New Year's Resolutions

I have noticed something about the holidays; maybe you have noticed it too.  There is a spirit of giving, of goodwill, of kindness that literally has the power to lift you right up out of sadness, apathy, and self- pity.  It is not so much the specific holiday as the spirit that surrounds it; a spirit which puts into our minds the needs of others, sparks generosity, and helps us put aside our own selfish desires.  Call it what you may, but the spirit of the holiday season motivates us to use our resources and abilities to bless the lives of others, and in turn we are blessed.  It is true- have you noticed that when you perform a labor of love, the work seems light?  I love the joy and feeling of lightness that comes after serving or giving a gift from the heart.  In most circumstances, forgetting yourself and focusing on giving and serving others makes a big difference in your outlook on life, and leaves you feeling invigorated.

What is my point in all this?  I just got to wondering why we tend to keep so much of our giving and serving and goodwill confined to one or two months out of the year.  Not that we don't give during the rest of the year, but perhaps we are not mindful of it.  I titled this post "New Year's Resolutions", but for me, it pretty much boils down to one resolution, which I am going to focus on for the rest of the year.  My goal is to do something each month that is focused on helping others in some way, not only to make the world a better place, but to experience the blessings of service in my own life.  My sentiment is expressed by this quote from Charles Dickens' beloved book A Christmas Carol, "I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year."

Each of us are given talents we can use to bless those around us.  If you are like me, you get joy from creating things.  Now multiply that by the joy you get from making someone else feel good!  You know what I am talking about because chances are your nearest and dearest have at times been the recipients of your handiwork.  I think we can reach out even more with our goodwill, and include more people in our circle of giving.  Think how much sweeter the world could be if every person did!  I would like to invite each of you to join with me and experience that sweetness every single month for the next year. 

We will have a post each month with suggestions of crafty type projects or activities that can be done to accomplish our goal.  Feel free to participate for as many or as few months as you feel you can.  Any time or effort you contribute will affect the world in a positive way.

Are you in?  Look for a "Making the World a Little Sweeter" post on this month's theme in the next day or so.

(And please, if you have experiences that have to do with the joy that comes from giving, and you wouldn't mind sharing them, leave a comment or email me at rochelle@homesweethomebodies.net)