The new year always feels like a fresh start, with endless opportunities ahead. Some choose to take this time to set goals. Health-related goals, financial goals, maybe goals to go after that ever-growing bucket list. But what if the notion of a New Year’s resolution was more than just a goal? What if you turned those ideas into a way of life?

Then you may be interested to learn the Traverse City Optimist Club looks at their goals as just that—a way of life. The group meets weekly, 11 months of the year, to pursue four key missions: to serve local youth, connect with fellow members and guests, become informed community members, and promote optimism as a way of life.

One of the keys to achieving their mission is their 44-acre Optimist Cabin property. In 1966, the club purchased what used to be the Traverse City Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center for $1 and turned it into a space available for everything from team building and professional development retreats to Boy Scouts meetings. Situated along Cherryland lines, the property has electricity, camping areas, and miles of hiking trails to enjoy northern Michigan’s natural beauty.

When Mike Brown, former Optimist Club President and past “Optimist of the Year” recipient, first joined the club, he said, “I had moved away for about five years, and when I moved back I wanted to get involved with the community, and somebody brought me to an Optimist Club meeting. I was intrigued by the whole concept.” He explained, “It was the idea of optimism as a way of life. I think that got me to come back.”

Ultimately, the cabin property sealed the deal for Brown and his many years since. “When somebody took me out to the Optimist Cabin property, I was blown away by how beautiful it was and the potential that it offered for the community,” he said.

The club hosts weekly luncheons with guest speakers, and you may recognize them as the group behind the well-loved duck race each summer at the National Cherry Festival. Brown said, “We’re open. We invite visitors to join us for lunch just to check out the club and what their interest might be. If people have an interest in the four legs the club stands on, that’s a good reason to come and check out the club.” Finding a meeting to attend is as simple as going to their website, www.tcoptmist.org, where you’ll also find plenty of information on the Optimist Cabin property.

So, if serving your community, supporting local youth, connecting with those around you, and living a life of optimism sounds like the road to happiness for you—consider swapping your annual resolution for a way of life. The third full week in January is National Hunt for Happiness Week, so really, there’s no better time to seek out meaningful ways to embrace a sunnier outlook on life.