If only the turning of the calendar automatically turned our fortunes for the better.
Alas, it doesn’t, which is why we make resolutions at the dawn of a new year. We know that improving our lot takes work, and the same holds true for our communities. With early forecasts that 2010 may pack about as many challenges as its predecessor, it’s going to take more work than usual to make it a better year. The more we commit to improvement, individually and collectively, the better our prospects for success.
In that spirit, we offer the following ideas for resolutions that, if followed by many of us, could make a big difference in Snohomish County and beyond.
n Rather than sitting on the sidelines complaining, look for opportunities to make things better. Think of constructive solutions and offer them — to your family, your neighbors, your co-workers, your elected officials.
n Get involved. Become an active member of your community. Don’t sit back and assume that someone else will volunteer to do what needs to be done at church, in the neighborhood, at your kids’ schools. Plenty of seats on county, city and nonprofit boards go unfilled each year. There’s no shortage of ways to make a positive difference.
n Vote. It seems so easy and obvious, but about half of us — sometimes more — fail to make this most fundamental effort at election time. Yet many who won’t take the time to study the issues and cast an informed ballot don’t hesitate to whine about what’s wrong.
n Reach out to a neighbor who could use a hand, or just some company. Befriend a stranger. Show more kindness and compassion. Most of the time, you’ll find you get back more than you give.
n Remember those most in need. In these tough times, especially, too many families are struggling to keep the house warm and food on the table. If you’re not among them, consider yourself fortunate — fortunate enough to help.
n Do be good to yourself, too. Old-fashioned resolutions to lose weight, get more exercise, spend more wisely, better manage anger, etc., still make sense. The happier, healthier and more personally fulfilled you are, the better parent, spouse, friend, neighbor, co-worker, etc., you’ll be.
Snohomish County has had more than its share of economic challenges the past couple of years. To one degree or another, they affect us all, and each of us, in our own way, has an important role to play in overcoming them.
Here’s to a conscientious, generous and prosperous 2010.
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