Now that the holiday season is over, I’ve noticed an abundance of stores advertising for semiannual sales.

A semiannual sale is held twice a year, typically, in order to clear out the old items and make room for new products for the upcoming seasons.

These are usually the best times to stock up on items that you may use throughout the year at a discounted price.

Much like a semiannual sale, sometimes we need to stop and refresh our lives in the same way. The first thought that comes to mind when I bear this thought is spring cleaning.

While spring cleaning can be one way we refresh, there are many other ways to do this.

American Print and Television Journalist Germany Kent said, “Hit the reset button. Whatever happened yesterday, forget about it. Get a new perspective. Today is a new day. Fresh start, begins now.”

One of the most popular times to start over for most individuals is either at the beginning of a new year or when the weather starts to warm.

Making a change does not have to have significant impact; sometimes it can be the small things that mean the most.

Set achievable goals. Don’t aspire to make complex New Year’s resolutions that you may not be able to keep. If the drive is not there in the beginning, you have already failed.

When we take life in small increments, we may soon realize that we have built a mansion on our quest to build a shed.

Make it a point to travel more this year, exercise for at least 30 minutes a day or become more involved in the community you live in.

Italia Gregory is community editor of The Charlotte Gazette. Her email address is Italia.Gregory@ TheCharlotteGazette. com.