With the start of every New Year, we all hope there's a healthy new us just around the corner. Instead of finding the same old us two or three months from now, here are a few things we can do differently this year:

• Document everything. Start a journal. Make a chart. Take pictures of yourself. If you can see evidence of the progress you're making, you'll be more encouraged.

• Start small. If a task is too big, it can overwhelm us. Make small specific goals, like “I will substitute water for two sodas.”

• Be prepared. Don't give yourself any reasons why you can't keep on track. Keep the gym shoes and clothes ready to go. Have healthy snacks in the fridge. Keep a list of alternatives to smoking on hand.

• Get plenty of sleep. Sleep loss can cause increased weight gain, along with other health problems. If you're giving up nicotine, extra sleep may help with the withdrawal.

• Exercise! Exercise helps control appetite! Exercise helps with stress! It keeps you warm when it's cold outside! Your body will release endorphins and you will be happy! Just keep repeating these things to yourself!

• Get help if you need it. Professional personal trainers can help set up a meal plan and exercise regimen specific for you and your daily schedule. Smokers can get free advice and counseling by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669).

Don't give up. Most people give up on their New Year resolutions within 4 weeks. Try to stick with your plan for at least 6-12 weeks. If you aren't getting the results you wanted, re-evaluate your program and start again!

Does it feel like you are missing something in your life? Do you find yourself feeling listless or bored? It's important for each of us to feel like our lives mean something, that we were put on this planet for some sort of purpose.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said: "Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or the darkness of destructive selfishness. Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?'" 

In 1994, Congress designated the third Monday in January each year as Martin Luther King Jr Day, a national day of service. The MLK Day of Service is an excellent time to seek out a volunteer opportunity that could add purpose to your life.

How to get started? Visit the AmeriCorps MLK Day website. Scroll to learn more and find volunteer activities in your area. There are such a wide variety of services needed, and you are bound to find something that will appeal to you. If you've ever had a desire to try a second career, like teaching or baking, volunteering is a good way to get that experience. 

Helping others can help you find your purpose, and you'll find a reason to get up each day, to be happy and fulfilled.

With the start of the New Year, are you making some resolutions about your finances? Here are a few tips that might help you reach some goals for 2023:

Plan ahead for the coming year.  

Is your car going to need some major repairs, or will you need to purchase a new one? Don't put off thinking about large expenses till the last minute. Make some decisions now, and look for alternatives too. Perhaps the gym membership isn't affordable this year, but a thrift store bicycle might well be the answer. 

Change the way you think. 

Before you make a purchase, figure out how many hours of work are required to pay for it. Are you still willing to splurge? 

There are studies that show that people are willing to pay 30% more for an item when they're paying with a credit card. Having to fork over that hard-earned cash might deter you from spending so much of it!

Splurge sensibly. 

There's nothing wrong with having a few financial vices, because they can keep the others in check. Food, clothing and entertainment are often our weaknesses. So pick the one you can't live without—will it be the exotic coffees, or the designer shoes? 

A few changes can make a big difference in your financial state, so spend wisely in the New Year.

Family dinnertime engages people and fosters connections to create stronger relationships. We know it may seem outdated especially with your busy schedules. However, we promise you’ll miss out on so much if you avoid having shared family dinnertimes. Family dinners are settings for the most interesting conversations and interactions even in movies and TV shows, and that’s not a coincidence.

Food and meals bring us together through the smells, the recipes, and even the ritual of setting the table. It’s such an essential part of connecting that even poems have been written about it! Check out some creative kids’ poems here.

Family dinnertime brings us closer together as parents to connect and listen and as children to share and feel valued. As a family that spends time together, it is important that we know what’s going on in each other's lives, and have open communication channels, and daily safe spaces that help us feel happier and healthier.

Some of our favorite benefits of enjoying family dinners

• A healthier relationship with food and meals
• Lower rates of mental health issues like depression and anxiety
• Higher self-esteem
• A resilient mindset that aids performance
• A stronger sense of connection and bonding

You can take an ordinary meal and turn it into a fun experience to catch up on your day together.

• Have a contest on who has the funniest story about something that happened that day. The winner gets an extra serving of dessert!
• Get creative by trying new recipes together.
• Go around sharing your day so everyone feels valued
• Getting as many members as possible of the family involved in preparing the food. You can even have a dance party while doing it!

Now set the table and enjoy!

Thanksgiving is here and Christmas is just around the corner. Your kids might already be thinking about how much they want (and telling Santa all about it), but November is a good time to contemplate the blessings that you already have. Taking the time to pause and reflect can bring more joy into your celebrations this year.  

Look for the good in daily life. It’s easy to get swept away by negative thoughts and complaining. Put the focus back on the positive. Find ways to express gratitude each day. Celebrate small things like beautiful weather or green lights on the way to work. Give thanks for big ones too: your family, friends, and a place to call home. 

Help someone in need. Volunteering is a powerful way to make a difference in your life and the lives of others. Find a cause you feel passionate about and find out how you can help. Your contribution is important, and you’ll have a way to connect meaningfully with others who share your values.

Draw close to your loved ones. Unplug from the holiday hubbub to enjoy simple pleasures with family and dear friends. An evening of laughter and catching up will recharge your spirits. There’s no need to do anything big or fancy; these are the people who love you as you are. 

Sometimes we get so busy celebrating the holidays that we forget why we’re celebrating. Strengthen your relationships, and rejoice in their loving comforts. Lend a hand to someone in need. Remember to appreciate the good in your life, and you just might find more of it. These simple ideas can enrich your life throughout the year.

To shop or not to shop? That is the question. Is it smarter to suffer crowds and craziness for outrageous deals at the mall, or to sit safely in your cozy home, racking up bargains from the Internet? As soon as Thanksgiving is over, holiday shopping season kicks off in full force with Black Friday, followed quickly by Cyber Monday. Here are some ideas that will let you complete your holiday shopping for less this year.

Look for price matching guarantees.

Savvy shoppers know the deals they want to buy before they ever leave home. Make a list of holiday gifts you plan to give. Check your list against sales advertisements to find the lowest price. Double check the ad for a price matching policy, or even better, a lowest price policy. These policies can condense your shopping to one or two stores, saving you both money and time.

Take advantage of special prices online.

Don’t forget to look online for must-have presents. Many online retailers offer spectacular sales on Cyber Monday. Free shipping deals abound during the holidays, and promotional codes offer extra savings. Use a search engine to check for promo codes before you check out. Many stores open their online sales as early as Thanksgiving Day, so while everyone else sleeps off the turkey, you can start checking items off your list.

Get an early start. 

Keep an eye on the sales happening in the week leading up to Thanksgiving. The prices may be as good or better, and you won’t have to dodge crazy drivers in the mall parking lot. If you do find a better price on Black Friday, ask for a price adjustment. Many stores will refund the difference to a new lower sales price within 1-2 weeks of your original purchase.

Black Friday got its name from generating huge profits for retailers, pulling them back “into the black.” Keep your own finances in the black by shopping wisely this holiday season. Whether you shop in store or online, you can use these strategies to score great prices on the gifts you want to buy.