Paint Excitement Into Your Life By Doing This

Routines provide us some structure and security, and we tend to like them, but they can and often do become ruts. As we approach the turn of the new year, it might be a good time to assess whether you need to add some spice to your life and ask more of 2024.

Meet new people

It is much easier to hunker down in our homes in winter than to get out and meet new people, but doing so has vast rewards. One of the best ways to meet new people is by volunteering, as having a shared interest provides a ready-made topic of conversation. But if you are really looking to expand your friend horizons, consider attending an event hosted by Interfaith Paths to Peace.

This local organization brings together people of different worldviews, religions, cultural heritages, and experiences in order to have meaningful connection and conversations, says Jud Hendrix, executive director. While this may sound a little intimidating, Jud says, “[We] are experts at curating conversations and creating spaces where you will be facilitated in your conversations.” Whether you opt to attend The Big Table, an annual event in September that is a large community potluck meal, the Peace Concert in February, or the weekly Wednesday Zoom meeting to discuss gun violence reduction, you’ll be expanding your understanding of your community and how you can positively impact it.

Pampering

Pampering looks different depending on the person, but think about what helps you relax. Is it a massage? A new haircut? The smell of seasonal candles burning in your home? While it can be pricey, pampering doesn’t have to be an expensive endeavor. It could be purchasing a special lotion that you use once a week after a nice hot bath or shower, or buying a discounted arrangement of flowers at the grocery every two weeks to bring a smile to your face.

By Carrie Vittitoe | Artwork by Kseniya Lapteva

P.S. Increase Your Levels Of Well-Being By Doing This.