As the New Year rolls in, it's not just about fireworks and feasting in our beautiful Samoa. It's also a time to make those ever-optimistic New Year’s resolutions. This year, let’s make them fun and meaningful – especially with our health in mind. After all, who says taking care of ourselves can’t be a bit of a laugh too? 

1.  Rekindling the Flame of Tradition: A Journey into Samoan Culinary Heritage

Rekindle the love for flavours that nourish both body and soul.  Bid farewell to the allure of processed foods and fast-food temptations. While easy and quick, these modern conveniences often find a not-so-desirable home around our waistlines, and worse, can lead to health issues. There's a flavourful, healthy alternative steeped in our culture – the rich, traditional dishes of Samoa that our grandparents lovingly prepared. It's high time we revived these culinary treasures!

Imagine transforming your kitchen into a vibrant hub of Samoan culture, where the aromas of freshly cooked foods, fruits, hearty vegetables, and succulent seafood waft through the air. These traditional recipes aren't just a treat for the taste buds; they're a mosaic of nutrition and wellness, embodying the essence of our island's bountiful resources.

How about spicing up family time with a fun-filled, weekly tradition? Picture this: every Sunday, your household comes alive with a friendly culinary battle – a Samoan cook-off! It's a delightful way to bond, learn, and indulge in our rich culinary heritage. And, as a playful twist, the one with the least votes on their dish gets to do the dishes! It's a win-win – you either bask in the glory of making the best traditional dish or contribute to the clean-up, setting the stage for next week's culinary adventure.

2. The ‘Move More’ Island Challenge

No, we don’t mean moving to the other island! How about we all promise to be a bit more active?  This challenge is all about energizing our lives right here! Let's collectively pledge to inject more activity into our daily routines. Imagine the cool, refreshing embrace of the ocean during a morning swim at the beach, the infectious rhythm of our favourite Samoan tunes leading us into an impromptu dance-off or the exhilarating rush of a friendly game of rugby under the warm island sun.

Additionally, why not add a sprinkle of friendly competition to our fitness journey? How about we track our daily steps and turn it into a village-wide contest? We could watch as the step count rises, through different Apps on our phones, fuelling a community spirit of health and wellness. The stakes? Bragging rights for the most active individual or group, or perhaps the winner could be treated to a delicious, healthy Samoan delicacy!

3. Cultivating Togetherness: Our Village, Our Garden

Whether you're blessed with a green thumb or you find yourself enviously admiring your neighbour's lush plantation, it's time to turn that inspiration into action. Let's embark on a communal journey to create our village garden!  This project is more than just about planting seeds and watching them grow; it's about sowing the seeds of community spirit and reaping the rewards together.

Imagine the joy and satisfaction of nurturing our fruits and vegetables. It's a hands-on, earthy experience that not only brings us closer to nature but also provides a perfect opportunity to engage our children in the wonders of gardening. They'll learn the value of patience, and care, and see firsthand where their food comes from – not to mention, it's a smart way to encourage them to eat their greens!

But the benefits of our village garden extend beyond the harvest. It's a place for connection and company, where family and neighbours can come together to share tips, stories, and maybe even a bit of good-natured gardening chit-chat. It's about strengthening our community bonds in the shared pursuit of growth, both in the garden and within ourselves.

And let's not forget the potential of bringing our produce to the local makeki.  It's an opportunity to showcase the fruits of our collective labour, and share the bounty of our village with others, and would be a testament to what we can achieve when we work together, rooted in the soil of cooperation and flourishing with the spirit of the village community.

4. Family Sports Day – Samoan Style!

Why not spice up our weekly routine with a dedicated day for family sports, Samoan style? Envision a day where families gather to revel in the spirit of play, from a lively game of pickleball to the competitive swing of a cricket bat, or even an exhilarating impromptu kayak race along our beautiful shores. These sports days are about more than just physical activity; they're a celebration of togetherness, laughter, and friendly competition on a small scale.

Embrace the thrill of a little family rivalry, as it's an awesome way to bond, ignite good spirits, and keep everyone active and healthy. Picture the cheers, the high-fives, and the playful banter that comes with each game. It's an opportunity to instil values of teamwork, sportsmanship, and joy in our children, all while basking in the sun-kissed glory of our island. So, let's set a date, pick our favourite sports, and create memories that will last a lifetime – Samoan style!

5. Mind Your Eating – with a Side of Culture

When it comes to understanding nutrition and healthy eating, let's infuse it with a vibrant touch of Samoan culture. Imagine workshops that are not just informative but also deeply engaging and interactive, blending the wisdom of mindful eating with the rich tapestry of our heritage.

This is not your ordinary wellness session; it's a cultural journey that weaves traditional Samoan storytelling with practical, everyday nutrition. We'll explore the stories behind our native ingredients, understand their health benefits, and learn how to incorporate them into our diets in a way that honours our bodies and our heritage.

These workshops can aim to be a feast for the mind and soul, where learning about healthy eating habits becomes an exciting, culturally rich experience. It's a chance to reconnect with our roots, understand the power of our local foods, and embrace a lifestyle that celebrates mental, spiritual, health and heritage. So, let's gather around, share stories, and embark on a culinary adventure that nourishes us in more ways than one.

As we enter 2024, let’s do so with a hearty laugh and a healthy heart. Our resolutions might be light-hearted, but they carry the weight of our health and well-being.  Here’s to a year of good food, great moves, and even greater health!

Aloimaina Shirley Hunt is a doctorate student. She is a qualified lawyer and holds a Masters in Business Administration.