Library can help realize a new you in a new year

    We’ve all heard it over and over again, just like a broken record: “These unprecedented times.”
    Use that negativity for good and make this year the beginning of anything you want.
    Making a change can be difficult unless you understand the elements of behavior. B J Fogg, founder of the Behavior Design Lab is the world’s leading expert on habit formation.  His book “Tiny Habits: the Small Changes That Change Everything” will show you how you can achieve a happier, healthier life by starting small.
    “Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life and Maybe the World” by Admiral William H. McRaven may not be one of the newest books in our collection, but it is worth another look. Want to change your life? Start with one small accomplishment every day and see where it takes you.
    Happiness is something everyone longs for. Max Lucado’s book “How Happiness Happens” is based on 10 key principles that will help you find your way to a happier you.
    A truly easy resolution is:  be kind, to others and yourself. Practice random acts of kindness, stop gossiping, volunteer, give one compliment every day, stop negative self-talk, be kind on social media, talk less-listen more. R.J. Palacio’s book “365 Days of Wonder” is a collection of quotes and meditations on kindness, hopefulness and the strength of people’s hearts.          “I Think You’re Wrong But I’m Listening” by Sarah Stewart Holland shows how to listen in order to understand and be respectful of opposing viewpoints.
    One thing we could all consider for the new year is less screen time and social media use. We have several books on how to limit screen time for children, but what about the rest of us, especially after this #@$%&!! year?
    “How to Break Up with Your Phone” by Catherine Price just might save you a lot of time and your sanity. Discover how phones and apps are designed to be addictive, and learn how the time we spend on them damages our abilities to focus, think deeply and form new memories. Learn to make customized changes to your settings, apps, environment and mindset that will ultimately enable you to take back control of your life.
    Every new year’s resolution list probably has get organized and manage your finances on it. We have many home organizing books.
    One by Toni Hammersley is “The Complete Book of Home Organization.” Learn how to purge, sort and “containerize” to conquer your clutter and keep your home efficient and beautiful.
    While you are sorting and purging, consider what you are throwing in the landfill for just a bit. Maybe some things can be re-purposed. That beloved pair of jeans or comfy shirt might find new life in your closet. “Mending Matters” by Katrina Rodabaugh shares tips, inspiration and instruction for making old garments new.
    “If you want to make your money work for you, you have to know how money works,” according to Dave Ramsey. Learn to change your behavior and get your finances in order with his book, “Dave Ramsey’s Complete Guide to Money.”
    There are shelves full of fitness DVDs, books, diet books and more. One of the new books in our collection is “F.I.T. 10 Steps to Your Faith Inspired Transformation” by Kim Dolan Leto. Achieve health the right way from the inside out and learn to be healthy and happy with this faith-based method.
    Try something new. What can you make in an air fryer? You just might be surprised: meats, seafood, vegetables and all with minimal time and cleanup. Be sure to check out “Air Fryer Perfection” from America’s Test Kitchen.
    Whatever the new year brings or whatever your interests may be we are your source for information, entertainment and enlightenment.
    It’s been a rough year; here’s to a better one! Contact us at imperiallibrary.org, or email youbelong@imperiallibrary.org or call 308-882-4754.