Ten New Things for New Years Day: the Challenge

This is a challenge for you to do ten new things on New Years Day to start off the New Year right. If you just do anything, no matter how crazy, no matter how stupid, no matter how unlike you- you're making your beginning to changing things for the better for 2008.

You may think that nothing will change if you do something different, but you will never know until you try. And, the silliest things may be the ones that do the most good for you.

I am going to give you a list of potential things you could do on January 1, 2008 (or January 1st of any year). Try any ten of these, or come up with some on your own. Brainstorm. Get together with a friend. Make it an activity for New Years day. Just do it, and come up with the ideas and then make them happen!

1. Call a relative you haven't spoken to for the past year. Surprise them! Stop saying that if they wanted to talk to you, they would have called you. Stop worrying that they still hold a grudge for something you did ten years ago. Start the reconnection, and see what happens!

2. Visit a relative that you don't often visit. Call first, or just show up! So what if they aren't there, at least you made the effort! If they are, they may be truly surprised and gracious to see you!

3. Go to an old folk's home and offer to volunteer for an hour doing anything they need. If you have a talent, you could offer to sing for an hour or do magic tricks for an hour.

4. Go up to one person in Walmart or any store that you don't know, and introduce yourself and make a new friend. If all the stores around you are closed on New Year's day, then just take a walk in your neighborhood and talk to someone. This might be best done in daylight hours!

5. Call a charity and make a $10 donation. (You could give more if you can afford it.)

6. Say one nice thing to someone you care about.

7. Wear something totally out of context for yourself. If you always wear jeans, wear a dress. If you always wear coat and tie, put on some jeans.

8. Make a recording of yourself singing, and send it to a record company. If you have a different talent, do that. For instance, if you write poetry, send a poem to a publishing company or submit to a new website.