With the new year upon us and so many questions about the state of our world, here are my easy change-the-world-a-bit–at-a-time resolutions.

1) Gently speak the truth. People need it now more than ever. When you see a wrong, say it for what it is. Whatever happened to, “That wasn’t a very nice thing to say/do.”?

2) Keep up a “random act of kindness” practice, even if it’s only to complement yourself now and then. Giving is a great cure for despair.

3) Encourage all children in your life to respect the difference between right and wrong. After all, changing our next generation for the better is our responsibility.

4) Turn off and tune out. Ten minutes of mindless silence per day at the minimum.

5) Comedy daily, even if you have to dig deep to find your favorite Seinfeld episode. Laughter is a must for happiness.

6) Send money to a worthy cause. I can send $10 to almost any organization, and they are thrilled.

Try the World Wildlife Fund. They will even send you free address labels and cards as a thank you.

7) Smile. At yourself, at the dog, at the moon and then to everyone you meet.

8) Self care. Again try a minimum of 10 minutes a day. Breath, walk, stretch, sing, meditate, do cartwheels.

9) Take Vitamin D 3 each day. Another must in self-care.

10) Plan a getaway. Up to Snoqualmie to roll in snow. To the incredible MOHAI, to the beach for a picnic. Then try something new when you are there … like singing or yoddling at the top of your lungs.

The more we are at ease and happy, the more we can promote the same. Best wishes to a more caring and healthy world.

— Torena O’Rorke