With the New Year come resolutions. Someone once said, “To live is such a privilege, to love is such an art.” If I had a resolution or two, other than not to make resolutions, I think learning how to stay with the moment would be high on my list. Resonate. Reflect. Rest. Learning to live and to love. Now that’s resolve…Anytime of the year.

It seems the world is divided on the whole resolution thing: Some see them as an opportunity for a fresh start, a time to make a change; others see resolutions as a way to put things off until a later date or an easy excuse if they fail. The world seems divided on change too: It can happen versus it has too far gone to even try.

SoChange is on the “It can happen” side of the scale. Why? Because we see sustainable, positive change happening around us each and every day, by regular, average, engaged citizens like you. Individuals who see the world as a glass half full kind of place. Sure, there are problems, and some of these problems are pretty major, but there’s nothing to be gained by throwing our hands up and joining in the destruction. No, there is indeed a lot that can happen to make our world a better place. There are small, everyday changes each of us can make to help even the scales and turn our world around.

Worried about the water crisis? Turn off the taps while brushing your teeth. Only run full loads in your dishwasher and washing machine. Take timed showers. Don’t water your grass. Practice rain water harvesting.

Is it climate change that has you hot under the collar? Rely on carpools, public transit or your own energy to get you where you are going. Take small steps each day to help reduce your ecological footprint.

Tired of oppression the world over? Then let your voice be heard! Follow the lead of WEMC alumnus Ian Smilie and write an opinion piece or letter to the editor. Write your government representative at all levels. Sign a petition. Join a cause.

By simply following this blog you are acknowledging that our world needs help, and you are learning about how you can be a part of the change!

Ready to take action now? Join SoChange as we welcome Stephen Lewis and Panel to Redeemer University College January 22. “Global Health: Hope or Deterioration?” promises to be an engaging lecture on global health care, followed by a panel discussion about what can and is being done to make it better. Order your tickets today - they’re selling fast!

The New Year means new opportunities - what steps are you going to take to leave the world better than you found it this morning?