The following is an excerpt from January’s ‘Impact With Heart’ free ezine newsletter:

This is usually the time when people reflect on their lives, think of how they would like to make them different, and create some corresponding resolutions. Usually their resolutions target some specific behavior (diet, fitness, smoking) and unfortunately rarely make it past January.

This year, I challenge you to make resolutions that will affect all areas of your life – such as:

 

DECIDE YOUR ATTITUDE. 

The attitude YOU want that will serve you best and not based on what others expect, or is imposed by them.

Just over 2 years ago my Mom moved from her home in Edmonton, Alberta (same house for 50 years!) to the west coast of Canada in Victoria, BC, where she knew only my sister and brother-in-law.  She moved to a seniors’ residence and before going, people repeatedly said to her “I hope you like it there”.  My Mom would matter-of-factly answer “I will! I’ve
already decided”.  When I was visiting there for Christmas, I heard someone ask if she liked living there.  Again, her answer was “Oh yes!” and then added “but I decided I would before I even got here”.

What kind of experience do you want in your life? In general, or perhaps in a specific situation, or with a specific person? Choose the corresponding attitude and then that is the reality you will create!

 

GIVE TO OTHERS WHAT YOU NEED YOURSELF.

Sounds strange?  Let me share a couple of examples to demonstrate how this works.

Again to my Mom…on her first day at the seniors’ residence, the manager came to welcome her and asked when she would like to go down to the dining room for dinner.  Since my Mom didn’t know anyone yet, the manager said she would arrange for someone to have dinner with her.  My Mom, again in her matter-of-fact way, said “Oh no, you don’t have to do that.  I’ll just go to the dining room and find someone who looks lonely and like they’d like someone to eat with, and I’ll sit with them”!

Another example is my good friend Sus.  She was feeling down one day and needed cheering up.  Instead of waiting for someone to do that for her, she picked up the phone and ordered a beautiful bouquet of flowers to be delivered to my door!  She said after sending me the flowers, she felt much better.  It is definitely true that what we give out, we get back.

Australian Juan Mann is another great example of this resolution.  A short video on him and his free hugs has been passed around on the internet for many months now, so you may already know of him.  See the video here.

Even if you’ve seen it before, watch it again – it’s only a few minutes long and will leave you feeling better and inspired!

We’ve all felt the impact from others. Instead of passively being affected in ways we may not want, be the impacter!  Decide your attitude, choose what you want in your life and take action!