In 2019, commit to making a difference in your community

Ah yes, it's that time when we once again ponder our New Year's resolutions. Every year most of us make commitments to change or improve some aspect of our lives despite our solid history of failure with past resolutions. There's just something about a fresh start that inspires us to change our ways. But how many of us actually succeed at what seems so important each New Year?  

New Year's resolutions are far from a modern concept. The tradition goes back to the ancient world where the Babylonians made promises to their gods at the start of each year that they would pay their debts! Later in the medieval era, knights took what was known as a "peacock vow" - acknowledging their commitment to chivalry. 

New Year's resolutions look a little different today. Wikipedia (our favourite source) defines a New Year's resolution as a "tradition in which a person resolves to change an undesired trait or behaviour to accomplish a personal goal or otherwise improve their life." 

That being said, we're going to propose something a little different this year. What if, instead of trying to be lean and clean, we aimed to be kind and compassionate? What if instead of thinking about what we could gain personally, we thought about what others could receive from our own kindness and generosity? 

This isn't to say that our personal goals are always self-centred - we all need them to push ourselves forward - but imagine the difference we could make if we looked beyond our own bubble to see how our actions can help those less fortunate than ourselves? Doing things for other people has this incredible ability to be as (if not more) fulfilling than accomplishing things purely for ourselves. When we show kindness to others, we all win - the individuals we're helping, the communities they live in and ourselves for knowing we've made a difference in someone else's life. 

And that's where The Foodbank Project can play a part. By signing up to make a monthly bundle donation, you'll help someone in your community who needs food support and every time your donation goes out, you'll feel good too. So go on, take a few minutes to check out the site and choose the bundle donation that resonates with you. Who knows, you may even find it's easier than changing your diet or joining the gym!