IT'S 'RESOLUTION' TIME AGAIN...

It is time for us to consider "New Year's Resolutions."  Even though many of us have gotten over the 'resolution' thing, a new year can't really start without us at least considering what we might want to do differently in 2014. 

I do think it's a good thing to periodically reflect on where we are in life.  How happy we are. Do we need to consider making some changes in order to be happier? And you don't have to wait until the new year comes around.  You should be monitoring your overall mood, and personal growth throughout the year.

The tradition is to make a list of 10 New Year's Resolutions.  That's likely a reason that many of us skip this annual tradition.  10 can be a lot, unless you're really messed up (just kidding!).  I suggest that you look at a couple of things in your life, for example, relationships (personal and professional), health (exercise and diet), what I like to call "excesses" (alcohol, drugs, food, spending, internet), spirituality.  See if there's room for improvement.  Usually there is.  Then identify a goal (for example, to exercise 3-4 times per week), and start with a baby-step (a walk on the beach on the weekend). 

That's how you do it.  Let me know if you need some help, and have a HAPPY 2014.

See my earlier postings on New Year's Resolutions: Two Thousand Eleven, 12/12/10; No Resolutions For 2010, 1/1/10; A New Year's Jingle, 12/22/08; T'was The Night After Christmas (Parts 1 and 2), 12/2/07 and 12/12 07. 

Two Thousand Eleven

'Twas the night before the New Year, 2011.

I look up to the stars, up into the heavens.

I say to myself, "Do I need some New Year's resolutions?"

To keep my life on track, is that the solution?

Tradition says to come up with 10 things to do.

But I know from experience that one can get the best of you.

So I think I'll come up with a new approach this year.

1 goal with 10 baby steps shouldn't be too much to bear.

My 2011 New Year's Resolution will be,

to move into the future with Information Technology.

Including the internet, iphones, ipads, even Wii.

It does seem like a lot, OMG!

I have to lol at myself, I don 't know what I'm getting into.

Maybe step 1 is figuring out what I'll actually have to do.

But wait a minute. I can text, and e-mail. I have a lap top.

I have my own website, and I have this blog.

No, I'm not on Facebook. I've left that alone.

But I can use the video and camera on my phone.

My ipod is goovin'. I don't need the itouch.

I think that some of this stuff is just too dang much!

Maybe with IT, what I already know (and don't) is fine.

Anymore that I need, I'm sure I'll get with time.

I think for now I'll stay where I am.

In fact, I've already come up with a better plan.

I'm gonna do what I do, and work really hard at that.

I'll eat healthier, and exercise more (find my hidden abs 6-pack).

I'll be more caring and kind , even in difficult situations.

I'll listen better, be more understanding, with friends and family relations.

More vacations, more beach time, more fun when I can.

That seems like enough of a 2011 plan.

As the new year approaches join me as I prepare,

And make time to be a BETTER YOU in this Happy New Year.

For more of my seasonal rhymes, see my blog: Two Weeks Before Chistmas (12/1/09); A New Year's Jingle (12/22/08); 'Twas The Night After Christmas (12/2/07, 12/12/07).

NO RESOLUTIONS FOR 2010

I'm sure you're thinking that I have come up with a new way to get you to promise to do some things in 2010 that you really won't be able to do. No. I'm not. I believe that resolutions, promises you make to yourself (and sometimes others) and then usually break, are not what I want us to do this year. That has become a bad habit that we've developed, that gets triggered by the New Year. Also, I heard on the news that 35% of people make New Years resolutions (I'm sure more than that at least think about making a few), and only 8% keep them. That stinks! So I'm going to suggest, NO resolutions this year, go ahead and live your life.

I am continuing to encourage you to think (some) about the choices you make, and the short and long term effects of your actions. Of course we don't feel great about all of the decisions that we make, but make them CONSCIOUSLY. That would mean not automatically lighting a cigarette as soon as you get in the car. Think about it first. The same with having that last drink "for the road" before leaving your friends' house. It means thinking about what you're doing, when you allow your partner or your kids to talk disrespectfully to you. Also not just automatically being rude (or mean) to someone, especially someone you love.

This approach to life helps you be more responsible for your behavior. No more, "I'm sorry, I wasn't thinking." You won't have to feel like: "Wow, I gained those extra 20 pounds before I knew it." You'll know. You will also be more aware, more focused, and I think more confident as you make things happen in your life. You'll be happier with yourself, and the people that you choose to spend your time with. So I would say for 2010, to Live Your Life! Have a happy, healthy, prosperous New Year, if you choose to.

Look what we did...

A New Year's Jingle

This posting is a follow-up to last year's "Twas The Night After Christmas" (12/2/07, 12/12/07):

A NEW YEAR'S JINGLE

I know what you're saying. "It's that danged resolution time!"

You're right! But fixing thing's in your life is not a crime.

Let's take a brief look back, check out how you did.

Was '08 a good year? Did you break a bad habit?

Do you now drink or smoke less? Did you drop a pound or two?

Were you kinder to people? Does your partner more often hear ' I love you'?

Well, if so, that's great? And if not, "Oh my!"

GOOD NEWS for you,... you get another try.

This was a difficult year for us all. America was not at it's best.

The wars continue, many jobs have been lost, and the economy's a mess.

But last month we pulled together, and we voted for hope.

Let's look forward to '09 as a new opportunity to cope

With the personal issues that plague us, and those problems we have still.

Now's the time to dig deeper. Call on your stronger will.

Remember: small steps is the answer. It's most important to start

Inch by inch it's a cinch, so let's all be smart.

Love better, play more, eat smarter, relax too.

Less drama, more peace, exercise will make for a healthier you.

What you do in your head that will help as you go through the year

Is more optimism, positive thinking, more confidence, less fear.

And do not be afraid to ask for help if you need it in 2009.

Too many of us don't do that, and end up in a bind.

You deserve to be happy, so focus on that.

Visualize good things in your life, and you'll have no regrets!

I hope you've enjoyed this jingle, and I appreciate your acknowledgement.

But now's the time to STOP and THINK, "What am I going to get out of it?"

There should be something you've decided you'd try, before you reach the end.

If not your best move may be to start over. Read it again.

'Twas The Night After Christmas (Part 2)

You can feel good. Your changes have begun.

Remember though, you've only started, the war is not yet won.

Take a day at a time. Stay committed and motivated.

And be patient if you slip up, remember how long you've waited.

The final step to keeping your New Years resolutions

While your breaking bad habits develop some healthy new ones.

Start an exercise regime. Take a 15 minute walk.

Say a few nice things about people, instead of the whiney or gossipy talk.

Find a hobby, travel some, give your kids some extra time.

Join a club. Socialize. Walks on the beach don't cost a dime.

Before you know it, time has passed, and you're starting to feel better.

You're saying to yourself, "I didn't know that I would get here!"

Very important. Please remember, though you've made it to this day,

Relapsing or slipping up, is a part of this, they say.

Don't worry. If you do that, all is not lost my friend.

Choose a new and smaller step, and get started once again.

So you have the steps. Start resoluting. 10 is enough they say.

But you only need 1, and that first step, to get you on your way.

HAVE A HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR!

'Twas The Night After Christmas...(Part 1)

It was the night after Christmas or Kwanzaa or Hanukkah. You're thinking you're done,

With the shopping,... the giving, ... the family drama,... and fun.

Now you're looking ahead at the coming New Year,

You're feeling "maybe now's the time to shift my butt into gear."

If I could just break some habits, I think I'd be fine,

I'm sure I can make changes before the start of '09.

Let's look at some reasonable New Year's resolutions;

Not the kind we always don't do, but some manageable solutions.

If you smoke too many cigarettes, or make too many bets;

If you yell at loved ones far too much, or are too easily upset.

Perhaps your problem is shopping more than you really can afford,

Or you're drinking more than you should, because you're usually bored.

Bad habits come in all shapes and sizes. Are your changes overdue?

Start now. Take small steps. '08 could be great for you.

First make a strong personal commitment to what you want to change.

Visualize the better you. Picture yourself without the chains.

Go ahead, imagine a non-smoking you, or less angry you, or less fast food in your day.

See a healthier you, or a more loving you, or someone who's more kind in what they say.

Think, what would my life be like if I had that extra money I spend,

and what your life will be when this bad habit is at an end.

Hold that picture. Next choose a small, but specific change in that unhealthy pattern.

Something that you will do to make it different than it has been.

One less cigarette per day for the first week, maybe two the week after that.

Or one less casino trip next month, or cut a carb or extra fat.

Next, get started with the change, to break a habit takes a while.

But beginning takes a minute. You've begun. Go ahead and smile.

- TO BE CONTINUED -