By Katrice

There are so many simple things that we can do to improve our lives every day that if we make a few simple changes, monumental declarations may not even be necessary.

1. Forgive, forgive, forgive, forgive.
Every so often I feel compelled to tweet this or make it my Facebook status because I think we all need to be reminded not to harbor ill feelings. Grudges take up space in your heart and the things in your heart influence your mind. Imagine how freeing it is to not carry the weight of keeping a tally of everything that has been done to you.  

3. Donate.
It's nice to take the things that you are no longer using to the Goodwill or Salvation Army, but consider also making a financial donation to an organization or cause of your choice when you can afford it. There is always someone with a greater need than you. 


4. See more of your family.
It's easy to get caught in the rat race but time with your family is one of the easiest ways to keep yourself motivated and your priorities straight. To grow, you must have a solid foundation. 


5. Pay off a bill.


6. Give your time. 
Volunteering is a sure way to achieve balance in your life. It could be in an organized effort or singularly with someone you know who could benefit from your time and attention. I'm constantly reminded of the saying by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'"


7. Set some goals.
I bid farewell to 2010 racing the clock to maximize every single moment of the year. While it's always exciting to greet a new one, I have learned that each minute presents an opportunity to change my life the for the better. So, if you fall off the bandwagon with your resolutions, don't give up. You don't need a special occasion to become who you want to be.


8. Stop complaining. 
It takes the same amount of energy to think of the glass half empty as it does to think of the glass half full. 


9. Take a vacation.


10. Put God first.
It's not at all cliche. It is certain that if you concern yourself most with being pleasing to God that everything else will fall into place.