Hi friends, it’s a new year with so many possibilities ahead of us! I know many of us attempt big changes and start the year with massive goals, only to lose our momentum in a couple of months. This year, I want to focus on making small changes, which can make positive differences in the world!

Let’s make them easy and if you are goal orientated- SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timely. Together we can create a positive change in the world one small gesture at a time.

“Big changes start with small steps”-ElizabethGeorge.com

What if every time you gave a gift, you gave two of the same thing. One for them to keep, and one for them to give to someone else so they could experience both the joy of receiving as well as the smile they will bring to others by giving. Give someone two Starbucks gift certificates for a cup of coffee and ask them to give one to someone else to perk up their day! Bake and give two boxes of cookies, one to share and one to give. Studies show the happiness one gets from giving gifts lasts longer than the joy felt from receiving them.

“Discover the joy of giving and you will discover the reason for living” – Mark Victor Hansen

Really think about what makes you smile and do it at least once a day. You will be amazed what positivity this brings to you which will also be contagious to others!!

“Let your smile change the world, but don’t let the world change your smile.”-unknown

Do something out of your comfort zone. It can be something small like eating a different type of food, waking up 30 minutes earlier, or talking to a stranger. Doing anything out of your normal routine, or anything that might make you feel uncomfortable, will build your confidence enabling you to deal with challenges and acquire new skills! Do this over and over and you will feel more passion, set and achieve more goals, and inspire others to do the same.

“Get out of your comfort zone and bring comfort to others”- Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Ask more questions! Most of us talk more than we listen. Listen and Silent have the same letters! Commit to asking three questions and listening to the answers when striking up a conversation with a spouse, friend, co- worker or stranger. It’s amazing how much you will connect with that person. Your interest and listening will make them feel valued and you will both walk away feeling happy!

“One of the most sincere forms of respect is actually listening to what another has to say.” — Bryant H. McGill

Give someone a genuine compliment! Make eye contact, focus on substance not appearance and expect nothing in return! I read a study that in the workplace people need to hear 6 compliments to each critique to have a positive outlook. With everyone’s busy schedules it is easy to point out the negative first without really communicating the things that are well done. I am really going to work to improve these odds in all of my relationships. Receiving compliments actually boosts the brain’s dopamine levels! It will make someone’s day which inspires them to spread the kindness to others and it gives you a more grateful heart and healthier connections.

“I can live for two months on a good compliment”- Mark Twain

Kindness is contagious and a key factor in having a fulfilled life! Spread gratitude and joy to others by incorporating random acts of kindness into your daily lives.

“Kindness is simply helping someone feel less alone. That’s it. It’s really all about making people feel that they matter.”— Leon Logothetis

So, write someone a handwritten note, hold the door open, do an extra chore for someone, take your partners car to the carwash, make a meal for someone, leave a note on someone’s computer or in their jacket. The ways to be kind are infinite!

Count your blessings and make it a point to think of one thing you are grateful for everyday! This will increase your mental and physical health, give you more self-esteem and reduce your stress! The opposite of gratitude is entitlement.

“The humble person says that life is a gift to be grateful for, not a right to be claimed.”- Robert Emmons

One year I found an article from Mom Webs and shared her story about using resolutions to embrace one wonderful thing we want to bring back into our lives during the new year. It is an inspirational read!! If we all adopt a few of these small changes into our daily routine, we can make positive changes not only in ourselves but in the world. I wish to see more kindness, empathy and giving in my life and also in my children’s and all the generations to follow! I am excited to go on this journey with each of you! Till next time! XO Leslie