New Year’s Resolutions. Love ‘em or hate ‘em chances are you have some, whether you’re willing to admit it or not. Sometimes it can seem cliché to set a resolution, some avoid them for fear of failure and having their failure known, since many proclaim their resolution to others. However, as a believer of the importance of goal-setting, I rather like New Year’s Resolutions. For the past several years, rather than making an official resolution, I chose a word of the year, the represented something that was an aim or focus I wanted to have in my life for that year.
We at FresYes thought it would be interesting to do a little crowd-sourcing and learn of some of your non-typical New Year’s Resolutions for 2017. Something outside of the “lose weight, eat better, exercise more” box.
For your inspiration, I present to you a collection of awesome, less-common New Year’s Resolutions from Valley residents.
Parenting
“Less cellphone time while with my kids and control how I react to stress in my life and in turn my kids will feed off of the positive energy instead of the negative.” Noemi Valenzuela, Marketing Coordinator, Educational Employees Credit Union
“To read chapter books aloud to my girls… the oldest is a great reader & has a love for books that I need to capitalize on and instill in the younger two.” Amanda Valle, high school teacher
“After cleaning my girls’ rooms today, I told my husband, ‘In 2017, we will not buy the girls (or us) anything! We have enough clothes, toys and gadgets. Birthdays and gifts will only be reserved for experiences.’ (Tickets to the movies, amusement parks, etc.)” Nichole Morales, education administrator, Fresno County Office of Education
“I have a really fun job where I help create experiences and memories for teens & young adults. My resolution is to do the same for my family. Every time I buy something or plan something fun, my hubby & older son are bummed it’s not for home. So I want to stop giving them leftovers and start making things special for them too.” Angela Yracheta, youth ministry leader
“To be a less stressed and angry mommy! Need to control my stress better and react better even when they are driving me nuts! I am going to start this 30-day devotional that is about finding our triggers and learning how to not yell at our kids.” Melissa Gleason, stay-at-home mom (find the book she mentions here or another great book I personally recommend Scream Free Parenting here)
Relationships & Communication
My best friends and I live throughout the country so we decided to have a group call once a month–some have been 5 minutes, some have been an hour. It’s hard with time differences, but worth it. We’re keeping it up next year, too. Jennifer Safreno, college instructor
“To call my dad as much as I used to call my mom. I really appreciate him, and I still have him as my only parent.” Sandra Morin, early childcare instructor
“My goal would be to send more snail mail. I used to write to people and make cards instead of buying them, but when texting and email came along I slowly stopped. So, I want to revive my creative juices and set a goal to make/write at least 1 card month. I have all the supplies, just need to do it. I want to incorporate my photography in it too.” Kimberly Lee, Regional Director of Bethesda Lutheran Communities
“Correspond with friends more. Make dates to see friends and not put it off another year!” Megan Crutchfield, blogger and retail manager
New Skills & Experiences
“To learn to cook a new dish once per month. Cooking isn’t my favorite thing to do so I end up making the same things so I know my family would appreciate it if I mixed it up.” Lety Maldonado-Cruz, independent beauty consultant
Stay-at-home mom and business owner, Kristina Wettstead seconds Lety’s thoughts, “Yes, this! I (referring to Lety’s comments) it’s been hard for me with three kids so I’m going to work on prepping freezer meals.”
“Once a day, when a kind thought enters my mind about a stranger (she has a great smile, I like how he handled his son’s tantrum etc.) SAY it! The most meaningful compliments are the ones given by a stranger because they owe you nothing. I realize I compliment people in my head all day long and because we’re uncomfortable and don’t know how they will interpret it, we say nothing but one kind word could totally turn around someone else’s day. Practice kindness.” Tangi Graf, high school teacher
“Try indoor mountain climbing or learn how to swim.” Steven Lee, network engineer/IT specialist
“To volunteer more and instill the importance of this with the kids. And on a selfish note, to learn to do a handstand.’ Catarina Vasquez, licensed marriage and family therapist and school counselor
Mindset & Habit Changes
“To listen more and keep in mind those who don’t agree with me are the ones I can learn the most from.” Roger Perry, professional musician and guitar instructor
“To be more patient and RELAX when something is out of my control.” Karyna Carbajal, support staff, Kerman Unified
“To be more mindful of my words before spoken. I’m very harsh at times. A lot of times, lol.” Sandra Ramirez
Miscellaneous
“To actually put the laundry away after folding it. I wish I was joking.” Mindy Sullivan, visual artist and singer
“Research one historical thing each month, and write about it.” Jacqueline Cromwell, homeschooling mom and blogger
Thank you to everyone who was kind enough to share their resolutions and contribute to this post!
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