Are you still working on your 2017 New Year Resolutions List? (Capitalizing that made it look so “legit” don’t you think?) I, for one, tend to achieve my goals more easily when I have someone on-hand to hold me accountable. You too? Then, why not set goals for the new year as a family? (So as not to exclude our single or non-parent readers, the word “team” can be substituted, or, you can bring siblings, cousins and other extended relatives on-board!)
Did you know the first Monday of a new year is known as “Divorce Monday?“ In fact, the entire month of January ranks highest in any given year for divorce filings. Although a simple New Year list isn’t likely going to undo serious marital problems, many may be surprised at how a group effort to improve the overall well-being of the whole family can help overcome some pretty hefty trials.
There’s no right or wrong here. This is one of those highly customizable exercises where you get to devise a plan that perfectly suits your style, needs and goals as a family. After you gather your kinfolk ’round the table, you can decide how to go about creating your list — placing written ideas into a basket and drawing out one per family member, majority vote or whatever means you choose – the idea is to create a resolutions list that you can work on as a family.
Need a few ideas to get those creative juices flowing? Try these:
- Resolve to be more creative : Whether each person chooses his or her own means for doing so, or, you take on the task as a group, things like visiting art museums, writing poetry, starting a sketchbook, acting in a play or other artistic endeavors can provide lots of opportunity for bumping your family up a creative level or two.
- Blog: Starting a family blog online is a great way to accomplish many new year goals. Not only does it provide an easy way to practice writing, grammar and punctuation skills, it’s also a great way for logging family activities and experiences throughout the year. Options are endless as to theme, content or style you want to present on your blog.
- More Outdoor Activity: This doesn’t mean standing on the sidelines at your child’s soccer game! Resolve to get outside as a family group: take hikes, play tag, eat dinner on the front porch, shoot some hoops or lie under the stars together, several times a month.
- Eat healthier: Studies show many current health-related problems are due to various aspects of unhealthy eating habits. As a family, create a list of baby steps you can take to improve the way you eat. Include things such as: eliminate or reduce processed sugar intake, eat salad every day, or incorporate coconut and other healthy oils into the diet.
Setting out to achieve your goals can be fun, exciting and a lot easier when you do so as a family. Keep in mind, also, that a thankful heart is a joyful heart! My own family began planning for next New Year’s Eve by implementing a great idea we saw online. We started a “Blessings of 2017” jar. Any time something good happens, or, we have a joyful or funny memory or other memorable event to share, we write it down and place it in the jar. On New Year’s Eve 2017, we will open the jar and read all the blessings to remind ourselves we have much to be thankful for as another year comes to a close!
How will you step up your family game as the new year gets underway?
Writer Bio
Judy Dudich resides in the beautiful woods of Pennsylvania, where 24 acres of land and a home-office provide the perfect setting for her children’s home-education and her own homesteading and business ventures. Life is full of blessings (and challenges!) for Judy, as a wife, mother of 10 and Grammy to six. She is a published author, whose book, “I Surrender/A Study Guide for Women” continues to encourage and support others in Christian family lifestyles throughout the world. Judy has also previously worked in the online speaking circuit. Her passion for permaculture, re-purposing, foraging and organic gardening fills her days with learning and adventure that she loves to share.