A fresh start is never a bad thing. Well, it usually isn't. This year, I think I might even have some vague resolutions.

I resolve to treat every person I meet as a human being. That might seem a little silly, but let's be honest: it's easy to treat the cashier at Walgreens like some sort of lawn ornament. It's difficult to change a process you're so bored with. But I have worked in retail and other customer service positions, and I know how much of a difference just a little friendly small talk can make in someone's day. Which leads me to my next resolution...

I will smile and compliment others more. I will smile at strangers, friends, family, everyone I possibly can (and hopefully not come off as completely insane). I will give compliments as I see fit, even if it's to a total stranger. Although I may not like my smile, and although it's not the prettiest, straightest, or even a particularly charming smile, it's a smile. It feels GOOD to be smiled at, to be complimented, out of the blue. Because a smile and a compliment can change someone's life--not one life, but many. I can think of multiple instances that I've been having an awful day, and a stranger gave me a smile or a friendly compliment in passing, and I've done the same to the next person I see... Happiness is contagious. It really is. This may be a cheesy realization, but that doesn't make it any less true. And, honestly, I'd much rather be cheesy than unhappy.

So, cheerio, 2011. It was a good year, and it's only getting better from here.