(December 19, 2012) The New Year is a time for new beginnings! For the Y – a leading nonprofit that strengthens community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility – one of the most important resolutions is to resolve to make positive changes that strengthen individuals as well as entire communities.
Following are five New Year’s Resolutions the Y recommends for 2013:
Live Healthier – Achieving greater health and well-being is all about taking small steps. Take care of your health by eating nutritious foods and being physically active each day – experts recommend 30 minutes of daily physical activity for adults and 60 minutes for kids.
This can be achieved throughout the day by incorporating physical activity into your daily routines (i.e., taking stairs instead of elevators, walking instead of driving, etc.) The Y offers many fun opportunities for individuals and families to be active. Visit rockwallymca.org to learn more.
Volunteer – Doing good feels good, and giving back to support neighbors benefits everyone involved. Volunteering also provides individuals the opportunity to meet new people and to develop new relationships. Contact your local Y to learn more about opportunities in your community that you may enjoy, such as cleaning your neighborhood park or distributing food at a local food bank.
Help Inspire Children and Teens, Be a Mentor – Children and teens often need caring adults to look up to and seek guidance. By nurturing our youth, we can help them strive to accomplish success and reach their full potential. Whether a relative or neighbor, use your experience and talent to help youth realize who they are and what they can be. The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas offers a variety of mentoring programs. Learn more at ymcadallas.org.
Learn Something New – Step out of your comfort zone, have fun and grow by exploring personal interests. Is there a swimming, Zumba or dance class you’ve always wanted to take? Try something new that you’ve always wanted to do, to build your spirit, mind or body. Find opportunities at the rockwallymca.org.
Spend Time with Family and Friends – Socializing is good for your well-being and spending time with the people you care most about really helps strengthen meaningful relationships. It also helpful to have a community of people you can reach out to during times of need. So, try to carve out time each month, depending on your schedule, to connect with family and friends, and to get involved with community organizations, such as your local Y.
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Blue Ribbon News special contributor Liz Jones is the Membership & Wellness Director at J.E.R. Chilton YMCA at Rockwall, located at 1210 N Goliad in Rockwall. She is a writer, certified yoga instructor, and wellness coach. She holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership and Strategic Management, with a graduate certificate in Ethics and Leadership. Her undergraduate studies included communication, business, writing, art, fitness, and dance. She is trained in Reiki, Guided Imagery, and various healing methods. She has also trained in Shotokan karate and other forms of martial arts and self-defense. Her background includes non-profit management and working with various at-risk populations, women’s empowerment workshops, and mentoring programs.
Connect with Liz at ejones@ymcadallas.org or 972-772-9622.
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