On this #GivingTuesday, How 'bout a PRE-New Year's Resolution?!

Don't be that guy...

After learning about the first ever #GivingTuesday Hangout-a-thon on Google+, which gathers people together for 1 day in an all out, online hangout-a-thon to provide an opportunity for awesome non-profits to get much-needed donations from people just like you, I wanted to find a way to carry on the #GivingTuesday vibe and pay-it-forward during the holiday season. I mean, every year it's the same tradition: attempt to fight through the holiday crowds at the malls and stores to buy a bunch of material stuff that you - and others - probably don't need, spend small fortune on gifts to make the season "merry and bright", have small coronary when your credit card statement finally arrives, resolve like crazy for the upcoming new year to make this next year the "best one ever!!!"...right? And while I am always one for creating a long list of resolutions come January 1st, I thought, why not make a Pre-New Year's resolution this year?

Yeah, that's right, I said PRE-New Year's resolution, as in right now, today! I know, I know, the holidays are all about gifts and sales and running from gathering to gathering - except that the holidays are supposed to be about seeing the ones you love, enjoying the holidays together, giving back to those less fortunate, and honoring the religious event that you believe in. These days, we take off shopping on Thanksgiving day and usually don't stop to breathe until the holiday is done, our wallets empty, stomachs bursting and holiday spirits trampled by grumpy holiday shoppers and overfilled schedules. 

So, this "holiday season", while gearing up for whatever holiday makes you merry, why not take a few minutes to resolve to be better, now, BEFORE the new year!? No, I don't mean resolving to drop 20lbs by December 31st or jumping on the next health-food bandwagon, I mean resolving to be a happier, healthier, less-stressed version of you. Open doors for people, be grateful for all you do have while buying more stuff you don't need, give back to one of the great organizations featured on #GivingTuesday's Hangout-a-thon (the list is endless!!) or even a local charity of choice, SMILE (seriously people, there are too many Scrooges this time of year. Cracking a smile won't kill you!) and resolve to do something good for you - add in some exercise once a day, cram in some more veggies and chug your water, just show your body some love while you run around crazy preparing for the holidays! 

I promise, once the holiday season becomes about getting prepared AND giving back (to yourself and others) you'll be much happier, healthier and ready to tackle the season!

My 5 Pre-New Year's Resolutions:

1. Pick a local charity to donate to: Local food shelter and humane society!! :) Yay! 

2. Add in daily meditation to center, focus and relax myself before starting my day

3. Put a reasonable limit on holiday spending to nix post-holiday financial distress

4. Smile, smile, smile and repeat: I have LOTS to be grateful for and happy about!

5. Keep a positive mentality when out in the crazy holiday crowds - Scrooge is NOT attractive, and neither is being a total bitch!!!

So, what Pre-New Year's resolutions could you choose to make you - and your holiday season shine? How can you pay-it-forward and give back on this #GivingTuesday and throughout the holiday season to make the season bright for someone else too?

Make it merry!
Kelley G