The most common resolutions in our country are exercise more, lose weight, get organized and get finances under control. If these are the goals that call to you, then come to the library. We have tons of books about each of these.
I like the idea of resolutions that make my life feel fuller or richer. Check out this list of books to inspire resolutions. Whatever your plans for 2022, we probably have resources that can help you. Here are a few ideas:
Make Space for Creativity
Even, or maybe especially, if you don’t think you’re a creative person, making space for creativity in your life can have many benefits, especially for your mental health. You might just need to find the right outlet AND remember that being creative means allowing space to explore and not placing expectations on the outcomes. Listen to this audio book about what it means to be creative and how to fuel your own creativity, “Creative Calling.”
Too busy for creativity, consider checking out this book, “Art Before Breakfast,” about finding time for creativity on a hectic schedule.
If you’re a crafter and you’ve already carved out time for crafting, CreativeBug is an online resource with videos about all sorts of crafts. To dip into something new look at one of the Daily Challenge courses.
Connect With Community
Making connections and developing relationships is a great way to enrich your life. It doesn’t always have to be as distant as you think. We had a grandmother call in recently for help learning how to play Minecraft, so she could play with her grandson. Her request warmed my heart. If you have a similar desire, we have lots of books on Minecraft and some (mostly younger) staff members with know how. If there is someone you want to connect with, consider learning about their favorite subject.
Volunteering not only helps others but has been shown to improve the lives of volunteers as well. If you’re interested in sharing your time or expertise use our volunteering guide to find the opportunity that’s right for you.
You’ll meet new people and broaden your perspective with First Thursday Book Discussion which meets the first Thursday of every month. It is open to all. Join to the next meeting via Zoom, on January 6, 12:00-1:00 p.m. to discuss “Convenience Store Woman” by Sayaka Murata.
Starting your own book club can be a great way to connect with friends, and our book discussion kits make it easy and inexpensive.
Expand Your Horizons/Build Your Repertoire
Take time this year to develop yourself.
Use the online resource Mango to learn a new language.
Tackle an intimidating subject by reading a book on it. Join the Read Harder program to challenge yourself. Spend more time reading in January and participate in our Winter Reading program.
With your library card, you have access to LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com). LinkedIn Learning has a vast library of video tutorials on using all sorts of computer programs. You can become an expert at anything from Microsoft Word to accounting to Adobe Photoshop. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, LinkedIn Learning has something for you. I’ve been exploring videos about creating animated videos, something I’ve been interested in for a long time.
Could you get a promotion or raise by getting a professional certification? The LearningExpress Library provides test preparation materials for elementary through adult level, including the ACT, ASVAB, Civil Service, Cosmetology, EMS, Firefighter, GED, GMAT, GRE, Law Enforcement, Paramedic, PPST, Real Estate, SAT, United States Citizenship and more.
Start off 2022 on the right foot with the live Zoom event, A Healthy, Balanced Life for the New Year on January 6, 2022. Certified Master Health Coach, Brook Thomassen, will present tools and skills for developing a healthy, balanced lifestyle in the new year.
Live a Little Lighter
Doing less, living lighter on the planet, can be very rewarding. If you’re interested in living a more sustainable life, it doesn’t have to mean a life of deprivation. Check out this list of books on living more sustainably to get some ideas of the many different ways to lighten your impact on the planet.
Develop Your Vision
If you are still stumped or uninspired, or if you want to do all these things (the experts say success depends on focusing your efforts narrowly), then maybe your resolution should be to learn what fuels you. Check out our January 18 program, Vision Boards for the New Year.
