What are the 10 most popular New Year’s resolutions of Americans? According to USA.gov, they are: drink less alcohol; eat healthy food; get a better education; get a better job; get fit; lose weight; manage stress; quit smoking; reduce, reuse, and recycle; save money; take a trip; volunteer to help others.
Come on guys, we can do better than this. Other than the final item on the list, these all seem so individualistic. And so focused on making oneself feel better, when maybe that’s pretty hard to do all by oneself.
How about some resolutions to help you connect with others in a positive way, working at making the world better for all? Here are some suggestions:
Embrace nonviolence
Nullify nuclear weapons
Gather with other lovers of peace
Ask who profits from war and weapons sales
Go in the path of peace
Elevate love in your daily interactions
Invoke peace when others threaten violence
Never say no to peace
Protest social injustice
Educate children about the benefits of peace
Ask not just what peace can do for you; ask what you can do for peace
Challenge the promoters of violence
Engage in peace
May you enjoy a happy, peaceful New Year!
Kathie Malley-Morrison, Professor of Psychology