2018 has officially arrived, and many are kicking off the New Year with resolutions to better themselves. They’re looking for a fresh start, a better focus and a sense of accomplishment.
But, what if you didn’t focus on losing weight or eating healthier or getting more sleep? What if, in fact, you didn’t focus on you at all? What if you chose to focus on someone else, on furthering the greater good?
As I started to think about my hopes for the New Year, a shift began to take place. Maybe it’s because I’m older, maybe because I’m less naive and maybe because that bubble I grew up in has finally burst.
2018 Resolution
You see, this year, I didn’t make any personal goals, even though I know there are a dozen areas in which I could improve. Last year, my word for the year was Advocate. I vowed to be a better supporter of my little family, especially my husband’s small business and my son with an autoimmune disease.
But this year, my focus is broader. Because despite the chaos and busyness and stresses of life with my little family of five, the key takeaway is that I’m blessed to have a family. The past year, my eyes have been opened to the number of kids in Georgia that need stable loving families. The statistics have broken my heart. There are nearly 15,000 kids in the foster care system in Georgia.
As a mom, these numbers tug at my heartstrings–and I wonder what I can do to help. I’m a mom with full hands, but as the saying goes, also a full heart. And because of this fullness, I know how much kids thrive in loving supportive (not perfect) families.
For 2018, I’m focusing on ways that I can support foster kids and foster families in my community. My contribution may be small, but combined with others in my community, it can add up to make a big difference in the lives of local foster kids.
Get Involved and Give Back
So this year, I urge you to get involved locally with organizations that better the greater good. Whether you have a passion for foster kids, animal rescue or feeding the hungry, there are so many service gaps that need filling in Georgia.
I am finding that a by-product of focusing on bettering the greater good often results in us bettering ourselves. Our outlook, attitude, and priorities shift. And our passion often has a magnetic and cyclical effect–attracting more people to volunteer and do good.
At the end of this year, when you look back and reminisce, I doubt you’ll have any regrets about the time and resources you diverted from yourself to serving others. Instead, I hope that you are able to look back and see the impact of your altruism and how it accumulated to make a big difference in your community.
What are your favorite local organizations that further the greater good?
