Happy New Year!

Happy 2009! Let's find ways to make this they best year ever, setting realistic goals for ourselves! Many of us struggle during the holiday season, and it's helpful to take time out to really consider what we want for our lives! We've spent some time with family, over-stuffed ourselves, over-extended ourselves, and maxed out our credit cards....how do we even begin?

Well, first off, when we make resolutions, we tend to do that thing where it's "all or nothing". Like, "I'm going to give up chocolate". Well, we all know that by 9AM on New Year's Day, I've already had a chocolate pop-tart, and I'm figuring out ways that this doesn't really count against my resolution because it's breakfast chocolate....right?

So, this year, I think it's important for us to be as clear and concise as possible, and to set up some small changes that might make life a lot better.

Here are some of my resolutions for this year! I'll report back from time to time to let you know how it's going:

• Go on more dog walks. He looks at me with those big brown eyes, and how can I say no to a leash, a tennis ball, and my sneakers?
• Spend more weekday time with my family. I noticed that this year, I really let this go, saving family time for the weekend when I was finally...busier than during the week. So, this year, more weeknight dates!
• Find more active things to do! Often with friends, I'm seeing movies and eating dinner...why not play tennis or swim?
• One journal entry a day-one sentence, even one word, creates a space and time to reconnect with myself.

I think these are smaller, more realistic lifestyle changes that I can commit to. How are you going to take care of yourself this year? Maybe it's starting therapy! I wish you peace and clarity for a happy, healthy 2009!