...and a Happy New Year!

Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! These are all greetings you may have heard over the last few weeks. But, I dare to ask the question, how can you make the new year happy for those you encounter? Don't just wish it for them. Make it happen!

Take the time to check in on your friends and family. Set a goal to accomplish this. Maybe you decide that once a week, you'll call one friend or family member. No text, no email, but actually pick up the phone, call and truly listen.

An awesome friend, Mrs. Stephanie Cassinos Way, called me a couple of months ago. When I saw "Cassinos, Stephanie-SGT" on my phone, I wondered if everything was o.k. She just wanted to talk to me. Little did she know that I needed a friend at that very moment. Do you have a friend that is going through a difficult time? Or maybe you just haven't connected with them in a while. Is their spouse deployed? Give them a call. Heck, you could even mail them a $10 pizza gift card. It's little, but you might be surprised how much this small gesture could mean to them.

Another way to improve the year for yourself and those around you is to get out...get out of the rut, get out into other communities, get out of your box...just get out! What am I talking about here? Well, I'm sure you have some ideas starting to float into your head, but I'll share one way that I did this. 

I attended the annual Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe powwow. I was asked to write a special feature about Native American Heritage month, but in order to truly connect I wanted to experience the culture. What an amazing way to learn. I took my 13-year old brother and it was such an outstanding experience for both of us. Try it! Look online and find one new activity or event each month to check out. 


Next, it's time to put on your thinking cap. Could you volunteer your time? Babysit for that mom that just needs a trip to the grocery sans whining, arguing, pleading and begging. 


Do you have a talent or a skillset that you could donate? I like taking pictures! If you're doing something you enjoy, your love will come through!

Different people, different places, different expressions, but that's what I love about it! Would you have guessed that the Veteran holding the dogtag was married 8 times? Yes, he really was. Enough of my rambling about photography, but find something you love and share it! Ok, back on topic here, folks...

There's also the 'Pay it Forward' method. This one is pretty easy. Stopping through the Caribou drive-thru? Purchase the coffee of the person behind you. I've had this happen to me before (during the holidays, of course) and I couldn't help but drive away with a smile. That was after I paid for the coffee of the person behind me. :-) I wonder how long that cycle continued?

So to you, my beautiful friends, I submit a challenge. What will your goals be? Who will you make smile this new year? All of this new year, not just the beginning of it. Please share your stories or ideas below. 

Happy New Year, and as always...

KEEP SMILING! 

It's contagious!