The deprived rule January, I’ve always thought.

Staunch work ethic, sacrifice and self denial carry the gloomy grey days, as excess and spend thrifts wilt under a judgemental eye. The New Year’s hangover has passed, and is ultimately cured with arduous labour. Debt, direction and resolution take over, as lives echo moralistic council meetings. At least they share a common language.

Resolutions are made. Some hollow, some hearty, we promise ourselves new outlooks, lives and bodies, stating this will be the year all will change. While most resolutions fail within the first six weeks, the buzz of hope and renewal can be invigorating.

Yet things are different here. In Jasper, such sentiments of constraint last but two weeks before the town decides to throw another celebration. There is no proguation of party time in the three valley confluence. While purely an exercise in tourist allure, Jasper in January is one of the less offensive holidays - at least less offensive than vile Valentine’s.

But before all resolutions are lost in a weekend of street parties, apres ski and Edmonton punk rock, I’ll recommend a few acts of kindness. Sure I have my own resolutions: start the novel, climb the mountain. But it’s much easier if the rest of the world changes their ways to fit my liking. Enhanced megalomania is also on my list.

So for the lost still searching for life enriching experiences, here are a few suggestions.

Volunteer: Jasper needs volunteers. Community dinners, sporting events, social causes. As government spending shrinks, needed programs require more support. What better way to kick up the karma.

Embrace civic engagement: You’ve enjoyed much of what the town has to offer, or have complained bitterly about lost service or backwards bylaws. Time to do something about it. And if attending a council meeting or joining a committee isn’t your cup of tea, at least try to write a letter to the editor. They make a difference.

Challenge a preconceived notion: Perceived truths are often just that. Too often, I’ve heard stereotypical viewpoints expressed about Canada (democracy and openness is paramount... it’s not), Alberta (it’s full of backwards rednecks... it’s not) and Jasper.

Appreciate local art: There is a myriad of talented artists living in Jasper. We are spoiled with so much surrounding beauty, but we rarely appreciate how others perceive it. For some, mountains are pretty things. For others, they are spiritual bodies. Those who wish to venture a tad further can visit the newly renovated Edmonton art gallery.

Buy an editor a drink: Sit down, share a story, concern or anecdote. It could change your life... well, it’s a remote possibility.