| New Years Resolutions: Making them is a tradition | | | | needed. In fact, most people are happy to be of |
| -keeping of them is usually optional. That's | | | | assistance.Cut down on compulsive buying: Shopping |
| unfortunate, because some of the pledges we make | | | | has become a sport in this country and credit card |
| in those moments before the calendar changes are | | | | debt is hitting an all time high. Before you break out |
| wonderful things to aspire to - spending more time | | | | your plastic to get that new Prada handbag ask |
| with our children, exercising regularly, stopping a bad | | | | yourself - do I really need this? Will this improve my |
| habit like smoking - or considering chocolate one of | | | | life? Is this "thing" worth the time I will have to put in |
| the main food groups. Yet, this is the one time of | | | | working in order to pay for it? If the answer is no |
| the year that it's condoned - almost expected - that | | | | then don't buy it.Relinquish some control: You can't |
| we don't follow through on our promises.But what if | | | | speed up the driver in front of you, make the check |
| we did follow through? What if we could make a | | | | out line at the supermarket move more efficiently, or |
| resolution that changed our lives for the better? | | | | govern the happiness of others. Just let it go. Take |
| What if we made a tiny adjustment in our | | | | some deep breathes in traffic, practice your Kegel |
| perspective and it allowed us to be happier, feel | | | | Exercise while waiting at the grocery store, and lead |
| freer, and enjoy a more mindful existence?Well, get | | | | your life with integrity. Don't carry the weight of the |
| ready to make a commitment - it's as easy as | | | | world on your shoulders - it's too heavy.Reduce |
| embracing the idea of simplicity. Yes, simplicity.The | | | | decisions: While having a choice is a good thing, too |
| start of the New Year is the perfect time to make | | | | many options can be overwhelming. Whether you are |
| some changes. Resolve to get back to basics. I'm not | | | | contemplation a major purchase, or deciding what to |
| advocating a cabin in the woods with no heat or | | | | cook for dinner, limit your self to two options. |
| electricity, just a small step to the left of the | | | | Choose one, then be happy with your decision - |
| consumer frenzy. Where do you start? Right at | | | | second guessing never helped anyone.Enjoy the little |
| home in your own headspace - by making a | | | | things in life: Read a book, take a walk, have a |
| conscious decision that your time and daily | | | | bubble-bath, start a snowball fight with your kids, eat |
| experiences are more important than money and | | | | together as a family at the kitchen table, garden, |
| stuff.Reduce your clutter: Unless you use it regularly, | | | | snuggle, pursue a hobby, listen to music, write a |
| or it holds a high degree of sentimental value, it | | | | letter, meditate, and follow your passions. Partake in |
| should go. Choose a charity and schedule a pick up. | | | | everyday pleasures - all the things that don't entail |
| Just think of how much easier your house will be to | | | | shopping, spending, or crowds - and spend quality |
| clean, and how much easier it will be to find things | | | | time with the ones you love.Living simply is not about |
| once you've thinned out your belongings.Decrease | | | | depravation; it's about living well. Our lives are |
| distractions: Cell phones, voice mail, two-way | | | | complicated, in part, because we make them that |
| walkie-talkies, online instant messenger, and palm | | | | way. Resolve to make 2005 the year of simplicity, |
| pilots are all tools created for convenience. Left | | | | and greet the coming months with a relaxed and |
| unchecked, however, they can start running your life. | | | | peaceful spirit.Deborah Martin is a Chicago born writer, |
| Be sure your not becoming a slave to advanced | | | | life coach, and motivational speaker. She is |
| technology. Oh, and turn off that darn TV too.Learn | | | | Co-Founder of The Woman Project. Deborah holds a |
| to say "no": This tiny two-letter word is your best | | | | master's degree in psychology and is a licensed |
| defense against becoming overextended. Start using | | | | professional counselor. She is a certified teleclass |
| it - no one will think any less of you if you do.Learn | | | | leader and offers teleclasses and workshops on a |
| to say "yes" when others offer help: Stop with the | | | | variety of subjects. Her new e-book, How To Keep |
| Superwoman fallacy. There is no harm in accepting | | | | Your Kids Off Drugs: A Parent's Guide, will be |
| help when offered, or even in asking for it when | | | | available in January. |