Resolutions That Build Us Up, Not Tear Us Down
Read Aloud, Write Away Series
As adults, we look at the New Year as an opportunity to make resolutions and think about the changes we’d like to see. But what if we did something different?
Resolutions can be a positive way to harness talents,
remodel our environments, or build upon existing strengths
What if, this year, we used our resolutions to think about the things we would like to enhance in our lives? When we look at them this way, resolutions can be a positive way to harness talents, remodel our environments, or build upon existing strengths. They can be means to empower our lives rather than set ups for failure with difficult goals.
Thinking about the New Year in this way, reminds me of the book The Loud Librarian by Jenna Beatrice. It tells the story of a young girl who waits eagerly for a chance to be student librarian for the month. She is ecstatic when her name is called, but soon she loses just a bit of her enthusiasm when she realizes that she talks a little too loud. This news could have gotten her down completely. She could have made a resolution then to learn not to talk so loud. The story takes a different turn, however. The girl does not look to change who she is. Rather, she decides to use her talent for talking to host a read-aloud outside the library. Everyone loves it.
We can learn a lot from the girl. When we see we don’t quite fit the mold, instead of changing ourselves, we can think about finding a new mold. We can work on enhancing our greatest qualities, opening ourselves to opportunities that we would have ignored if we hadn’t tapped into our strengths. Let’s reframe how we view our resolutions and start the new year strong.
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HoneyB3E’s activity sheet for January 2024 helps children think about the talents they would like to improve. Download a copy for free below.
Get your own copy of The Loud Librarian by Jenna Beatrice at this affiliate link or from your local library.