12 THINGS YOU GOTTA DO IN 2012

Anne Sullivan, Helen Keller’s teacher, once said, “We imagine that we want to escape our selfish and commonplace existence, but we cling desperately to our chains.” How profound!

In order to break those chains in 2012, here’s 12 things we gotta do:

1. Encourage more, criticize less. We’ve gotten really good at being engrossed in the negatives, that we hardly see the positives. Work on building each other up, not tearing down.
2. Teach someone else something that you know how to do. We’re all good at something. Why not teach someone else the art of our skill? Take someone under your wing and show them how to paint, build, cook, play an instrument, throw a ball, etc.
3. Join something. There’s so much value in being a part of something bigger than yourself. Being in community with others is refreshing. So, this year join a book club, bridge club, church, be on a sports team, Rotary club, etc.
4. Pick 3 people in your world to get to know better. We all have interesting people in our lives that we’re only merely acquainted with. Target 3 of those people and be intentional about getting to know them better this year.
5. Go someplace you’ve never been before. Take a drive to a nearby town you’ve never visited. Plan a weekend trip to a city you’ve always wanted to see. Eat at that new restaurant everyone’s raving about. Try seeing a play, going to the symphony, etc. Broaden your horizons. Go…do…explore…enjoy!
6. Recycle something…ANYTHING! Start small. Choose 1 thing, such as aluminum cans, glass, newspapers, or plastic. Designate a spot for saving those things. Then once a month, take them to the nearby recycle spot.
7. Park further out. Why be greedy for the closest spot to the store front door? Find one further out. The extra walk will do you good.  
8. More books, less technology. We’re addicted to being connected. Turn off the gadgets and turn on the reading–not on the computer or kindle, but the old school way. Grab a book, boost your brain.
9. Have more people over. Step over the fact that your house is too small or you’re not the best cook. Time spent with others in engaging conversation and fellowship far outweighs our own self imposed obstacles.
10. Give more. Winston Churchill said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Increase your tithe, support a local mission, sponsor a child. We don’t have to…we get to!
11. Set a date and conquer that daunting project you’ve been putting off. It’s time! Clean it, paint it, rearrange it, redo it, build it, create it, etc. Besides, you know how good it feels when you accomplish something. So, what are you waiting for? 
12. Break a bad habit. I heard it takes 21 days to break a habit. Pick your 21 days, ask someone to help you, and make a change.

Here’s to a brand new you in 2012. No more selfish and commonplace existence. Break the chains. Be the change!