Real Resolutions

It is the New Year and people from coast to coast are pledging with great sincerity to make this year a better one. We will swear to resolutions such as: losing weight, exercising daily, eating better, saving more, and finally finishing projects we have been meaning to start. All of these are noble goals. All of these are worthy goals. All of these are lofty goals. And most of us will forgo these goals before the Super Bowl kick off. So, if I may, let us choose some New Year's resolutions we can actually keep. Below are ten suggestions. Pick one or two that work for you and help me make 2007 the nicest year yet!

1. Keep In Touch ~ Schedule time in the next day or two to spend an hour at your local stationery shop. Pick out bunches of birthday cards, a lot of anniversary cards, heaps of new home cards, a couple of congratulations cards, and even some sympathy cards. Pop by the Post Office on your way home so that you have plenty of stamps. Now you will be able to send out cards when you want to because you will have all the supplies at your finger tips.

2. Truly Thankful ~ In addition to your holiday season thank you notes (which I am sure you have finished by now), take the time to think of someone who showed you a kindness in the past or the person who always makes you smile, take the time to write them a real note of gratitude.

3. Really R.S.V.P. ~ Pledge with me to respond as quickly as possible to any and all invitations that come your way. Whether you are able to attend or not (even if the host mistakenly used "regrets only") take the moment to call, write or e-mail to thank the host for the invitation and respond.

4. Lighten Your Load ~ Stuff is stuff. And more stuff is just more stuff. Give away what you do not love and/or use. There is something to be said for "less is more." Whether you have clothes you do not wear taking up space in your closet or things you do not use taking up space in your life, now is a good time to clean house. Extra brownie points for donating all gently used items to an appropriate charity.

5. Share the Wealth ~ You may not be a famous heiress or business tycoon, yet we all have the ability to give. Choose one or two charities to support with your time, your energy or both. Each one of us has something we can give to assist others. Do your part to make our world a better place.

6. Finally Reciprocate ~ You know there is that invitation you have been meaning to extend. Do not wait for the new dining room furniture, the project to finish at work, or the cat to stop shedding. Entertaining is not about being picture-perfect. Entertaining is about enjoying someone's company.

7. Use Your Best ~ Some-day is today. Pull out your wedding china, those fancy candles and your best tablecloth. What are you waiting for? Life is short, find something to celebrate. Surprisingly, even if you order pizza, you will find it tastes better on a well set table.

8. Forgiveness is Free ~ Let go of a grudge. Anger and resentment only harm you. Find it in your heart to forgive those who you feel have wronged you. Refocus all of that negative energy into something positive.

9. Vive la Difference ~ Think about what drives you crazy in someone else. Often, the traits that irritate us the most are the traits we dislike most about ourselves. Give both the other person and yourself a break. No one is perfect. Learn to accept people for who they are.

10. Drink More Water ~ Losing weight, eating better and exercising are all about being healthy, the first and easiest thing we can do for our bodies is to make sure we are properly hydrated. From your insides out, water keeps things moving and makes our skin shine. And, let's face it, drinking water is easier than doing crunches!

None of these New Year's resolutions are designed to help you fit into your skinny jeans. However, these New Year's resolutions will make you feel better, make others feel better, and are certainly easier to keep. All the best ~