We’ve just wrapped up the holiday season with a neat little bow and the new year is upon us. All of those feelings of joy, sharing, gifting, and goodwill to all are about to run down the drain as we go back to work, school, and schedules. Here’s the thing, though—’tis still the season!

No matter where your stand on faith, this season of giving doesn’t need to end on January 31st. Those little random acts of kindness that we always hear about during the holidays—the stranger who paid for another’s coffee order, the smile and nod as you let someone take that parking space you’ve been waiting for at the mall, baking cookies for a neighbor, or watching someone’s kids so that they can go to the store—don’t have to just be about the holiday you celebrate.

Random acts of kindness can be carried throughout the year.

Kindness is easy to give, and small acts of friendship reap rewards beyond any gift you can purchase through Amazon (and you can get anything at Amazon).

My goal for 2015, (I don’t call this a New Year’s resolution, because that phrase has become meaningless as the resolutions have become disposable for so many over the years) is personal growth.

To live conscientiously.

To notice.

Notice that the lady behind the counter at the post office could really use a bright smile and some eye contact.

Notice that my friend hasn’t been online as often as usual and give her a call.

Notice that the college kid in line behind me at Starbuck’s could probably benefit from a free cup of coffee.

I’m trying for one a day, here. That should be achievable, and I’ll tell you something: I’ll bet you that the more I do it, the easier it gets. I’m thinking that kindness and compassion are learned talents (much like throwing a ball or playing the piano), and as with any skill, they can improve with repetition and practice.

I’m setting out on this journey as 2014 draws to a close, with the firm conviction that, in the coming year, I will change my outlook about life by being present in my own life and in my interactions with the people that I meet.

How about you? Care to join me?