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Six Acts of Kindness to Kick Off the New Year
The holidays are over, but ’tis the season once more — for New Year’s resolutions. For many, it’s time to make promises about eating healthier, managing finances better, learning a new language, or decluttering those closets. But, instead of internalizing all of that energy for self-improvement, why not harness some of it to help make the world a better place?

So here’s an idea: start your year off right by committing to a few acts of kindness over the next couple of weeks. Your actions don’t have to be big or life-changing, and they don’t have to take up very much time. They should simply come from a good place. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

1. Show gratitude. Make a mental note to express gratitude, even for the little things. Send a handwritten thank you note to someone whose work might normally go underappreciated. It could be the delivery person who brought all of those express packages to your door over the holidays, or your building’s maintenance team. A handwritten note takes very little time, but it could mean the world to the person who receives it.

2. Make a meaningful connection. This one seems basic, but we often speak to others in a rush, without intention, thinking about the next thing we want to say. Take the time to find out how a friend is really doing, beyond “Great! You?” Ask your co-worker about their young kids. Take an interest in someone else, ask about them, and really listen.

3. Offer mentorship. If you’re in a senior position at your workplace, consider offering mentorship and advice to someone just starting out. If you know an ambitious young person in your department, invite them out for a coffee to ask them about their goals. For you, it’s just a quick coffee meeting, but for them, your guidance could make a big impact on their career. Take your mentorship outside the office. After all, everyone has skills to share. For young people, you could consider a kind of reverse-mentorship with an elderly neighbor or relative by offering support with their computer or smartphone.

4. Volunteer your time beyond December. Local charities often get more than enough volunteers over the holidays but could use an extra hand in January when volunteering is less popular. Contact your neighborhood food bank or soup kitchen to see if you can help out for a few hours this month. Better yet, if your time is more flexible, let them tell you when they have the most need for additional help.

5. Donate what you don’t need. Check your closets for gently used items that you can donate to a great cause. Your old blankets and towels are always in demand at your local animal shelter, and community homelessness organizations certainly appreciate warm items like coats, mittens and scarves. The forgotten articles you have stored away could make a difference for those in need this winter. Plus, cleaning out your closets is a great way to get started on that organization resolution.

6. Volunteer your skills. Do you have a professional skill that’s in high demand? Offer it to a local charity as an in-kind donation. Nonprofits love volunteers to serve meals or sort donations, but they could also use help from professionals. If you’re a graphic designer, a lawyer, an accountant or have another useful skill to offer, consider sharing a few hours of your time with a group that’s doing good in your community.

Each of these acts might not seem like much, but if there’s anything we’ve learned about doing good, it’s that the little things add up. This year, we encourage you to commit to a few kind actions. You may be surprised by the impact your small gestures create on the lives of others — and the effect they have on your own life, too.
Gorgeous panoramic Gulf views from the 5th floor!

Stunning panoramic Gulf views are the hallmark of this one-bedroom, two-bath unit. The open kitchen, dining, and living area feature mesmerizing views of the Gulf. The bedroom suite is located in the north end of the unit and comfortably contains a king bed and en suite bath. Hall bunks and a full guest bath allow for additional sleeping arrangements. Glass sliders lead you to the spacious balcony where you can enjoy breathtaking views from sunrise to sunset and let the salty breeze wash over you. With serene coastal finishings and design, this paradise will quickly become your favorite place to unwind! Majestic Sun is a beautiful condo known for the giant archway that connects two buildings of Gulf front units. It is part of popular Seascape Resort offering owners and guests spectacular amenities including a heated indoor/outdoor pool, two whirlpool hot tubs, fitness center, 18-hole championship golf course, tennis courts, nature trail, fresh water lakes, beachside bar and grill, covered parking, Towne Center with shopping, restaurants, and family-fun, and 2,000 feet of gorgeous beachfront!
Ground-floor unit at Gulf-front community on Okaloosa Island!

This ground floor unit at Dune Pointe on Okaloosa Island is beautiful! Fully furnished and designed with coastal décor and finishings, this unit provides owners and guests a fabulous place to enjoy the beach life. The open living, dining, and kitchen area provide a perfect place for family to gather. The owner's suite is spacious and includes a large en suite bath with a jacuzzi tub and separate shower. The guest room and full guest bath are in the north end of the unit. Other touches throughout the unit include wood plank tile flooring, beautiful granite countertops in the kitchen, and a sleeper sofa for additional guests. Enjoy the serene sea breeze from the spacious patio. Access the pool through the patio gate, and spend your days soaking up the sunshine. This is a perfect paradise! Dune Pointe is a mid-rise condominium with only 20 units. A gulf-front pool and direct beach access ensure that you have relaxation at your fingertips. Located on Okaloosa Island, you're minutes from shopping, entertainment, and restaurants, and just a quick drive from all the fun in Destin. This is a great location for a second home or investment property!
2023 – A Year For Growth Mindset
Successful leaders embrace optimism and possibility thinking. Psychologists often refer to the need for individuals to cultivate positivity and a growth mindset to live a fulfilling life. The way we view situations, events, and our circumstances shape how successfully we are able to navigate the challenges that life throws at us. A growth mindset is one that allows us to view talents and potential as things that can be learned and developed as opposed to a fixed mindset which says that these abilities are natural and innate. When we embrace a belief that we can grow and improve, we experience greater degrees of empowerment and commitment.

As we look to 2023, it is the perfect time to reflect on what past years have taught us. Many have noticed that the environment of these years has created a new path for resiliency, creativity, and innovation to surface. With a strong growth mindset entering the new year, we can feel confident about whatever new challenges lie ahead.

Embracing a growth mindset is not as easy as just flipping a switch. But with awareness, intention, and action you can support your mind and your body in feeling your best while moving towards your version of success in 2023 and beyond. Entrepreneur.com offers some helpful tips on making the new year a success by harnessing a growth mindset here.

May this new year be full of adventure, growth, joy, laughter, hope, and all you wish it to be!
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