If you are tired of making New Years’ resolutions that seem to follow the world, I invite you to try some of these resolutions that will inspire you to follow Christ instead. It is sad to see the state of people today: depressed, suicidal, and lost. Clearly, the things that society values–followers, money, and position–don’t bring true joy. But the renewal of society begins in the home and within ourselves. It is my hope that these will help you find true joy and true faith in this world that has lost hope, lost happiness, and lost sight of Heaven.

New Years Resolutions that are (actually) good for your soul:

Look for wisdom in the Gospel instead of in TED Talks.

Pursue virtue instead of worldly success.

Invest in your eternal future, instead of Bitcoin.
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Mt. 6:21

Read the lives of the Saints, and not the lives of celebrities.

“Drink because you are happy, but never because you are miserable.”
–G.K. Chesterton

Delete social media apps for a few hours, a few days, or a few weeks (seriously, try it). Find a book–any book–and read it, instead. Then find another and repeat.

Resist the culture’s lies; seek out the reason for tradition, the origin of faith, and the life of Christ.

Rest on the Sabbath Day, as our Father did, instead of working without end.

Find TRUE leisure that does not involve a screen.

Stop doing yoga, an eastern religious practice that is contrary to Christianity, and do stretching or Pilates instead.

Celebrate the family, fathers, mothers, and children, instead of dismissing their importance.

Read the newspaper (or Tri-State Livestock News😉), instead your “news” feed.

Opt for simple living: the lesser meal, the older car, a smaller portion, and watch your heart dance with humility. “There are two ways to get enough. One is to continue to accumulate more and more. The other is to desire less.” – G.K. Chesterton

Instead of watching another show on Netflix, take a walk. Don’t bring music–just let your soul talk. You’ll be surprised at what it’s been trying to say amidst all the noise.

Become a little more self-sufficient, instead of using mega stores for every need. Learn to garden, patch a shirt, harvest an animal, cook from scratch.

Share, visit, and trade with your neighbors, instead of passing them by.

“Take care of your body as if you were going to live forever; and take care of your soul as if you were going to die tomorrow.”
–Saint Augustine