Anti-resolutions

Here we are, in another new year, and new things are happening. We will transition, as a country, to a new president, school resumes for my kindergartener, my writing gets front and center attention. I've always resisted making resolutions at the beginning of the year - realistically I know they are difficult to follow, and I see life change with each new month - even new week - so any resolution I make today won't account for the unforeseen of the future. And in the past 9 years since my dad passed away I've learned and re-learned one thing: change happens - again and again. I actually welcome the new year, with hopes that things will change for the better - that people will be nicer, more loyal, more respectful, more considerate and kind. I have been working on doing all those things during 2008. Sometimes I am thrilled with the results, other times I am just sad. Just before Christmas I was at the grocery store - that seems to be the only place I hang out these days - and as I was walking through the parking lot I offered to return a man's cart along with mine. He was so surprised, and thanked me with a puzzled look on his face. I was secretly excited - I made a small positive difference in his day. I hesitate to make it a resolution to do more acts like it in 2009, because the best part was it was spontaneous!

Sometimes doing a good deed results in other unexpected things. When at a convenience store, my husband noticed a gentleman needing help with the door, as he was using a mobility scooter and couldn't navigate the door and the scooter. Mark steps out of line to help, and the guy in the line behind him steps up and takes his place in line and checks out! The clerk, who saw Mark helping, said nothing! Mark was speechless - I am too!

On the flip side, a friend was travelling over the Christmas holiday with her husband and two kids. Her son, who is almost 4, had bit of diarrhea and had an accident in his pants. My friend, just about to board the plane, had only one change of clothes but a long plane trip ahead. So she approached a woman with a child about the same age and asked if she might have a diaper or pullup to spare. The woman, obviously sympathizing gave her several diapers, which were definitely helpful on the 3 hour trip. Hooray for that woman at the airport, also travelling with a child, who recognized another mom in need. It gets better, as at her destination, my friend takes her son to the restroom and a woman overhears the situation and shares diaper cream to help with the boy's discomfort. Yahoo for her - another mom helping out!

It would be the best year ever if all of us - remember we are all in the same boat, basically - make the effort to help out our fellow citizens whenever possible. If there is one thing - it may be the ONLY thing - that I like about Obama is that he has challenged our nation to do just that. Serve your community in whatever way you can, even if it means shovelling snow for your neighbor, or holding the door for someone in need. So without it being a resolution, I'm going to make the effort - spontaneously, to go beyond my own needs, and help someone, in some way. I know it will be a whole lot easier than losing 10 pounds - I won't have to give up eating ice cream!