What’s old is new again. Getting back to basics. Retro-living. Whatever you want to call it, more and more people today are making an effort to simplify. Whether it’s working to better balance work and home life, spending more time around the dinner table as a family, or simply turning off the television, people everywhere are realizing there are better ways to live without the constant juggling of career, activities, and family life. And 2012 may just be the year to make some positive changes for your family.

Adopt an attitude of gratitude. Appreciating the people around you and the things in your life makes an enormous difference to your level of happiness. Write the things you are most thankful for and post it on the refrigerator as a constant reminder.

The recent economic conditions have forced everyone ponder the “need vs. want” question. According to a 2005 study, people who simplified their lives were found to be much happier than those who continued to strive for wealth, prestige, and status. It seems the pressure of attaining such superficial goals leads to feelings of depression and ongoing dissatisfaction. Instead, set your goals according to personal growth, family, and your values.

Spend your time wisely. Eat meals together as a family as often as possible. Turn off the television. Play games together. You’ll reconnect as a family, memories will be made, and you’ll all have fun at the same time. Kids don’t really crave stuff, they crave time with you.

Aaahhh…Valentine’s Day. The day when everyone is sweet, we all love each other, and a tiny little angel is busy making couples out of singles. Well, mostly. It is definitely a time when we are thankful, and show our appreciation to those we love.

Looking for ideas to show your sweetheart, family, and friends how much you care? Tradition calls for chocolates, Valentine’s cards, or flowers. Or, be creative and make your own sentiment! Be sure to visit your local Target for some great ideas.

• Make special cards and/or gift cards out of beautiful scrapbooking paper, card stock, and embellishments. Attach an antique key and write, “You have the key to my heart.”
• Fill a small, clear vase or votive candle holder with candies or jelly beans.
• Cover a shoe box with beautiful wrapping paper, or plain paper with a letter written on it. Then, fill the box with personal items that reflect your loved one.
• Paint a terra cotta pot with craft paint, stencil or draw a monogram, and plant it with herbs or flowers to be replanted outdoors in the spring.
• Print custom “coupons”. Make coupons on the computer, or draw them with sayings like “Good for one giant hug,” “Redeem for a laundry free night,” “Good for one night out.”
• Of course, you can always bake a treat! For a limited time, look for special Valentine’s Day recipes in your Target store on the packages of Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® Devil’s Food Cake Mix, Betty Crocker® Sugar Cookie Mix and Betty Crocker® Peanut Butter Cookie Mix.

However you choose to show your affection on this special day, why not try to stretch Valentine’s Day into a year-round celebration?

The New Year brings the tradition of making resolutions. This year, make a series of small changes that point towards your bigger goals. You’ll be more apt to keep them. Incorporate these lifestyle changes this year for a New Year and a healthier you!

Get Fit and Eat Right
Don’t worry about running a marathon, or getting back into those high school jeans. Just be active and eat right. Eat more whole grains by starting your day with Big G Cereals (look for the white check mark/whole grain on the package), or do the “Yoplait Swap” (yoplait.com/do-the-swap) by switching out unhealthy snacks for delicious, healthy treats. Exercise, along with healthy eating habits reduces the risk of some cancers, increases longevity, lowers blood pressure—the list goes on and on. And you’ll just feel better!

Simplify and Organize Your Home
Your home is your sanctuary, but extra clutter is a source of anxiety. There’s nothing like a good cleaning. Set a goal of cleaning one room a month, and get your family to help. Use the three-box method: 1) Give to charity or sell; 2) Toss; and 3) Keep. Your family will appreciate a clean, organized home, and you’ll be forming great habits in the meantime.

Get Outside
Enjoy the outdoors by walking, camping, biking, or playing in the yard. Whatever you choose, do it outdoors! Being outside not only clears your mind and boosts your mood, but reduces stress and fatigue as well. We have a beautiful world filled with clean air. Enjoy it!

Serve Others
This year take the emphasis off of yourself, and help someone else. Volunteering provides a new perspective, and is good for your mind and body, and brings fulfillment to your life. Time mentoring a child, building a house, or sorting used clothes is time well spent, and has a positive impact on your community.

Enjoy Life
In general, healthy, happy people enjoy life! We live in a fast-paced, super-sized, need-it-quick world, and it causes a lot of stress. Strive for balance, give up worrying about things you have no control over, and adopt an attitude of gratitude. Or, learn something new, or get back into an old hobby. It all adds up to a happier you.

However you say it, “Furaha ya Mwaka Mpya,” “Bonne Annee,” “L’Shannah Tovah Tikatevu,” or “Feliz Ano Neuvo”—Happy New Year!