As we enter the new year many of us are looking forward to the adventures, new beginnings, and changes that 2014 has in store for us. Of course, we can’t rely on the fate of the new year to guide us to a more fulfilling life and that is why many of us make new year’s resolutions. This year, however, challenge yourself with more than avoiding fast food places and going to the gym three times a week. 2014 is your chance to lead a better life.

Revive your spirit.

Be more involved in the church. Volunteer to be the greeter, become a bible school teacher, offer to make one of the people on the prayer list a home-cooked meal, or just get to know the church family better (old people love to talk to the youth of the congregation).

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If you don’t currently attend a church, join a youth group. This is a great way to assimilate into a new church and make lifetime friends.

Deepen your faith. Get closer to God. Make a point of reading the bible at least three times a week, pray more, and listen to K-Love (91.7) in the car.

Spend money on things that matter.

Try to be selfless with your money. Donate to a charity, give more to the church, or buy flowers for a loved one.

Put down that expensive sweater and buy your friend that book or CD they haven’t stopped talking about. Money can’t buy friendship but an act of kindness can really show how much you care.

Pay it forward. Buy the person’s meal behind you while you’re in the drive-thru, or anonymously pay someone’s check in a restaurant. Will you honestly remember the T-shirt you could buy at TJ-Maxx or the smile that the same amount of money put on a stranger’s face?

Get healthy and stay healthy.

So many people claim they will eat healthy and workout the entire year, but many gym memberships go to waste by the end of February. Make it a new year’s resolution to change yourself rather than your bad habits. Make an effort to become the persevering, focused person it takes to make the lifestyle change you want.

Motivation is the key to help you become the person you want to be. A list of things that motivate you could include the fact that you wouldn’t survive in the Hunger Games, a picture of Allyson Felix or Adrian Peterson, or a picture of your family.

Be kind.

Rachel Scot challenged Van Buren High School to do this very thing in order to stop bullying, but being kind is in general a good characteristic to have.

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Mastering the characteristic of kindness is no easy task, especially with the naturally annoying and disappointing flaws of other humans. Finding the good and being positive are easy ways to bring more kindness into your life. Practicing patience is another way to continue down the path of kindness.

Although it is difficult to do, being kind makes the world a better place and that’s what makes it an essential resolution for 2014.

Spend time on things that matter.

Family. The people that have been in your life the longest deserve your attention, love, and time. Unlike your high school buds who you’ll probably never see again in a few years, your family will be there for you forever. Take time this year to strengthen the bonds.

Volunteer. Help others. Spend your time making a positive difference in the world instead of completing the next level on your favorite video game.

See the good, be the good.

A positive attitude can change your life. Promote your blessings rather than bashing what you hate.

Try to find the good in every situation and you’ll be a happier person. Find the good in others and let them know that you see it, even if it’s just their cute shirt or entertaining laugh.  

Love your life.

Do things that make you happy. Don’t get stuck in a routine you hate. Be bold. Be daring. Be spontaneous. Fill your life with adventures. Turn your life into something you love rather than something you complain about. Besides, you only ride this crazy roller coaster of life once, so put your hands up and enjoy it.

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