I am not normally one to make New Year’s resolutions, but after a discussion with a friend this week, I realized I did have some resolutions.

While they’re not things like get organized, lose weight or exercise more, they are ways that I want to improve my life over the next year.

This year my New Year’s resolutions are to smile more, be more polite and understanding and to experience new things.

These are resolutions that are not too ambitious, are obtainable and are small changes anyone can make in their life.

For me, I have not experienced a lot of the popular things in the county because I have only worked here for six months. This year I have decided to go to the Poplarville Blueberry Festival and the rodeo. The rodeo would be my first rodeo.

In 2013, I wasn’t able to make it to the Picayune Christmas Parade or Christmas on the Rails. Maybe for the 2014 Christmas season, I will make it to both.

I also find myself trying to give a smile to every person I meet.

A smile and “hello” is such a small way to help brighten someone else’s day. I know when I’m having a bad day, someone smiling or saying hello changes my whole attitude.

Remember when you are dealing with businesses or customer service representatives that being polite can go a long way. A representative will tend to be more helpful if you display patience and understanding even when you are ready to scream and give up.

Of course there are always exceptions, but for the most part, try to be thoughtful of the person on the other end.

I hope others will join me in similar resolutions because the whole world would be brighter and nicer place if we all just smiled.