We are facing a new year. Most of us are glad to see 2020 become history, maybe a dark history. We have struggled with boredom that has even brought about mental health issues. 2021 doesn’t have to be that way.
WHAT NEW THING CAN WE DO in the new year? Here are three cans:
We CAN exercise our minds. There is always something new to learn. Some may consider me an “old dog” or “senior dog.” I prefer to call myself a seasoned dog. It sounds better, don’t you agree? The VCA points out: Even though young pups may be more actively curious, dogs never stop learning. In fact, adult dogs are often easier to train than their younger canine friends specifically because they aren’t as active. Older dogs aren’t as easily distracted as pups and can focus for longer periods of time. This ability to concentrate helps them learn new routines more easily. (taken from https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/can-old-dogs-learn-new-tricks I’ve been around the block a few times, well so many times I get vertigo! I say one is never too old to learn. When you stop learning, you start to die, much like the shark has to keep moving or ends up a paperweight at the bottom of the ocean.
We CAN cultivate a new perspective. The Bible (Proverbs 23:7) tells us that as a man "thinks in his heart so is he." Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius (121-180 AD) concluded, "We become what we think about. If we focus on Covid and the other bad news of the day, it will put a negative spin on our thoughts. Perhaps one should stop watching or reading the news, or at least have some periods to take a break. When police officers are assigned to investigate sexual abuse cases, many times they are only allowed to work the job for a couple of years. They see so much daily that it can affect their boundaries and even cross the line. They need a break.”Whatever is good, lovely, think on those things.” (set a timer for 10 min to think and feel bad, then stop and get on with the day.)
We CAN serve others. There have been several creative ideas on helping others during the pandemic. They can include:
- Volunteering:
- Offer your services to Meals-On-Wheels. If you feel uncomfortable dropping off meals, you can give your time as a volunteer making meals.
- Donate blood or volunteer withd the Red Cross to get the word out.
- Daily Touch Program. Learn who elderly or physically challenged neighbors are and organize other neighbors to make a “daily touch’ with those neighbors. It will be good for the receivers and the callers.
- Activities –Organize a neighborhood scavenger hunt...Covid safe. Pick a shape (hearts or stars are great!) and encourage your friends and neighbors to participate by putting out items in that shape, crafting and hanging in the window, sidewalk chalking, etc. Then take a walk around the neighborhood and see how many you can spot! Just be sure to look, not touch, the items
- Draw inspirational chalk-art on the sidewalks to encourage others.Have fun making some interesting masks. Of course, wear them!
- Thank healthcare and public service employees for their sacrificial services. Send them cards, or even banners!
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