I RESOLVE TO . . .

I Resolve To™ . . . Be Kind To Me This Holiday Weekend! - Day 185

Life is so busy, so chock full of activities, it's often hard to slow down - 'to stop and smell the roses'. Trite as that old saying might sound, it really does pay off. When you're conscious of your thoughts, your actions, your words and deeds, life is more meaningful - the quality of your decisions and actions is keener and more 'on target'. Why not slow down just a bit this weekend and be more conscious of how you are treating others - especially 'you'. If you're like me, and you try to perform more conscious acts of kindness, sometimes it is easy to forget to take care of yourself. Well . . . this long holiday weekend is a great opportunity to 'be kind to yourself' . . . why not start right now?

It's Tuesday - Tip-Day for PreMeditated Acts of Kindness. My 2008 resolution is to 'Show Gratitude' for my blessings by 'Giving Back'. The point behind PreMeditated Acts Of Kindess is to give more conscious thought to my actions, the way that I treat others - and the way that I treat 'myself'. In 2008 I am urging folks to join me and do the same - to work at being kind because it's the right thing to do, without worrying about receiving anything in return, be it kind gesture or word, though my experience is that kindness shown is usually returned in kind.

The assignment this weekend is to do some things that will bring a smile to your face, things that will help you to relax, laugh a little, be inspired, and full of joy. It's time to re-charge the batteries . . . time to have hope for a wonderful today and a fabulous tomorrow. Here's my short list of '20 Favorite Things' that I intend to do this weekend and in coming days this summer . . .

Hit my local Dairy Queen and order a Peanut Buster Parfait!
Sit by my pool with a good book.
Swim and float for an afternoon.
Take a looonnng walk through Old Town Fredericksburg . . . enjoy the sites and the people.
Pull out my camera, pick a locale, and shoot new photos.
Work on my book - write daily!
Tend my yard and garden beds.
Take an afternoon nap.
Watch a great movie (no multi-tasking allowed - just watch the movie!)
Turn my Blackberry 'off' at 7:00 P.M.
Have lunch with a buddy.
Take my Mom to dinner.
Take the entire weekend 'off' and just do nothing!
Work short days in August.
No work allowed when I head to Denver in August - vacation time!
Cook a great meal!
Read my pile of magazines.
Walk the streets of D.C. with my camera - then enjoy a great lunch!
Meditate!
Be conscious - in the moment - slow down, simplify, smile, and just be happy right now, right here, just as I am!

Remember: I Resolve To . . . Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year. It's your choice. Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps: Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good! Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey! Let's Go For It!

Need More Inspiration? Wear Your Resolution! Make Every Day New Year's Day. Make Every Day Count. Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link: http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - July 3, 2008
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Posted by Kim Simpson on Thursday, July 03, 2008 at 09:00 AM in I Resolve To . . . Columns 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

I Resolve To™ . . . Live Green This Week - Day 184

You recycle . . . but you'd like to do more to help the environment. A lot of folks find themselves in that situation. Recycle has long been part of our collective vocabulary - so many of us already do things at work and at home to do our part: We recycle newspapers, magazines, bottles, cans, and plastic - but with all the talk of Global Warming and Climate Change, a lot of folks are thinking about 'doing more'. If you are like me, you're brainstorming about it, and trying to 'do something' as well. Today is as good as any to put thought into action!

It's Wednesday, Tip Day for ways to 'Give The Boot To Our Carbon Footprints'. In 2008 my New Year Resolution is to 'show gratitude' for my blessings by 'giving back' and the environment is one of my recipients. I dedicate three columns each week to news, information and ideas about small, daily steps we can take to reduce our Carbon Footprints. Consider the huge, positive, long-range impact on the environment if each one of us performs 'habitual' actions - like driving fewer vehicle miles, using more energy efficient light bulbs, and turning off lights when we leave rooms. My goal, as an individual, is to urge others to follow my lead, and take a few small steps each and every day toward protecting the environment.

Periodically, I like to jump start my 'Give The Boot' effort by thinking less about what I can do (research, research, research) and doing more. Today is the day. Here's a quick list of random, easy things that you can do, today, to help the environment . . . Pick one, two, three things off the list and do them!

When you pick up your 'fast food' bring your own bag and decline the paper or plastic bag.
Better yet, pack your own lunch in a re-usable mini-cooler (save money and the environment).
Take Metro to work rather than driving.
Turn out the lights when you leave the room.
Turn your computer off when you leave your desk.
Recycle your magazines by donating to a charitable organization (or a friend).
Clean your lint filter after every dryer load.
Use cold water instead of warm water when possible (brushing teeth, washing clothes, rinsing dishes).
Plant a tree!
Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs.
Leave your grass clippings on your lawn (they will decompose and return nutrients to the soil).
Re-use paper bags, plastic bags and containers whenever you can.
Use cloth napkins instead of paper napkins.
Change your furnace/air conditioner filters at least once a month.
Use a ceramic coffee mug at work and at home instead of paper cups.
Use cedar chips, cedar bars, or sweet-smelling herbs rather than moth balls.
Invest in a collection of canvas bags so you can decline 'plastic' when shopping.
Buy more products that you can use over and over again.
Buy more 'used' products such as furniture.
Walk or ride your bike while doing your errands (when possible).

Remember: I Resolve To . . . Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year. It's your choice. Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps: Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good! Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey! Let's Go For It!

Need More Inspiration? Wear Your Resolution! Make Every Day New Year's Day. Make Every Day Count. Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link: http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - July 2, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

Posted by Kim Simpson on Wednesday, July 02, 2008 at 09:00 AM in I Resolve To . . . Columns 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

I Resolve To™ . . . Call My Sister (Or Brother)! - Day 183

Happy Tuesday! We're heading into a long holiday weekend, what could be better than that? I hope you're planning some wonderful activities for yourself, your friends and loved ones . . . definitely a barbecue or two, maybe some time lolling in the hammock, or by the pool. While you're at it, why not do something nice - something kind - give your sister(s), or your brother(s) - a call just to say "hello, I'm thinking of you"?!

It's Tuesday - Tip-Day for PreMeditated Acts of Kindness. My 2008 resolution is to 'Show Gratitude' for my blessings by 'Giving Back'. The point behind PreMeditated Acts Of Kindess is to give more conscious thought to my actions, the way that I treat others - and the way that I treat 'myself'. In 2008 I am urging folks to join me and do the same - to work at being kind because it's the right thing to do, without worrying about receiving anything in return, be it kind gesture or word, though my experience is that kindness shown is usually returned in kind.

Maybe your siblings live nearby and you see them all the time; or perhaps they live a thousand miles away and you only see them during the holidays, or during rare visits. Regardless, reach out this holiday week and give them a call - or maybe even a 'hug in person' if you're able to connect live. Catching up, listening and sharing, is sure to brighten the day for you and your loved ones. To get you motivated, here are a few words of inspiration from from one of my favorite websites, The Quote Garden . . .

"Having a sister is like having a best friend you can't get rid of. You know whatever you do, they'll still be there." Amy Li

"Help one another, is part of the religion of sisterhood." Louisa May Alcott

"What's the good of news if you haven't a sister to share it?" Jenny DeVries

"I, who have no sisters or brothers, look with some degree of innocent envy on those who may be said to be born to friends." James Boswell

"Sibling relationships - and 80 percent of Americans have at least one - outlast marriages, survive the death of parents, resurface after quarrels that would sink any friendship. They flourish in a thousand incarnations of closeness and distance, warmth, loyalty and distrust." Erica E. Goode, "The Secret World of Siblings," U.S. News & World Report, 10 January 1994

"Siblings are the people we practice on, the people who teach us about fairness and cooperation and kindness and caring - quite often the hard way." Pamela Dugdale

Remember: I Resolve To . . . Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year. It's your choice. Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps: Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good! Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey! Let's Go For It!

Need More Inspiration? Wear Your Resolution! Make Every Day New Year's Day. Make Every Day Count. Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link: http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - July 1, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

Posted by Kim Simpson on Tuesday, July 01, 2008 at 09:00 AM in I Resolve To . . . Columns 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

I Resolve To™ . . . Be Conscious Of My Words, Actions & Deeds Today! - Day 178

One kind word. One smile. One thoughtful deed. One small action that helps someone. One gesture that brightens a person's day. It doesn't take much to 'do good' - to be nice to others. The little things in life count as much - and sometimes more - than the big things. Don't worry about changing the world overnight, or dramatically altering your lifestyle and habits. When you do one small thing over and over, day after day, it really adds up over time. Today, 'think one' . . . be kind 'once' and see where it leads.

It's Thursday - Tip-Day for PreMeditated Acts of Kindness. My 2008 resolution is to 'Show Gratitude' for my blessings by 'Giving Back'. The point behind PreMeditated Acts Of Kindess is to give more conscious thought to my actions, the way that I treat others - and the way that I treat 'myself'. In 2008 I am urging folks to join me and do the same - to work at being kind because it's the right thing to do, without worrying about receiving anything in return, be it kind gesture or word, though my experience is that kindness shown is usually returned in kind.

To get you in the 'kindnes groove' I offer these warm words of inspiration from Wisdom Quotes:

"The little unremembered acts of kindness and love are the best parts of a person's life." William Wordsworth

"Kindness is more important than wisdom, and the recognition of this is the beginning of wisdom." Theodore Rubin

"One isn't necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can't be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest." Maya Angelou

Remember: I Resolve To . . . Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year. It's your choice. Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps: Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good! Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey! Let's Go For It!

Need More Inspiration? Wear Your Resolution! Make Every Day New Year's Day. Make Every Day Count. Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link: http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - June 26, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

Posted by Kim Simpson on Thursday, June 26, 2008 at 09:00 AM in I Resolve To . . . Columns 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

I Resolve To™ . . . Surf For New Ideas About How To Reduce My Carbon Footprint! - Day 177

It's Wednesday, Tip Day for ways to 'Give The Boot To Our Carbon Footprints'. As promised, I'm starting a new round of research about ways to reduce my Carbon Footprint. In 2008 my New Year Resolution is to 'show gratitude' for my blessings by 'giving back' and the environment is one of my recipients. I dedicate three columns each week to news, information and ideas about small, daily steps we can take to reduce our Carbon Footprints. Consider the huge, positive, long-range impact on the environment if each one of us performs 'habitual' actions - like driving fewer vehicle miles, using more energy efficient light bulbs, and turning off lights when we leave rooms. My goal, as an individual, is to urge others to follow my lead, and take a few small steps each and every day toward protecting the environment.

If you want to fulfill a cherished dream, keep a New Year Resolution, and achieve daily goals - a key ingredient to success is 'education'. You have to work hard to educate yourself about all the many steps that are necessary to making your dream a reality - and to build a short and long-range plan that will take you from beginning to end of journey. Also keep in mind, the education process doesn't end when you build your initial plan. The education process continues throughout your journey, and your plan is a living document that changes and grows as you learn and grow.

Since January 1, I have posted a wide array of websites and news articles that contain valuable information about 'what Global Warming is', and 'how Climate Change is impacting our lives and the environment'. Those posts, websites and news articles have also contained valuable information about 'tactics' - small steps and daily goals that each one of us can take that will benefit the environment (most of which do not call for dramatic, immediate changes in lifestyle, but rather small changes in ordinary daily habits).

Now, as we near the second half of 2008, I'm starting 'Round Two' in my effort to learn more about what I can do to reduce my Carbon Footprint, and to educate others, at the same time. As food for for thought, here is a fresh list of useful websites with more to come soon . . .

Remember: I Resolve To . . . Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year. It's your choice. Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps: Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good! Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey! Let's Go For It!

Need More Inspiration? Wear Your Resolution! Make Every Day New Year's Day. Make Every Day Count. Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link: http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Posted by Kim Simpson on Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 09:00 AM in I Resolve To . . . Columns 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

I Resolve To™ . . . Make An Extra Effort To Be Kind On A Bad Day! Day 176

Each one of us has a bad day every now and then . . . a day in which everything just seems to go wrong. Or perhaps a mediocre day, one in which everything is just blah and there doesn't seem to be much sunshine, joy and laughter. On those challenging days it is easy to fall into a state of 'crabbiness' - a frown replaces your marvelous smile, and a kind word, or deed, is the farthest thing from your mind. On those grey days, perhaps it is more important than ever to truly be conscious of your words and actions, so that you're not hurting others, and yourself, by wallowing in sadness. Rather than focusing on the negative when life becomes a bit of a struggle, why not work doubly hard to be positive - and triple your efforts to be kind to others? A smile of gratitude just might turn your frown right side up!

It's Tuesday - Tip-Day for PreMeditated Acts of Kindness. My 2008 resolution is to 'Show Gratitude' for my blessings by 'Giving Back'. The point behind PreMeditated Acts Of Kindess is to give more conscious thought to my actions, the way that I treat others - and the way that I treat 'myself'. In 2008 I am urging folks to join me and do the same - to work at being kind because it's the right thing to do, without worrying about receiving anything in return, be it kind gesture or word, though my experience is that kindness shown is usually returned in kind.

In late May, I had major surgery for an unexpected medical condition. I work hard to take care of my health. I exercise, eat healthy food, strive for balance, and work to relax (as much as possible). I thank the Lord that I've been blessed with good health throughout my life and, I admit, I didn't know what to expect from my surgery and recovery. Fortunately, things are going very well and and I am speeding toward full recovery. That said, I've had my ups and downs as I've been forced to slow down, sit still, and put a wide array of daily activities 'on hold'. Some days I just haven't felt all that great. "And yes, I have had my crabby, less than positive moments."

When I fall into a state of crabbiness, negativity and self-pity I really feel it. I'm fully aware of my mood and attitude. Sometimes it's really tough to shift mood and attitude - it's not like flipping a light switch. Sometimes improving a bad mood feels like pushing a boulder uphill. But when you are fully conscious and aware that you have fallen into a foul mood, that knowledge can prompt the first step toward a happier, more positive attitude. As you make that 'first step' why not count your blessings? Why not think about all that is going right in your life rather than dwelling on problems large and small. You might not be able to solve those problems immediately, it might take hard work and an abundance of time, but you can change your attitude right now if you so choose.

After you've made a decision to shift to a positive mode of being, and you've counted your blessings - perhaps the next step might be to offer a kind word, a nice gesture, or a bit of help to someone who is less fortunate than you . . . or someone who, like you, is just having a bad day. You just might 'make that person's day' and, in turn, brighten your own day. After all - you shifted a crabby, negative attitude to a positive brighter outlook (one that could help you to tackle your challenges one by one) - and you made someone else smile. What could be better than that?!

Remember: I Resolve To . . . Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year. It's your choice. Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps: Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good! Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey! Let's Go For It!

Need More Inspiration? Wear Your Resolution! Make Every Day New Year's Day. Make Every Day Count. Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link: http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto