Here we are again at the end of another year, embroiled in the age-old debate, do I make a New Year’s Resolution or not? For several years I held firm that I had enough challenges in life that I did not need to place another obstacle in my path that could cause me to trip up and fail. So, I met my resolution every year, to not make a resolution. Easy success. But last year I thought, “Why not?”

For 2023 I made a resolution to find new adventures. I had hopes to each month try something new, go somewhere new or meet someone new. January started out with a great trip to Sandpoint, Idaho. While I had been there before this trip was different. We explored all the shops and enjoyed restaurants and saw things we did not know Sandpoint offered before this discovery trip. February saw me flying to California to meet up with my sisters to go to a huge quilt show. Inspiring! March brought me to a possible bread making class. I was excited to learn this new skill. But it was not to be. March instead saw me beginning to fail at my resolution. As I helped my mother place my father in hospice, my new learning curve turned sad and taught me about the hard lessons we don’t like to see in life. Dad passed away in June. My resolution was derailed in the spring and unfortunately stayed derailed in summer as my mother-in-law followed my father in July. My heart has not been looking for new adventures since.

Instead, the last few months have found me seeking out what really matters to me in life. Some might say soul searching, others say grieving, I say healing. I’m sure many of you reading this can relate. I know I’m not the only one to have endured a year of loss. However, I am ready for the next step.

For me the next step consists of considering how I want to spend my off time. Where do I want my commitment to volunteerism to take me? What is important enough at this point in my life to be worthy of my time? My husband can verify I have spent considerable time reflecting on this question as any direction I move in needs his support as well.

I was watching a documentary on volunteering in America the other day and was disheartened to see that in the 16-30 age group, volunteering has fallen to an all-time low of less than 22%. And in the 40-65 age group, it has fallen to around 28%. Wow. No wonder there is a lack of volunteers to fill the needs in every community.

There were no reasons given for this decrease in volunteering. But I can imagine a few. During these difficult economic times people have not had time to give away for free. Retired people are returning to the workforce across the country in unprecedented numbers just to be able to enjoy those retired years they had planned for. Huge financial losses to IRA accounts and other retirement accounts have destroyed the retirement dreams of many. The majority of families these days see two working parents just to cover the basics of home, transportation, food, clothing… forget about travel and college savings. Retired people and stay-at-home parents at one time filled the volunteer needs of communities. These resources are drying up.

But the needs remain. So, in 2024, perhaps you can spare a bit of time to help out. Check for needs at the community school or food bank or hospital or any number of crisis nonprofits serving the local community. (Think cancer, animals, fire, EMT.) Being a volunteer has been important in my life since I was fourteen and was a Rainbow Girl raising money to support the Masonic Nursing Home in our community. Volunteering takes our mind off ourselves and places it on others. My mother always said, “Helping others takes the focus from your own needs and makes your heart happy.” She was right.

I know as the new year progresses I will continue in my volunteer pursuits. But there will be a shift. I am letting go of some volunteering positions and placing a focus in other areas. One volunteer position I will be letting go of will be as an editorial columnist for The Ledger. For two years I have enjoyed providing this column for Annie, the Ledger and for those who have shared how much they enjoy The Slice of Life. It is for all of you who have provided feedback that this is a bittersweet decision, but the right one. It has been a privilege to share my life and thoughts on current issues with my community. I will continue to be available at [email protected] for those who want to comment. And most likely, I will see many of you in volunteer opportunities in the coming year. Perhaps teaching me how to bake bread!

The year 2024 is only days away. Find your joy in life. May you be successful at resolutions should you choose to make them. And may the Christ we celebrate this Holy Season bless your lives and bring you hope and joy in the year ahead.

Shalom.

Chelle is a recovering social worker who currently works as a licensed massage therapist at Cherry Creek Myotherapy. She moved to Montana with her husband David and two pups, Lucas and Turner, where they seek “the quiet life” amid new adventures.