Have you ever followed through on a resolution? I have attempted a few in the past, like trying to get to bed earlier, becoming a punctual person and having my daily quiet (prayer) time.
I believe it is challenging to adopt new positive habits. Coming up with resolutions that resonate deeply with personal desire is one thing, but expanding goals to involve ethics and more inclusive, wider-reaching benefits may provide more motivation to follow through.
Beginning with small steps of change that involve both head and heart is helpful. Once rationale and sentiment transform into action, the mind and body have an easier time remembering and recording the positive feelings.
The suggestions below revisit some of the ideas I shared with readers this past year. Here’s to helping you and the planet become healthier, happier and stronger in 2016.
Enjoy eating closer to home: Feed your brain and body by eating well; tread lighter on the planet by eating more vegan meals (less meat and dairy) and strengthen the local economy by supporting BC agriculture. After reading the delightful book, The 100-Mile Diet, by Vancouverites Alisa Smith and J.B. MacKinnon, my first step to eating closer to home was giving up a banana-a-day and enjoying BC apples year-round.
Tailor your wardrobe to flatter you: In May, my column featured our clothing footprint, second in magnitude to our food footprint. Fashion and fads make you feel wanting when, in fact, quality fabrics and well-fitting garments to your specific size and shape are what are most attractive on you (not J. Lo’s latest wardrobe). Knowing what colours and cuts work best on you can augment your confidence, revitalize your wardrobe and simplify your shopping. So this year, why not treat yourself to a colour and style analysis that will have long-lasting benefits?
Improve your comfort and quality of sleep: If this year’s drought is to be our new norm, make 2016 the year you pursue home energy efficiency. Many turn to air conditioning when wanting to cool their homes. A better financial and planetary investment would be to apply window films. These reduce radiant heat and UV light input, as well as radiant heat output, saving heating and cooling costs while protecting furnishings from fading.
Activate your transportation: Bike to work and school or take the bus at least once a week. Your health, pocket book and the planet will thank you. Challenge yourself to use more distant bus stops to work towards the ideal goal of 10,000 steps per day. Achieving better health and a calmer temperament while getting your daily dose of nature therapy — now that’s great bang for your buck.
Enjoy a growing community: Making and strengthening friendships and growing your networks of varying flavours keep you enlightened and energized. We were made for relationships. Sharing the gift of hospitality deepens relationships by letting others see more of you. Facebook and your local coffee shop are nice, but there is no substitute for the intimate sharing that can happen in one’s home.
May your 2016 be filled with peace, beauty and joy.
