, am happy to see 2016 end!
It has been a year unlike any I've personally lived and while I worry about the future, I'm hoping that 2017 is better than the last and we can "learn to love again."
While listening to an old favorite song this morning, I asked myself what can I do to make 2017 better in "times like these." 
So instead of the proverbial New Year's Resolution where I say I'm going to lose weight and work out more, drink more water and get more sleep, yada yada yada...
I'm going to try to incorporate these 5 changes in my life, however small in to the new year.
One human connection at a time:

  1.  Give out compliments!  We could all benefit from a little recognition and validation.
  2.  Be kind to strangers, even just to say "Hello."  "Good Morning"  "How are you?"  I believe  these small connections can make a difference, if we all do it.
  3.  Listen.  Listen to others, even if you disagree with their views, beliefs or politics.This could be  hard because we have all surrounded ourselves with others who share our beliefs, so listening  to opposing views and understanding their viewpoint is key to making a change for a better  future.
  4.  If possible, perform a random act of kindness.  Again, large or small like holding a door open  for someone or offering to help a friend with something they could use help with. 
  5.  Every morning, awaken with gratitude and sit, coffee in hand, appreciating the gift of another day. 


I know I sound like Pollyanna, but I'm guilty of not doing much of the above and living in my own bubble.
That's why I intend to watch more HGTV instead of the "news!"
Less social media and time on the computer, except for blogging.
And yes, I hope to lose weight, work out more, drink more water and get more sleep too.

"It's Times Like These"
An old song and one I've always loved, but it means more to me now than ever.

"I'm a new day rising
I'm a brand new sky
To hang the stars upon tonight"


"It's times like these you learn to love again
It's times like these time and time again"

Wishing you all a Happy New Year in times like these!
Let's make 2017 the best year ever, one human connection at a time.

16 comments:

  1. I couldn't agree more Delores. It's been an interesting and tough time, and I'm sure some times ahead will test us as Americans and as human beings. But trying to understand and empathize with others is the core of human connection. We need a lot more of it. In short, more love and less hate.
    And less social media for all of us would probably help too!

    Wishing you a wonderful 2017 Delores - and hope to see more blogging from you too:)


    Sheila
    xo

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  2. You know, I have always loved Pollyanna. I love your thoughts for the new years. Come visit my blog and hear mine.

    Have a fabulous 2017.
    Hugs,
    Penny

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  3. Happy New Year from Tennessee to California 🎉

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  4. Well said, Delores. Happy New Year and may we all count our blessings and work towards a peaceful and united 2017.

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  5. Happy New Year from Australia. I love your list of changes and think it something we should all strive for.
    Love your city (frequent visitor) and enjoy your blog

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  6. We need more who share a Pollyanna outlook on the world. I think the list is right on, Delores! It's little things like this that can make a huge impact if we all focus on others instead of ourselves. Like you, less time on the computer is my goal. I want to read with book in hand and also get back to my needlepoint in hand on a daily basis. The laptop sucks up too much of my time.
    Happy New Year and all the best for 2017. I appreciate your friendship and the inspiration you offer through your blog.

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  7. So enjoyed this post! We need more Pollyanna like attitudes...and it has to start within ourselves! I'm rooting for 2017! ;)

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  8. Amen to this! A little love makes a big difference in the world! Happy New Year!

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  9. Love your attitude Delores. Seems we've all decided to quit planning and start doing this year. I think it's going to be my best year ever and I hope it's your best too!

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  10. Love it!! And I for one, am praying "Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law." Psalm 119:18

    Sammy
    www.sammynmick@blogspot.com

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  11. Wonderful and uplifting post. What a great spirit and perfect to share.
    Come over and share your wonderful New Years thoughts at The Fabulous January party. Don't forget to sign up for our emails so you'll can link all your posts for the Fabulous Giveaways!
    http://ourholidayjourney.blogspot.com/2017/01/january-fabulous-tidy-up-link-party.html
    Happy New Year

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  12. I love this!! These words mean more and turning them into actions will just be so wonderful!! Thank you for these inspiring words.

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  13. Well said! Agree with all you said wholeheartedly. I have been working a retail job part-time over the holidays, and I try to find something about every customer I can sincerely complement, whether it’s their nice hair, or skin, or that the color of the shirt they are wearing is really flattering to them. Everyone is pretty stressed, and it’s great to see them smile and their eyes brighten. I think lots of times we think these things when we see people, but don’t bother to say them… Same about reaching out to people. I remember once I decided to send an email to an author whose first book really meant something to me. As it happened, her father was also a wonderful, famous author whose books I loved, so I mentioned how I thought he was a genius, and how reading about him had led me to her work. She wrote me back a long email saying that she received my note on her father’s birthday (he is deceased), and how it made her day as she and her mother were feeling really blue. So it’s important to just do those things, you never know what a difference you might make in someone’s life. Thanks for the reminders! Happy New Year to you and yours!

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  14. A very insightful post and really will follow your suggestion to make this world better. Like you happy to see 2016 end. The best to you in 2017 and look forward to your blog.

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  15. A very insightful post and really will follow your suggestion to make this world better. Like you happy to see 2016 end. The best to you in 2017 and look forward to your blog.

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  16. I am looking forward to a great 2017. I haven't felt this optimistic and hopeful for a very long time!

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