Another Year; the Mandatory, Ubiquitous Resolutions

New Year resolutions are said to be rarely kept. Something like 3% of them are actually ever acted upon according to a news report on network tv.

But, think about it. If we don't even bother to make these resolutions, how much less likely are we to act upon them? In my opinion, setting goals is always a good thing. And, so I am setting my goals for the new year.

The order isn't relevant, however, hopefully, the resolutions will be. I won't pinky swear though.

1. I am going to make a concerted effort to live more green.
Currently, I participate in the local recycling program, and have for at least 12 years. But, this really is a minor thing, and I believe that we all need to do more.
- I plan to cut out fast food completely. Our landfills, are overflowing with containers from McDonalds, Taco Bell, etc.. Enough already. If they can't be compelled to be more responsible in their packaging, then I will not buy from them.
- I will begin composting.
- I am going to buy organic as much as possible.
- I am buying an old-fashioned push mower.
- I will walk more, for example, to the drugstore, which is only a mile from my home.
- I am changing all of my bulbs to energy efficient bulbs.

2. I will forgive that group which brought our country to the brink of fascism, and economic annihilation. But, I will watch them. And, I will continue to speak out. I will never again retreat in to the comfort and complacency of my lifestyle. This matters.

3. I will spend more time on my art, and less time on things that shouldn't matter. For myself, for my family, for my own sanity.

4. I will strive to heal my family, which has been adrift since my Mother died in 2004. I will be more supportive to my brothers and my Father. They deserve it. They have dealt with my depression and resultant reclusiveness for four long years now. I will win my battle against depression in 2009.

5. I will do more to help others. I am going to:
- volunteer to once again teach art to children
- volunteer in nursing homes
- perform other charitable work as I see an opportunity.

6. I will be more patient with my son, who is struggling to find his own way. Nineteen is still a tender age, he is the love of my life, and he deserves only the best from me.

So, that's it for now. Did you make any resolutions for 2009? If so, share in a comment.

Comments

[Anna]

Good luck with the resolutions Nicole. The depression one can be tough, especially when dealing with your mom's death. I am still coping with that. Every day...breath in, breath out...

I just decided on a resolution today and it's a "Serenity Prayer" type resolution. I am going to set daily goals of things I want to get accomplished and check them off as I finish them. I think the reason so many people fail in their New Year's resolutions is because they become overwhelmed at the big picture view of them. This way, I will be taking a daily bite and hopefully by the end of 2009, I will be a better person all around!

[nicole]

Sometimes the breathing part gets hard. :)

That's a great idea, Anna. I might have to try to come up with something like that. I wonder if hypnosis would work.....