2012 Resolutions

I'm surprised how quickly New Year's resolutions are forgotten. A month into the new year, and weeks have gone by since I've heard anyone mention the subject. Even the media seems to have abandoned the idea. Of my family and friends many don't even bother making resolutions. They exclaim, "What's the point when you'll just disappoint yourself in the end by not accomplishing any of them!?!" Why are we so quick to be defeated?

For many years now, I've always thought about resolutions. My list, like many, would include weight loss, eating healthier, saving money, and reducing stress. But they were just thoughts that never turned into action. This year I decided I am going write a list and keep myself accountable for each item. But what to put on the list? I don't want to set myself up for failure! Looking at the most popular resolutions Americans set, I realized how self centered are most people's resolutions. Most of them seem to provide solutions for the following questions: How good do I look? How much money do I have? What big vacation or luxury item can I buy? When did our society become so egoistical?

Below is a list of my resolutions. For every self center item on the list I attempted to include one item that would help others (human or animal) or the environment. Although the very first item is self centered, and some of the others are as well, there should be a balance of selfish and selflessness by the end of the list.

• Continue to exercise (cardio workout, as in pouring a little sweat) at least 3 times a week
• Continue to take The Star on walks as often as possible to provide her with exercise and mental stimulation
• Continue to not consume meat, eggs, and dairy products, and to greatly reducing the amount of sugar, oil, and processed foods consumed
• Limit trash waste to less than a bag a week and increase the amount of materials recycled
• To remember "Weddings are about love, about family, and about a major life transition......not color coordinated, choreographed doves that launch fireworks." except from this book.
• Try a "Greener Idea" every month
• Increase communication with close family and friends
• Ride in tours that support a charity or organization
• Support friends and family in charities and organizations that matter to them
• Not to be afraid to admit when I don't know or understand a disease process or procedure and to be open enough to absorb the new information