A new year that builds even stronger communities

“In 2025, can we commit to resolutions that improve our well-being and also cultivate stronger, healthier communities?”

This year might be a bumpy time for those of us in Slave Lake and really right across Alberta and Canada. There are no signs that the high cost of living is going down. The threat of tariffs from the U.S., or in the case of the lumber industry, tariffs on top of existing duties, is causing a fair amount of uncertainty and discussion.

While we have no control over these world economic events, it is possible for each of us in our own families and communities to make changes and take actions that foster more resilience and kindness toward ourselves and others.

Below are resolutions that inspire meaningful change, benefiting individuals, their communities, and the people around them.

1. Prioritize emotional well-being

  • Emotional well-being has a direct impact on every other aspect of our lives. A resolution might involve committing to practices that reduce stress, such as prayer and meditation, mindfulness, or journaling. It could also be seeking therapy or counselling to address deeper emotional needs.

2. Build stronger personal relationships

  • Human connection and relationships are at the centre of a contented life, whether it’s family, friends, or partners. In 2025, maybe a resolution is to strengthen existing relationships or build new ones.

3. Improve physical health

  • Physical fitness and nutrition, regular exercise, a balanced diet, and good sleep habits are the centre of a healthy lifestyle. Maybe a resolution is setting goals for fitness (e.g., walking a certain number of steps per day or taking up a new sport), meal planning, or getting adequate rest.

4. Increase personal growth and learning

  • Learning new things, such as a hobby or language, reading more books or pursuing more education keeps us engaged, energized and looking to the future.

5. Develop Financial Health

  • Better financial management is often a big concern for many people. A resolution can be setting a budget, saving for the future, paying off debt, or investing. Financial stability can have long-term benefits not only for ourselves but also for our family and community.

Check out the Slave Lake Library for all the online and in-person resources.

6. Cultivate Gratitude and Mindfulness

  • Practicing gratitude promotes a positive outlook, helping to counterbalance negative thoughts and emotions. A resolution can be something as simple as first thing every morning expressing gratitude for one thing in life. Feeling more gratitude can help us live more in the present moment and find joy in small things.

7. Volunteer or give back to the community

  • Research shows that in helping others, we not only improve their lives but also enrich our sense of connection, gratitude and purpose. It creates a circle of positive feelings and compassion. A resolution can be volunteering time, skills or resources to charitable causes or local initiatives.

Many organizations in the Slave Lake area are looking for volunteers. Click on the link here for further information.

At Vanderwell, we hope 2025 is good for you and your loved ones.

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