It seems that every year we make a resolution list that is destined to fail at some point within the first three months of the new year. Most of the things on our list are designed around self-improvement which we believe will make us happier. But we need to ask ourselves “will making such changes really make us happy?” What if we make a list of things that we already know make us happy and resolve to do them more often? For example:

This year, I resolve to…
1. Be active outdoors – Since slow pace walking helps me relax, fast paced walking and/or running gives me more energy and hiking, swimming, and playing sports is fun especially when done with other people…I resolve to be more active outdoors.
2. Show affection – Hugs, kisses, cuddles, holding hands and verbal comments are the simplest way of expressing my love tåoward others and to receive love from others… so I resolve to give and receive more affection.
3. Laugh – As the old adage states “laughter is the best medicine”…so I resolve to laugh as much as I can, with whomever I can, even if it brings out tears.
4. Play – Pick up dominoes, cards or board games and play with friends, family members or children. It’s such a simple way of distressing…so I resolve to play more often.
5. Learn – Whether by attending classes or reading about topics that interests me, learning is a great way of feeding your mind, improving concentration and memory…so I resolve to learn more this year.
6. Dream – Because dreaming is the first step to creating achievable goals…therefore I resolve to dream big dreams this year.
7. Cry – Crying is such a great cleansing mechanism that allows us to release negative emotions that block the more positive ones….therefore I resolve to cry more often.
8. Explore – Whether is a road trip to another town, museum or a local coffee shop; I resolve to satisfy my curiosity and craving for adventure by exploring new areas or things that I never tried before.
9. Dance – I resolve to turning on the music; closing my eyes and following the rhythm. I will dance as if no one is watching.
10. Sing – If a song makes me feel emotion, whether sad or happy, I resolve to sing like no one can hear me.
11. Spend time with children – Children see simple things as extraordinary and exciting…so I resolve to connect with children more often.
12. Help others – Volunteering helps me realize how fortunate I am to have family and friends, food and shelter…Therefore I resolve to help others more often.
13. Be present – Whenever a regret, worry or fear makes me think about the future or the past, I resolve to stop and look at what’s in front of me…what is present and I will concentrate on taking the time to enjoy it.
14. Surround myself with others – Being around others makes me feel safe, at peace and happier than I would be if alone…so I resolve to surround myself with positive people more often.