KISS

What an odd title for an article you might think until you realize that KISS stands for Keep It Simple Silly (I don't  like the other word "stupid" because of it's negative connotations)

We are all making our New Year's Resolutions and many will have a list as long as your arm!  Do you really think with that many you will even be able to accomplish all of them?  Why not just make just a couple instead so that you know you can actually fulfill those goals.

Think of the most pressing issues that you need to accomplish. Is it to lose some weight this year? How about saying you need to lose just 10 lbs or 20 lbs rather than that 30-50 that you THINK you really need to get off. Once you are able to shed the smaller amount, then the rest will be easy to shed. Think about signing up at a local YMCA or gym where you can use either exercise equipment or a pool to get some additional exercise and also increase your energy and desire to lose that weight. Better yet, go buy an outfit, one size smaller than you currently wear, hang it on a hook on the outside of your closet door as a visual reminder that you WILL get into that by next New Year's eve!

Getting organized...... oh how I love this one, I do it every year!  So this year, because I've already done a lot of pitching and tossing of items in preparation for moving, I won't have such a chore with this one this year. I used to get overwhelmed at the prospect, looking at all of the "things" I had accumulated from living in my home for over 14 years. So when I decided I needed to sell my house and that I would be looking at an apartment, with probably under 650 sq ft to accommodate all my belongings, I went on a cleaning spree. I've already packed away many items that will go with me and have the boxes labeled and stacked in closets. But you know what?  I am thinking I will be going through some of them again and doing some additional "weeding out."

I have heard a few friends say that they haven't taken a vacation in years. Many did the "stay-cation" this last year or two because of the economy and the price of gasoline to go on any long trips. Since most people plan to do their traveling between June and September when their children are out of school or the weather is nice in all parts of the country, this will give you six plus months to start saving for that trip. This month, think of a few places you would like to go visit, start searching on line for information such as cost of accommodations such as  hotels or camping grounds (if you are going to go by RV), sign up for some grocery store flyers and restaurants so you can see what the cost of food will be in that area. Of course you will want to check out the Chamber of Commerce websites to find out what special activities might be available during the time you plan on being there. By planning now, you will likely be able to meet your goal of having a true vacation this year. Send for some of those pretty brochures and put them out where you can see them and then place a big jar next to them where you can pitch in all your change. Granted, that isn't going to cover the cost, but it is a great visual aid when you see that jar filling up.

One of my goals this year, which I didn't give you the other day, is to have a more positive outlook on everything! I really got in a funk this past year. I personally had many struggles as did so many of my friends, family and just acquaintances. We all felt like there was no light at the end of the tunnel, someone turned the light out. So this year, I truly am looking for better things for everyone, from improved personal relationships, to new or better conditions in their work environment, and personal introspection and growth. For our country, this is an election year and one that I truly hope will bring about our public officials at all levels of government from local to national, realizing you can't borrow your way out of debt and some changes really do need to be made. With elections coming up, we the people can have a strong voice in helping to bring about those changes by exercising our right to vote.

So get out your pen or pencil, a piece of paper and write down your resolutions. Then post them where you can see them every day and then be accountable, you know you want to reach them !