A very dear friend of mine called last evening to extend Happy New Years wishes.  We chatted for a bit, talking about the challenges 2017 brought into our lives.  My friend lost her Mom last New Year’s Eve, so her reflections were particularly raw and poignant.

However, she turned the conversation to a more positive and happier subject when she shared her resolution for 2018.  She came up with a brilliant idea, one which I am pleased to share and will endeavor to implement in my life, too.

One item almost everyone will require to start the year is a calendar.  Though most people probably opt for an electronic version on their smart phone or use a built in feature on their PC, Mac or tablet, I prefer an old fashioned paper calendar.  It needs to be one with squares big enough to write in a scheduled Dr’s appointment or a reminder to get the oil changed in my car.

My friend is “old school” like me, and secured two calendars for the coming year.  Her father receives dozens that advertise everything from charities to funeral homes….so she took a couple from him because how many does one person need?  For her, just two.  One for scheduled events, birthdays and appointments, and the other to record Good Deeds.

The goal is to focus on the positive, and record at least one Good Deed per day that she completes to make an impact, be helpful or offer encouragement to someone.  It can be as simple as a phone call to wish a happy birthday to an old friend, or committing to serve at her church’s soup kitchen.   One-a-day to make a meaningful difference to someone else.

Sometimes simple ideas are the best, and I believe this one is great!  Happy New Year to you, dear friend, and thank you for inspiring me to do a good deed and look at the bright side each day.  You can write this down as your first entry.