Already?

Last week I was shopping at the local drugstore for a birthday card when I noticed something horrific: Christmas cards are ALREADY gracing the shelves.
**SIGH**

It's here already???

There are approximately 6 weeks left in 2009. 2010 is peaking out at us from around the corner, and I'm a huge believer in New Years resolutions. WAIT - don't shoot - let me explain!!!

In 2006 I made some really hard core resolutions for 2007:
1) Become a certified SPIN instructor
2) Volunteer
3) Read one book a month
4) Take piano lessons

These are things that I always wanted to do and never had the time, the money, the drive or the guts. In 2007 I made the time, had the money, and mustered up the courage and the motivation. At the end of 2007, I had completed each one of these resolutions. Now, I teach my own SPIN class on Monday nights, and I volunteer every other Saturday at an animal sheltering organization. I kept up the piano lessons for a year and half but unfortunately had to shelve them for now (to save money) but plan on taking them up again someday. The reading has also taken a back seat, but I did complete the twelve books for 2007.

I got lazy for 2008 and 2009 and didn't make any resolutions, however, 2009 has been my biggest year yet: bought my first home, moved in with Brian, got ENGAGED to Brian, and I'll be obtaining my graduate degree next month. It's probably a good thing I didn't make any resolutions, since I really don't think I had any room for them this year.

2010 is coming up, and I'm starting to think of some new resolutions. I'm putting out a challenge. A New Years resolution challenge. I challenge each of you to come up with 10 (YES 10) action-oriented resolutions. What do I mean by action oriented? Here is an example: "I want to lose weight in 2010." That resolution is too vague, and chances are, you'll have given up by mid-January. Instead, try something like: "I'm going to take that Zumba class/rock climb/run a race" whatever. Another example: "I want to be a better person in 2010." What does that mean? How are you going to be a better person? So instead, "I will become a big sister/serve meals at homeless shelters/walk dogs for a shelter/participate in fundraisers...etc."

Resolutions can be as simple as: "I want to FINALLY clean out my bedroom closet."

Get creative, have fun with it. It's not meant to be about stress or anxiety, and it doesn't have to cost a dime. It's about finally doing something you've always wanted to do, and just haven't. So start thinking about it. 2010 is going to be a great year!

Let's Play!!