Prompts for New Year’s

Wow! Somehow we are here at New Year's Eve already. I'm not entirely sure how that happened, but here we are. New Year's time can be exciting and wonderful and joyous. It can also be lonely, sad, and isolating. This all depends on the person, obviously. This article will provide some ways you can start conversations at and about New Year's.

New Year's Eve Stories

The audio below is a short 5 Minute Storytelling episode about New Year's Eve. Hit the play button to listen in right here.

New Year's Eve is a polarizing topic for people, with some eagerly anticipating the celebrations while others prefer to dismiss it as just another night, which makes it a great opportunity to start conversations that can lead to many more engaging discussions. With an array of opinions and traditions surrounding this holiday, the diverse perspectives exchanged can foster a deeper understanding of personal values and cultural differences.

In addition to fresh starts, you can find fresh storylines unfolding all around you, whether it's the tales of new resolutions being made, the reflections on past experiences, or the exciting plans people have for the year ahead. These narratives not only enrich our interactions but also create avenues for connection, fostering relationships that may extend well beyond the festivities of the night.

New Year's Resolutions

Resolutions are a great way to start conversations with others no matter how much you know them. People tend to have a visceral reaction to being asked about their resolutions. They are usually either annoyed you asked or excited to tell you all the things. This is a great opportunity to ask follow up questions and see where things go.

Here are a few ways you can start a conversation with someone in any situation this New Year's

The age old classic…

• What are your New Year's resolutions?
• What inspired you to make those resolutions?
• Do you have plans to make them stick?
• Have you tried them before?

These days (and probably always) there are people who don't buy into New Year's resolutions. I will say that I have tried them in the past, but I have found that long term lifestyle changes have had the most impact on my life. This goes for every aspect of my life.

The audio below is a short 5 Minute Storytelling episode about New Year's Resolutions. Hit the play button to listen in right here.

Starting Somewhere Different

A few alternatives to this line of questioning could be…

• What was your favorite moment from this year?
• How do you feel about #newyears #resolutions?
• Favorite winter tradition or activity
• What is your favorite holiday memory?

These questions allow for a conversation that will probably lead to other topics, thoughts, and life experiences. Move the conversation in different directions to get a better understanding of the person you are chatting with.

It is my sincerest hope you have had a joyful and fulfilling season as we close out this year. Rolling in to the next year I'm looking forward to making more connections with people are committed to providing patient centered care and a memorable experience regardless of the stage of life. What are you looking forward to? What did you enjoy most about last year?

What now?

Looking for that thing to help you keep your storytellers engaged and talking? For the writers in your care, this journal will keep them talking for a good long while. Encourage them (if they can) to reach out via phone or video to family members and share the memories they write about.

This journal was designed for storytellers in their sunset years who are ready to write about and share their memories. Simple to use and elegant enough to keep around to remind you of them long after they are gone.