It's 2023, another year filled with overwhelming feelings of hope (and in some instances dread) and the push and pull to be a better version of yourself.

I don't know about you, but I have a love/hate relationship with New Year and New Year's Resolutions. On the one hand, I feel like there is a clean slate, and a fresh start, and on the other, I can see the mounting expectations that grow as each year passes. But, a friend of mine recently said, "You have to be an optimist to keep moving forward" and I would like to refrain from becoming static!

When contemplating what to write to garner support for the dynamic nonprofit I work for, I started to reflect on resolutions, how to be a better human and the belief we should have in ourselves to contribute to something bigger. In the first week of the year, there is a renewed sense of; "I can and I will" and then life and obstacles emerge and the seemingly steadfast belief in oneself slowly fades - but not for all! How do we bottle that up and recognise what we are capable of achieving for the benefit of humanity? How do we better ourselves in order to improve the lived reality of our peers, not in spite of them? You can tell I have moved away from the unwavering positivity that comes with the first week of January and I'm in the last week (when is pay-day?) zone of thinking.

I think we all underestimate the roles we play in determining the impact we can have at any given moment. Many of us have heard of the Butterfly Effect, but how often do we stop to think of how our small actions or changes that we make can lead to compounding impact? It feels like a lot of pressure, at first, but let's apply optimistic-tinted goggles and look at it as a way to feel empowered. If we have made the mess through our actions, surely we can fix it with our actions- especially if all of us do it together?

I put together 3 small suggestions that can help make a difference. None of this is new, but it is always great to have a reminder while we are rebuilding ourselves and aligning with our purpose (or whilst we are attempting to find one).  

• Start small - be kind.

Let's all work on being more mindful. This way of thinking shifts the way you act and the way you inspire.

• Try volunteering.

I was always nervous about volunteering. Contrary to my line of work and the human-centred approach, I am very socially awkward and can struggle with new groups of people. But volunteering is a wonderful place to grow, assist with a social/political cause and meet a diverse array of people. It is a chance to be part of something bigger. I can also confidently say that volunteers are vital, the true bread and butter of any non-profit. They are a source of support, morale and they can really build a sense of comradery in the face of difficult situations. (Cheeky plug, but if you are in Cape Town I highly suggest visiting https://www.justicedesk.org/).

• Recognise that your actions are votes. 

It is simultaneously daunting and empowering when you realise that your actions have weight. Whether it be the words we use, the products we buy, or the way we act in a situation, we are voting for a particular response pattern, supply chain or 'norm'. In 2023, if we become more aware of this, we could act in ways that result in far better outcomes for more people. Now, don't get me wrong -- it is definitely easier to forget and fall into the habit of choosing to believe our actions hold no consequence in the greater scheme of things. But, if we work at it, who knows? I like to believe that it will become 'the new normal' to be more conscious.

• Bonus: Donate, donate, donate!

Non-profits need funding support to continue doing the necessary work on the ground! Find a cause (or many) you are passionate about and donate to the cause. No contribution is too small when we all play our part! 

Here's to 2023, a year for positive change and dreaming big without leaving anyone behind!