Resolutions, Personal Challenges, and Goals

By Connie Zdunich

Can you believe another year has come and gone? Last year flew by so quickly! I have found myself looking at photos taken along the way to remember what was happening that kept me so busy: attending weddings, traveling to visit family and friends, and welcoming out-of-town guests (who love our southern Utah biking and hiking trails) to my home. It was a very full year!

I might have mentioned in my previous articles that I’m normally not a New Year’s resolution type of person. I’m more of a “personal challenge’’ kind of woman. However, this year is feeling very different.

Last year, my personal challenges were to walk at least thirty minutes each day, use the stairs at work (the beautiful staircase at Spilsbury Mortuary got a good workout), and learn at least one new thing daily. Because reading is one of my favorite things to do, this challenge was easy. I also wanted to recognize and be grateful for all of life’s wonderful gifts. It has been my experience that gratitude empowers the mind with positivity, and don’t we all need that in this day and age?

This year, I’m feeling the need to start crossing things off my bucket list. The problem is that I love my job. There is nothing quite like a productive morning to help me feel great. However, my job is not me! We all need to realize that working all the time is not healthy. It is important to retain some sense of balance in our lives. Recently, I read an article that stated, “One way to brighten up your life is to engage in a new activity each month. You will be happier trying new things, and if you try these activities with other people, you will strengthen your relationships.” Now that really caught my attention!

We all have a list of things, either on paper or stashed in our minds, that we would love to accomplish during our lifetimes. But if you are like me, you can easily add to the “wish list” without doing much about the “accomplishing’’ side of things.

This year, my honey and I have decided to take more vacations with friends and family. Taking even a small vacation or “staycation” has been proven to decrease the chance of experiencing burnout. A few wellplanned activities can revive the body, mind, and spirit, and the bonus is being able to check off some of those “bucket list” adventures, making room for new ones.

If you haven’t yet made new goals for 2023, you can still choose to improve your life this year. Even small changes to your everyday routine can be uplifting. Something as simple as taking a walk on a different trail, making a new friend, or sharing an inspiring event with someone you love can make a difference in your life. In all this planning, don’t forget to set aside some “down time” to really enjoy your surroundings and incorporate some of those things that bring you joy!

Whether you call them New Year’s resolutions, challenges, or goals, personal commitments are an important part of life. Make this year different, better, and more enjoyable. Create new memories to help you through the tough times and bind you to those you love. Welcome 2023 with open arms and an open mind. Make this the year for new experiences!

About the Author

Connie Zdunich

Connie enjoys working with local Hospice Groups and Veterans Associations. The military is very close to her heart, with her father being a Pearl Harbor survivor and her sweetheart retired Navy. Helping support local hospice groups is very rewarding for Connie, and she feels being a part of the Spilsbury team is an awesome opportunity. She is the mother of seven daughters and nineteen grandchildren, who are “the joy of her heart.” She loves being of assistance to those in our community who do so much for each of us.