A New Year is a time for new beginnings! For the Y, one of the most important resolutions is to resolve to make positive changes that strengthen individuals as well as our entire community. As a leading community nonprofit for the past 25 years that depends heavily on membership and donated revenue, we remain committed to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility each and every day. The following are five New Year’s Resolutions the Y hopes you will consider for 2012:

1. Live healthier — Achieving greater health and well-being is all about taking small steps. Take care of your health by eating nutritious foods and being physically active each day — experts recommend 30 minutes of daily physical activity for adults and 60 minutes for children. This can be achieved throughout the day by incorporating physical activity into your daily routines (i.e., taking stairs, walking instead of driving, and parking at a distance from store, etc.) The Y offers may fun opportunities for individuals and families to be active. We have a number of programs suited for all ages posted on the website or in our monthly newsletter for you to enjoy.

2. Volunteer — Doing good feels good, and giving back to support neighbors benefits everyone involved. Volunteering also provides individuals the opportunity to meet new people and to develop new relationships. At the YMCA, we can use volunteers for tutoring and mentoring programs in addition to coaching and Child Watch programs.

3. Help inspire our youth — It’s been written that the “true test” of the consensus we build is how well we care for our children. Touching the lives of community members so that they become empowered and act as change agents is crucial. By nurturing our youth, we can help them strive to accomplish success and reach their full potential. Whether a relative, neighbor or Y volunteer, use your experience and talent to help those that simply are unable to help themselves. At the Bainbridge YMCA we do this each and every day in the gym, athletic fields and our facility.

4. Learn something new — Step out of your comfort zone, have fun and grow by exploring personal interests. Is there a swimming, Zumba or other class you’ve always wanted to take? Try something new that you’ve always wanted to do, to build your spirit, mind or body. Perhaps you may wish to work with After School Child Care or help with youth sports. The YMCA will always have a place for you to give it a try and grow yourself at the same time.

5. Spend time with family and friends — Socializing is good for your well-being and spending time with the people you care most about really helps strengthen meaningful relationships. It also is helpful to have a community of people you can reach out to during times of need. So, try to carve out time each month, depending on your schedule, to connect with family and friends, and to get involved with community organizations, such as the Bainbridge YMCA.

Those serving in the YMCA are committed to promoting respect, diversity and life balance within these parts of our community, acting as role models and advocates for the underprivileged … Come join us today!

Simply call (229) 243-0508, or go to our website www.bainbridgeymca for a free guest pass, and see what all the excitement’s about, at your YMCA.

Mike Haynes is the interim CEO of the Bainbridge-Decatur County YMCA. He can be reached at (229) 243-0508.