Finding Joy in the New Year

Many of us are looking forward to the fresh start the new year brings. That also means many of us are hoping to move into the new year with big plans - things we couldn’t or just didn’t get done in the last 12 months. Before trying to answer the usual flurry of questions - “What are your New Year’s resolutions? What do you want to achieve? What new habits do you want?” - take time to reflect on the past year and how you can make the coming one better. It's easy to get overwhelmed and making huge resolutions can be stressful, so we’ve gathered 12 questions to help you think about how to bring joy into your new year.

1. What advice would you give yourself as you begin the new year?

2. What is your favorite thing to do and how can you make more time to do it?

3. Who are three people you would like to have more fun with?

4. What gift would you like to give yourself this year?

5. How can you add 15 minutes of joy to each day?

6. What’s one thing that you could do to give yourself more peace financially?

7. What do you want to learn more of?

8. What time waster are you willing to let go of?

9. If you had one more hour during the day, what would you do with it?

10. What have you been procrastinating that you would like to complete?

11. How can you restructure your mornings to begin your days better?

12. How can you restructure your evenings to bring more rest to your nights?

Whether you are looking to make changes in the coming year or want to keep up the resolutions you’ve already made, remember that each step - big or small - is a step towards a better you.

By duda September 10, 2026
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When you are considering cremation for your own future plans or those of a loved one, it is important to understand the safeguards that each provider has in place to maintain the integrity of the cremation process. A detailed and well-documented process means that families can be assured that the cremated remains returned to them are those of their loved one. At our funeral home, we have a high standard of professional ethics and detailed procedures regarding the cremation process. We use a crematory that we know upholds the same high standards. Multiple steps are taken at our funeral home and at the crematory to maintain an individual’s personal identity throughout the process. An identification card is placed with them the moment they are brought into our care. Three parties: a funeral director, family member(s) and the crematory technician, will review all cremation paperwork and permits prior to cremation. Families have the option to view their loved one before cremation takes place for a final goodbye. At the crematory, a numbered stainless steel identification tag will be placed with the deceased and remains with them through the cremation process. This information will be entered into our funeral home’s permanent Cremation Record. Family members have the option to witness the beginning of cremation, or stay for the duration of the process, if desired. After cremation is complete, the stainless steel identification tag will stay with the cremated remains, which will be placed in the urn or container that the family has selected. When it is time to return the remains to the family, we will verify that the person receiving the remains is authorized to do so, recording their name and make a copy of their photo ID, to further ensure the integrity of the process. With these safeguards in place, you can have confidence that if you choose our funeral home, your loved one will be cared for with dignity and respect, and their personal identity is maintained every step of the way. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to help.
By Funeral Home July 23, 2026
A practical checklist of essential end-of-life legal, financial, and final wishes documents every family should organize to bring peace of mind.
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