Everybody knows that the trick to keeping a New Year's resolutions is to keep them nice and easy. Just because something is easy does not mean that it's not worth doing. In fact, we offer you four simple and sweet suggestions that can make one heck of a difference, especially if we all do them.
1. Start a meditation practice
Although this may sound like a huge commitment, it isn't. Not when it only takes one minute a day. Seriously! This quick instruction video (above) demonstrates One-Moment Meditation so that you can take a moment, or a minute, at random times during the day, as many times as you want, with amazing results. And we've all heard of the incredible benefits of meditation. From reducing stress and anxiety, to a greater ability to deal with pain, to a better mood and better sleep. With all its physical, mental and emotional benefits, surely, meditation must be worth a try.
2. Learn something new
Personal growth can be internal and also external. MCAST is a wonderful source of learning, with a wide range of courses, from photography to organic farming. But you might simply be interested in taking a dance class or a new sport. One thing is almost certain: if you can dream it, you can probably find somebody in Malta who teaches it. Just ask Google. Remember, learning something knew doesn't only add to your knowledge, it also adds to your opportunities. Best of all, it makes you feel good about yourself, which reflects in all other areas of life and feels contagious to others!
3. Include a vegan day in your diet
Turning vegan may sound daunting, even if you understand the principles and share the compassion. I mean, WHAT will you eat, right? Well, when you learn that the world's vegans and vegetarians are saving half a billion animals being slaughtered every year, think what a difference could be made if everyone vowed for one vegan day per week! It's not just about the killing of animals of course, but the questionable industry practices and quality of life of the animals while they are still living. So you see, even if you can't or won't give up meat, you can still make a difference. Start by joining the Vegan Malta Eats Facebook group for great vegan meal ideas!
4. Grow trees for Malta
We're all celebrating that the local NGO Saggar is on a mission to plant One Million Trees in Malta. But you too can grow trees for Malta thanks to The 'Grow 10 Trees' Project. Again, when every one of us does a little, it turns into a real lot! All you need is empty milk cartons and a balcony or window sill. Yes, that's all! And a commitment to sow the seeds which you will be given - all Maltese indigenous trees - and water them. When the seedlings are grown, you can donate them to the project when there is a call-out for planting trees in schools and public spaces. Why grow house plants when you can grow trees for Malta?
See, it's not that hard and the commitment not too great, yet the difference, if we do this together, will be enormous. Are you in?