The dawn of a new year brings excitement for change, growth and a renewed mind and body.

Many people use the new year as an opportunity to commit to making a change. Whether you are looking to strengthen your mind or body, these Rowan County businesses are here to help.
“Be kinder to yourself and then let your kindness flood the world,” says Buddihist nun Pema Chodron.

As Rowan County citizens we have several places and organizations that can help us to create healthier and better versions of ourselves. By working together to make changes we can continue to make Rowan County the place where everyone wants to be.

It was American educator, author and orator Booker T. Washington who said, “Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.”
Happiness in life is one of the greatest quests in most peoples’ lives. We all want to live a life filled with purpose and happiness. Fortunately, Rowan County is full of organizations looking for wonderful volunteers on a regular basis.

Meals on Wheels in Rowan County is an organization that allows home-bound seniors and disabled members of our community to receive a nutritious meal.
Their website says, “If you can give one hour of time and one gallon of gas, you can be a Meals on Wheels volunteer.”
Rowan Helping Ministries is also a wonderful place full of volunteering opportunities.

There are requests for volunteers in Jeannie’s Kitchen, Shelter, Crisis Assistance, the food pantry, the clothing center, family food bag packing and Food for Thought. There is a job for every age at the ministry.

If you are looking to spend a little more time relaxing in the new year, The Salisbury Salt Spa is a unique experience that is sure to leave you feeling relaxed and at ease.
My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our halotherapy session, which is known to improve skin and respiratory issues as well as calm the mind. The Salt Spa will soon be adding float therapy. This special therapy is known to help individuals with everyday stress and even relieve symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Heart of Salisbury Yoga, located on Innes Street in Salisbury, offers a wide variety of classes.
Through yoga, individuals are able to strengthen their bodies and minds. Whether you are looking to strengthen your mind or body, these Rowan County businesses are here to help.
Family wellness is crucial to success in all other areas of life.

There are quite a few parks in the county that allow families to spend time playing, exercising, and talking with one another. In addition to the free parks, there are also several new trails that have been created to provide opportunities for individuals and families to become “more active and environmentally conscientious.”
Whether you are wanting to improve your body physically, your diet, your mental health or your generosity, let us all resolve to take steps every day to make the community we live in a better place by being better versions of ourselves.

As author Roy T. Bennett said, “Don’t just dream, do. Don’t just hear, listen. Don’t just talk, act. Don’t just tell, show. Don’t just exist, live.”

If you want to learn more about these healthy places and more in Rowan County to make sure you kick-start your 2020 right, check out these hot spots:
• East Rowan – Saleeby-Fisher YMCA: 790 Crescent Road, Rockwell
• Salisbury – J.F. Hurley YMCA: 828 Jake Alexander Blvd. W, Salisbury
• South Rowan – J. Fred Corriher Jr. YMCA: 950 Kimball Rd., China Grove
• Juice Life: 712 Jake Alexander Blvd. W, Salisbury
• Workout Anytime: 2218 Roxie Street Northeast, Kannapolis
• Planet Fitness: 710 Jake Alexander Blvd. W, Salisbury
• Planet Fitness: 1351 S Cannon Blvd., Kannapolis
• The Forum of Salisbury: 2318 South Main St., Salisbury
• The Salisbury Salt Spa: 120 E Fisher St., Salisbury
• Heart of Yoga: 131 E Innes St., Ste 303, Salisbury
• Meals on Wheels: 1307 S Salisbury Ave., Spencer
• Rowan Helping Ministries: 226 N Long St., Salisbury
• Rowan-Salisbury Schools: 500 N Main St., Salisbury

Daniel Lancaster has been a member of the Salisbury Police Department and currently serves as a patrol sergeant. He’s also a contributor to yourrowan.com, where this article first appeared.