January 1st always comes with a sigh of relief for me. I can finally pack away last year’s regrets and move on to a clean slate.
To help me focus on moving forward in a positive way, I’ve come up with some New Year’s resolutions for military families:
1. Treat each day as a gift.
I think it’s easy to get caught up in the stress of every day life, especially for families who have a loved one in the armed services. For us, it’s even more important to remember that every day really is a gift.
2. People come first.
Activities play an important part in any family. We have to remember that nothing should take the place of nurturing relationships with those around us.
3. Decide that the unexpected will happen and be ready for it.
Soldiers are reassigned, leaves are canceled, homecomings are postponed. With someone you love in the military, these are a part of normal life. Instead of worrying about if and when they’ll happen, be prepared and stay positive.
4. Make time for yourself.
Although this one ought to be obvious (see #2 above) we don’t always treat ourselves well. For all these reasons–to take care of my family, to be there for my soldier, to stay sane–and many others. I need to take care of myself.
5. Reach out to someone else.
There are people all around us who are hurting, lonely and struggling. I’ve discovered that when I take time to reach out to someone else, I also reap the benefit.
6. Accept help from someone else.
Let’s face it, there are times we can’t make it without help. By letting others reach out to us, we provide them with a blessing too.
7. Take a walk.
I know, everywhere we look we’re bombarded with health and fitness tips. But taking time each day to get outside and walk really does help.
8. Feed yourself healthy food.
This means something different for each one of us. It doesn’t matter if you’re a vegan or a cattle rancher. There are small things we can do to be more deliberate about staying healthy.
9. Pray regularly.
I’m not talking about a meal-time prayer you learned as a child. I’m talking about a conversation with God. Numerous studies have shown that people who pray regularly are happier and healthier than those who don’t.
These are my New Year’s resolutions, what are yours?
