New Year's Resolutions??

It's that time of year, when you look back at the last year and what you accomplished (or didn't). A time of reflection and reminders on what's really important in our lives.

Then at some point you turn your focus on the coming New Year. What do I want to accomplish? Often times this turns into - What do I want to give up? Why do we do this to ourselves? I understand the whole concept of "fresh start" and "New Year", but why must we give something up?

Instead, why don't we "add" something! Yes, that's right!!! Add something! What a concept! This addition should not be looked at as a punishment, it should be embraced as a positive action.

For instance, Karen (a friend at work) and I always do a New Year's Resolution. One year we gave up caffeine! YIKES, that was a HORRIBLE IDEA!! G Especially since chocolate has caffeine in it! We took this challenge seriously and I had the 48 hr caffeine withdrawal to prove it!! We lasted from January 1st until the beginning of April. It wasn't really all that hard, once you set your mind to it. After enough whining and I'll admit it was ME!!! Karen agreed to eat a piece of chocolate at the same time and called a truce.

For the last few days we've been trying to decide what we should "give up" this year. Finally I suggested we "add" something instead. That sounds so much more positive and obtainable! So, we started to think about what we could add. Something both obtainable and measurable.

We came up with two ideas and yes, they could be challenging at times, but both meet the above criteria. Karen suggested that we become members of the CPC. Clear Pee Club, which means drinking your suggested 8 - 8 ounce glasses of water each day. We both agreed we can do this and will be sure to monitor our water intact. Easy enough.

The other agreed upon addition is to be sure to do some form of exercise every day. This can be a couple walks around the building, some stretches, swimming, or whatever you chose to do. But just something more than we've been doing to last couple months. It's been so busy at work and cold outside, that this is an area we could improve on. Again, very easy, you just need to be accountable.

So there you have it. Two easy things you could think about ADDING this year, vs taking something away!!