I RESOLVE TO . . .

I Resolve To™ . . . Be Kind To Me Today! - Day 31

Random Acts Of Kindness Are Wonderful Things - but today, why not be just a bit more proactive?  Why not give some conscious thought to your acts of kindness?  Why not make them PreMeditated Acts Of Kindness - think about how you can be nicer and kinder to yourself, to your colleagues, to people on the street, and in the stores where you shop - and most importantly to your family and loved ones.

In 2008, my New Year Resolution is to 'show gratitude' for all that I have and all that I am - to 'give back' for my many blessings.  Showing up here each and every day helps to remind me of my daily goals, and helps to make them real.  In this case - I'm also urging others to join me - to be a little kinder to others, to the environment, to our animal friends - to ourselves.  One small step, one day at a time each and every day can make a world of difference if each one of us is taking those daily steps . . .

On this Thursday - I urge you to take one small step for yourself - Be Kind To You!  Life is so chock full of activity, responsibilities, happy serendipity, as well as annoying events.  Life is just plain busy, busy, busy.  Why not take a break today, just for you?  Do something nice for yourself. 

It would be great if you could take the whole day off and just do whatever you want, but that's probably not realistic.  Instead, treat yourself with a favorite indulgence.  Have lunch with a friend that you adore. Take a long walk.  Hit your favorite coffee shop for an hour.  Browse your favor bookstore or read your latest book.  Whatever it is that brings joy and happiness to your day - do it for you!  Give yourself a big pat on the back for all that you do in your life!  Enjoy your day . . .

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 - January 31, 2008
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I Resolve To™ . . . Learn More About Energy Efficient Lighting - Day 30

There are so many things that each one of us can do to reduce Global Warming - small steps that would add up exponentially and make a huge difference over time.  But it takes time and effort to figure out 'what steps are important' and 'why those steps are important'.  Education is the key to 'giving the boot to our carbon footprints' - just the same as it is key to making a dream, resolution, or goal a reality.  Every great endeavor, large or small, starts with the spark of an idea.  Those ideas become tangible and real via daily inspiration, desire, passion, and commitment.

In 2008, my personal New Year Resolution, my dream and my daily goals revolve around 'showing gratitude' for all that I have and all that I am - and 'giving back' in appreciation of my many blessings.  One of the ways that I'm giving back is to educate myself and others about the things that we can do to combat Global Warming - small, common sense steps that we can take each and every day without 'upsetting the apple cart', without turning our lives upside down.

I've learned a lot about protecting the environment from one of my clients - The Audubon Naturalist Society (ANS) in Chevy Chase, Maryland.  ANS does a wonderful job of fostering stewardship of the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Region's environment by educating citizens about the natural world, promoting conservation of biodiversity, and protecting wildlife habitat.  I have to admit I've learned an awful lot from ANS, but the whole 'lightbulb' thing - using energy efficient light bulbs - is something that I'm still scratching my head about, and definitely researching, as I educate myself about how I can reduce my own personal 'carbon footprint'.

In a nutshell, based on what I've read, my carbon footprint is a measure of my activities on the environment, such as driving my car.  In other words, the amount of Greenhouse Gases that are produced, and measured by the amount of CO2 (Carbon) that is emitted into the atmosphere. 

Changing the kind of light bulbs we use in our homes is apparently one way that we can reduce our carbon footprints.  According to the Eartheasy.com Website, Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL) are more efficient and use less energy than regular incandescent bulbs.  As it turns out, I already use some CFL's by accident. I shop a lot at IKea, a Swedish company that sells wonderful functional products, and these great bulbs. 

I use a lot of Flood Lights because my house has a recessed track lighting in most rooms.  I also use a lot of Light Emitting Diodes (LED) Lights in my track lighting, which are more expensive, but last longer than fluorescents and regular incandescents; and save more energy than incandescents.  Until I started doing this research, I didn't know these lights were more energy efficient.  That's why doing homework is so important when you're trying to make a difference whether it be a dream, resolution, daily goal, or combating Global Warming!  More on energy efficient lighting in days to come - I'll keep you posted on what I learn via my research.

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 - January 30, 2008
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I Resolve To™ . . . Write A Letter To A Dear Old Friend! - Day 29

When was the last time you spoke with your best friend from high school, college, grade school?  That person - or persons - with whom you shared the trials and tribulations of youth . . . laughed, cried, learned, and grew together.  You know the one - that gal or guy with whom you shared secrets over junk food - Doritos, M&M's and Taco Bell.  When was the last time you reached out to that treasured friend?  In this day an age it's easy to be 'Overtaken By The Events Of Life' - each day passes so quickly, each day so chock full of daily activities.  Seems like life speeds up but never slows down much anymore, which makes it easy to lose touch with our roots, our values, our dearest friends, our treasured family members - all the things that matter most in life.

Why not reach out tomorrow?  Instead of shooting a quick E-Mail to say 'hello' - why not go the 'old fashioned' route and actually write a letter - and include a funny card that would remind your dear friend of the many good times you've shared together?  It just might make that friend's day.

In 2008, my personal resolution is to show my gratitude for all my many blessings by 'giving back'.  On Tuesdays and Thursdays I'm offering reminders - to you and to me - about ways that each one of us can give back via PreMeditated Acts Of Kindness.  Rather than being random - let's give it some thought.  Let's be conscious about our choices, about the way that we treat others, about the way we love those with whom we share our days. 

With that in mind - why not send your own PreMeditated Act of Kindness, An Early Valentine - drop a dear old friend a handwritten letter and a card.  Maybe it will lead to a joyous reunion.  Who knows . . . until you 'give it a go'!

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 - January 29, 2008
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I Resolve To™ . . . Turn The Lights Out After Me! - Day 28

Sometimes it's the simple things in life that really count - really add up.  In 2008 my personal resolution is to show my gratitude for all that I have and all that I am - to 'give back' - and the environment is one of my recipients.  On Monday, Wednesday and Friday in 2008 I'm providing tips for how each one of us can protect and preserve the environment - and 'give the boot to our carbon footprints' in an effort to fight Global Warming. 

I'm working to educate myself and others about what we can do to make a difference.  One of the smallest, easiest ways that each one of us can make a difference is to simply turn the lights off when we leave a room.  While we don't want to live in the dark, why leave a house full of lights blazing when no one is in each room?  I've been turning lights off for a long time because it helps to reduce my utility bill.  It also helps to reduce our carbon footprints.  Our carbon footprints are a measure of our activities on the environment, such as driving automobiles and overall energy usage.  In other words, the amount of Greenhouse Gases that we produce, as measured by the amount of CO2 (Carbon) that is emitted into the atmosphere. 

Working day by day to preserve and protect the environment is much the same as taking one small step, one day at at time to make a dream, resolution, or goal a reality.  It all adds up over time - personally - and maybe even globally depending on the dream, resolution or goal. 

If you're interested in learning more about simple steps you can take to protect the environment visit:  Conservation International.  When you click the link it will take you to a page that offers simple steps that you can take to live a greener lifestyle and reduce your carbon footprint.  Spend some time surfing the website - it offers a lot of interesting information!  Consider what an enormous difference each one of us can make if we take just one small step, one day at a time . . .

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 - January 28, 2008
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Los Angeles Times Article - New Year Resolution Contract

The Los Angeles Times printed an article today that might help some folks to stick with their New Year Resolutions by 'putting their money where their resolution is'.  The article, 'Lose Weight?  Bet On It', by Ian Ayres - LATimesArticleJanuary272007.pdf , urges us to promise a friend or colleague that we will make and keep a resolution (lose weight and keep it off for instance), and back that promise up with a commitment contract - i.e. put money as risk each week in a bet of sorts.  If we fail to meet the goal, our friend wins the bet and reaps the cash.  It's an interesting idea. 

Here at IResolveTo.Com, I urge folks to make just one resolution about which they have great interest and desire.  Instead of doing something that you 'don't want to do - do something that you would truly love to do - pursue a dream!

If you really want to succeed, start with your dream.   Turn that dream into a concise, specific, one sentence resolution.  Make that resolution a reality with daily goals for a year.  That's the I Resolve To . . . Formula For Success: 

Dream + Resolution + Daily Goals = Success, Reward & Fulfillment. 

I also urge folks to sign the I Resolve To Promise - IResolveToPromise.pdf - which includes 10 simple, common sense Do's and Don'ts to use as a system for achieving your dream, resolution and daily goals.  It's never too early or too late to fulfill a dream, keep a resolution, and achieve your daily goals.  Why not start now?  Stop procrastinating.  Take action today!

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 - January 27, 2008
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I Resolve To™ . . . Volunteer! - Day 22

There are hundreds, probably thousands - maybe even an infinite number of ways that we can be kind if we apply creativity and imagination.  Kind acts toward family, co-workers, friends, strangers, children, animals . . . each and every day we have countless opportunities to flash a smile, lend a hand, offer a kind word, give a hug, make a difference, and provide support.  In 2008, I'm taking a more conscious approach to acts of kindness, focusing on PreMeditated Acts Of Kindness - and on Tuesdays and Thursdays I'm offering tips for ways that we can be kinder to one another.  Rather than 'waiting' for an opportunity to be a little more gentle, or considerate, or nice, I'm brainstorming ways in which I - and you if you choose to join me - can consciously 'make opportunities' to show kindness, appreciation and gratitude, to 'give back'.

Volunteering is a wonderful way to give back and lend support.  There are scores of opportunities in every community to 'get involved', lend a helping hand, and offer our skills and expertise.  In these cold, gray months of winter, why not begin researching opportunities to volunteer in your community.  Whatever your interest, I bet there is a 'need':  Tutoring, lending assistance at the local animal shelter, providing your skills at a nature sanctuary, offering your time at your church, getting involved in PTA . . . and on and on.  My motto is Dare To Dream, open your mind to the possibilities.  You never know who you might meet, how much you can help, and what you could learn until you get busy and 'do it'!

I'll be right here with you every step of the way.  Right now, I'm researching volunteer opportunities at horse rescue farms in Virginia.  In weeks to come, I'll share what I'm learning, my experiences, and more ideas for ways that we can 'consciously' be kinder to each other through PreMeditated Acts Of Kindness.

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 - January 22, 2008
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I Resolve To™ . . . Feed The Critters This Winter - Day 17

This winter remember the critters!  It's Thursday Tips For PreMeditated Acts of Kindness - part of my 2008 Gratitude & Giving Back Resolution, and today my focus is kindness toward animals.  I live on the East Coast where the climate is temperate compared with the cities in the Midwest where I grew up and lived my young adulthood.  Talking with family out West recently, it's been a particularly cold, snowy winter.  With that in mind, perhaps one of the biggest acts of PreMeditated Kindness we can perform this winter is to remember to fill our bird feeders, add water to our bird baths - and if the squirrels, chipmunks and other small critters look hungry, toss them them some seed too (my squirrels love sunflower seeds, and actually do quite well all year round thanks to nut trees in my yard and woods).

If you're looking for information on winter feeding and kindness toward animals, consider these websites:

• The Humane Society Of The United States - 'Feeding Birds In Winter'
• Birdwatching.Com - 'Winter Bird Feeding, Keep Them Coming Back'
• American Human Association - 'Be Kind To Animals Week'

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 - January 17, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved 

I Resolve To™ . . . Calculate My Personal Greenhouse Gas Emissions! - Day 16

Do you know how how much greenhouse gas you are personally emitting into the atmosphere?  If you're interested in finding out, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) has a nifty, easy to use calculator that will tell you at this link:  Climate Change - Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

If you've been by IResolveTo.Com recently, you've read my Monday-Wednesday-Friday column about Climate Change and Global Warming.  My personal New Year Resolution in 2008 is to 'express my gratitude and give back' and the environment is one of my recipients, as I strive to educate myself and others about small daily steps that we can take to reduce our 'carbon footprints' and in turn reduce the threat of Global Warming. 

I'm committed to taking small daily steps, one at a time, one day at a time - toward reducing the threat of Global Warming - the same as I'm committed to making my dreams, resolutions and goals a reality.  In this case my 2008 resolution can make a big difference for the environment if I stick with it for the long-haul, a Lifetime Resolution.  My actions will really add up over time, creating incredible personal change, as well as benfiting the environment.  If you join me, and others join you, and so on - well that's Global Change in the making instead of Climate Change and Global Warmng!  So what's the first step, and the next one, and the next?  You need a dream, desire, commitment, a plan, and enough energy to 'go for it' one step/goal at a time one day at a time for one year.  That kind of system will produce tangible, realistic results.

To build a plan, the first step is to educate yourself - and that's what I'm striving to with my resolution.  I'm starting with the basics:  What is your carbon footprint and 'how do you give the boot to your carbon footprint'?  In a nutshell, what I've learned is that it is a measure of our activities on the environment in terms of the volume of greenhouse gases that we produce:  CO2 - Carbon.  And why is that important?  Scientists say the trapped gases in the atmosphere are causing Global Warming, which will wreak devastation worldwide over time.

Interested in learning more?  Why not check out the EPA website.  Take the test and calculate your greenhouse gas emissions. I did and I was well above average, so I have lots of room for improvement in 2008.  I'm starting with with driving less vehicle miles right now - and I'm going to plant a tree or two this Spring since trees absorb Carbon.  Maybe a nice Blue Spruce!  So how about it?  Interested in learning more about your Carbon Footprint and how to achieve New Year Resolutions?  Hey, maybe you can join me:  Make a resolution to 'Give Back To The Environment In 2008'.  It's never too early or too late to make a Resolution.  At IResolveTo.Com every day is New Year's Day!

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 - January 16, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved 

I Resolve To™ . . . Say Thank You - Day 15

Thank You!  Two short words, eight letters long that can make a huge difference in someone's day - maybe mine, maybe yours.  It's Tuesday and here at IResolveTo.Com that means it's time to think about how we can be 'kinder'.  In 2008, my New Year Resolution is to show gratitude and 'give back', so twice a week I focus on how folks can be kinder, gentler, nicer toward each other.  I'm not talking about random ways of being kind that fall into your lap. I'm talking about making a conscious choice - a decision: Today, I am going to do something big or small to 'make someone' else's day.

One of my favorite ways to be kinder is to show appreciation for the men and women who serve as clerks in the store's where I purchase the goods that keep me going day to day.  I was a grocery clerk for nearly 10 years, as I worked my way through high school and college, so I understand how hard they work.  It was a wonderful job that taught me how to earn a living and how to work with people - most of them very nice, as I recall. To this day, I still remember the faces of some of the 'regulars', the customers who would wander through my check out line each week.  Being the writer that I am, and a creative soul who is always stitching together stories, I wondered about the people who ventured through my check out lane - their lives, families, jobs, why they bought what they did . . .

I think most of us have or have had jobs in which we work(ed) with people.  Typically, it's long hours, sore feet, hard work, with impatient customers - as well as some very nice customers and colleagues.  I've been on both sides of that equation - clerk and customer - and I would gladly, proudly serve in either role in the future.  Along that vein, a fitting quote, one of my all time favorites, is from Martin Luther King, Jr.:

"If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well."

My point today is this:  a simple 'hello', a smile, a few kind words can make a huge difference in a store clerk's day.  Why not show a little gratitude to the person who is trying to move you in and out of the store as fast as he/she can?  Personally, I enjoy interacting with the staff that I see in the shops that I frequent.  Just because we don't have tiny corner grocery stores in each and every neighborhood doesn't mean we can maintain and preserve 'human kindness' in our daily lives. 

Next store clerk you see - why not make a decision to smile, be nice, and appreciate their efforts . . . who knows, maybe it will rub off one person to the next.  I bet it will make that person's day a little lighter, easier and happier.  Wouldn't that make you feel great too?

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 - January 15, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved 

I Resolve To™ . . . Learn More About My Carbon Footprint - Day 14

Happy Monday!  It's Tip Day - 'How To Give The Boot To Your Carbon Footprint'.  Part of my 'Gratitude-Giving Back Resolution' is to learn more about how I can combat Global Warming and take daily action.  First step is to educate myself about the causes of Global Warming, and what my Carbon Footprint actually is.  So, I've been surfing the Internet.  There are actually a lot of really good websites that provide useful, easy to understand information.

In a nutshell, based on what I've read, my carbon footprint is a measure of my activities on the environment, such as driving my car.  In other words, the amount of Greenhouse Gases that are produced, and measured by the amount of CO2 (Carbon) that is emitted into the atmosphere. 

Not a day goes by anymore that you don't read or hear dire news stories about the threat of Global Warming.  Scientific evidence shows that Global Warming is result of our actions, such as our vehicle miles traveled and use of electricity.  Experts say, driving less and using less electricity is part of the solution.  Trees are seen as a way to reduce Global Warming because they serve as a pollution filter (they absorb Carbon Dioxide).  So, instead of cutting down trees and paving over our natural areas, we need to preserve our natural environment and plant more trees! 

Here are some useful websites that have easy to understand information about Climate Change, Global Warming and our Carbon Footprints:

• CarbonFootprint.Com
• An Inconvenient Truth
• Plant-A-Tree-Today.Org
• Wikipedia Carbon Footprint
• Direct.Gov.UK - Calculate Your Carbon Footprint
• Environmental Defense:  FightGlobalWarming.Com
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Climate Change, Greenhouse Emissions

In 2008, I plan to educate myself about my Carbon Footprint in an effort to do my part, take action - and urge others to join me.   Whether you're fighting Global Warming, or working to make and keep a New Year Resolution - small steps taken one at a time, one day at a time add up over the long haul. 

If I do my part, and convince you to do your part, and you convince someone else . . . well I think you can see where I'm headed: that's huge positive change for the better both personally and globally.  I urge you to join me on two fronts:  1)  Make just one New Year Resolution in 2008, pursue a cherished dream about which you have huge interest, passion and desire, and;  2)  Stop by IResolveTo.Com often to learn more about what you can do to fight Global Warming.  One resolution - one small step at a time, one day at a time for one year = major positive change for the better!

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 - January 14, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

I Resolve To™ . . . Keep My Eye On The Prize! - Day 13

Time passes so quickly!  We're already heading into the second week of 2008 . . . amazing.  My biggest problem - and probably yours as well - is finding enough time in the day to get it all done.  Seems that society and our daily lives just speed up, things never slow down, hence the battle to 'get it all done'.  If you made resolution and you're struggling just a bit, no worries - you can make and keep a resolution virtually any day of the year.

Equally important, keep in mind you don't have to make your resolution a reality overnight - you have the power of time: 352 days remain 2008.  One small step, one day at a time for one year can reap huge rewards!  Consider these tips as you ponder your next steps:

1. Get Organized.  If you're buried in paper and clutter it's hard to motivate yourself toward achieving a dream, resolution and daily goals.  I like to do a top to bottom house cleaning three or four times each year - and definitely do a major cleaning right around the New Year.  In addition to helping you to find things and maintain focus - a thoroughly clean and organized house/office makes you feel great.  If your organization project will take longer than a day or weekend - break it into small projects that you can tackle over a few weeks or a month.
2. Keep It Simple.  Focus on just one major life-changing dream at at time.  Turn your dream into a specific one-sentence resolution.  Make that resolution a reality with small daily goals.  Take one small step at a time, one day at a time for one year.
3. Learn And Plan:  Do your homework to learn the 'who, what, when, where, why, and how' that will enable you to build a plan that will take you from idea to achievement:  fulfilling your dream, your resolution.
4. Set Priorities:  You can't get it all done in one day, that's not realistic.  Know the next 10, 20, 30, 50, 100 daily goals that are necessary, set priorities, and tackle them one by one.  Your daily goals are like stairs to the stars.  As you reach for the stars, each step takes you closer to capturing a handful of stardust. 
5. Write It Down:  A Daily Resolution Diary will help you to build a plan, track progress, create a timeline, measure milestones, and reward yourself for hard-won victories.  Your Diary will also keep you organized and make daily and weekly Check-Ins a snap.
6. Do It Daily:  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count!  Take action, one step at a time, one day at a time for one year.  The rewards will add up like money in the bank drawing interest over time.
7. Tell The World:  Enlist your friends and family in your quest.  Ask for their advice and support. Ask them to join you!  Start a blog and record your journey.  Join a club.  Take a class. Plant Post-It notes at work and home as reminders.  Wear your resolution!  Carry it around on your coffee mug!  Put it on your computer screen and your mouse pad!
8. Be Flexible:  Obstacles will appear like dandelions on a Spring day and ultimately interfere with the best-laid plans.  You will often be Overtaken By Events.  Plan for the obstacles and embrace them.  Use them to build knowledge, experience, strength, and determination.  Instead of feeling sorry for yourself, use obstacles to build self esteem, momentum and motivation by overcoming and beating them!
9. Celebrate Your Successes:  Give yourself a pat on the back!  Be proud of your accomplishments.  Use them to fuel the fire of your passion for your dream, your resolution and your daily goals.  Reward yourself often.  Small pleasures for a job well done will keep you interested, enthusiastic and moving forward day after day.
10. Keep Your Eye On The Prize:  Know your ultimate goal.  Know what you want to achieve.  Visualize what your dream, your resolution will look like at the end of the journey.  Keep your eye on the prize and when you finally 'grab it, hang on tight and take it to the next level'!

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 - January 13, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

I Resolve To™ . . . Do My Weekly Check-In! - Day 12

It's Saturday, the weekend is upon us, and that means it's time to 'Check-In'!  I like to Check In ever day when I do my journaling and planning for the day.  It helps to keep my 2008 dream, resolution and daily goals front and center, and on track.  Not everyone has time to do daily Check-Ins.  Weekly Check-Ins are the next best thing.  When you only Check-In once each month, or each quarter, it's really hard to keep track of daily progress, next steps, timelines, milestones, and wins.  That's why writing things down in a Daily Resolution Diary and reviewing it regularly are so, so important.

This year, my resolution theme is to 'Give Back' - to show my 'Gratitude' for all that I have and all that I am in four ways:

1. Walk 60 miles for the Breast Cancer 3-Day - Susan G. Komen For The Cure - in Washington, DC, October 3-5, 2008.  My team is I Resolve To Walk!
2. Volunteer at a Virginia Horse Rescue Farm.
3. Learn about how to combat Global Warming and take action.
4. Engage in PreMeditated acts of kindness.

I know I can't make progress in each category/goal every single day - that's not realistic - so I plan my next steps for each goal, and take a step or two toward one every day.  For instance, I'm doing research on how to combat Global Warming and reduce my Carbon Footprint.  I'm posting useful information here on my blog in an effort urge others to consider doing their part for the environment.  One of the things that I wrote about this week - and that I'm doing in 2008 - is trying to reduce my use of plastic bags.  I'm recycling some of the bags that I'm given, so that I don't get new ones.  Each time I recycle I figure that's one less bag in a landfill.

I'm also brainstorming ways to 'be kinder' - likewise posting ideas here on my blog.  This week - actually every time I get in my car - I try to give the other guy some room on the road, let people merge, and generally practice safe driving techniques.

With both goals - helping the environment and being kinder - I'm trying to lead by example.  If each one of us did one positive thing for the environment, and one kind thing for our fellow humans, that really adds up, and could promote both personal and global change.  As with most things - New Year Resolutions, fighting Global Warming, thoughtful acts of kindness - our actions add up over time.  If each one of us takes one small step at a time, one day at a time, that activity can make a huge difference.  You don't have to move mountains overnight - just be committed enough to stick with your values, your priorities - your dreams - for the long haul.

So, as for me in the coming week - I have my next 10, 20, 30 steps outlined in my journal for my 'Gratitude Project'.  I going to draft and send to friends and family a fundraising letter for my October Breast Cancer 3Day Walk.  I'm setting up a training schedule and investigating training gear for Spring work outs. Best of all, in addition to helping to raise money for breast cancer research - my 3Day Walk is helping me to fulfill one of my LifeTime Resolutions:  Daily Exercise.  When you know what your priorities are, it's amazing how they blend together, work together, enable one to do great things, and lend purpose to ordinary, everyday life!

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 - January 12, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

I Resolve To™ . . . Reduce My Plastic Bag Use! - Day 11

Happy Friday!  On Monday-Wednesday-Friday in 2008 I'm providing tips to 'Give The Boot To My Carbon Footprint', and today is Friday Tip Day.  My resolution this year is to show my gratitude and to 'give back'.  The environment is one of the recipients - and today, my focus is plastic bags.  Seems like almost every time you walk into a store you walk out with plastic bags.  Even if it is healthy for the environment, it's probably not realistic to think that each one of us is going to totally give up using plastic bags - but what if one, or two, or three days each week we make a pointed effort to 'give up plastic'?  Imagine how that would add up over time!

A perfect example, on Thursdays I spend the day with one of my clients.  I'm pretty habit-bound, as you might have guessed based on my inclination toward 'making and keeping' New Year Resolutions here at IResolveTo.Com.  On Thursdays, I stop at the same bagel shop and buy a salad, two bagels and a large coffee, which gets me through the day.  It occurred to me, recently, walking out of the shop that I could easily re-use the same bag on my weekly visits.  That means 51 less bags in a landfill each year.  Again, though it doesn't sound like much on it's own, but imagine if each one of us did that just one day each week.  Consider the dividends for the environment! 

One of my goals in 2008 is to walk out of that bagel shop every week with the same plastic bag (or if I veer of course which does happen, maybe use a couple plastic bags in 2008).  The point is that it is one small way that I can help to protect and preserve the environment.  There are other opportunities and ways in which I can 'use less plastic' and I'll set similar goals in days to come.  This is a perfect example of my tried and true path to achieving New Year Resolutions, dreams and goals:  one small step at a time, one day at a time, builds large dividends 'over time', a year or more.

Here are a few interesting Websites that have useful information about plastic bags.  Keep in mind, they are not exhaustive, or the final word, as there is much dissension on the issue of whether or not to use plastic bags and how long it takes for them to degrade . . .

• My Own Bag
• WorldWatch Institute
• FriendlyBags
• Slate.Com

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 - January 11, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

I Resolve To™ . . . Perform PreMeditated Acts Of Kindness On The Road! - Day 10

Traffic, traffic, traffic!  Seems no matter where you live, where you travel, where you go on daily errands - there's traffic congestion.  I live on the East Coast in the Washington, D.C. Metroplitan Region, one of the most traffic-clogged areas in the United States.  Four years ago, I moved 60-miles away from Washington to the country.  I was searching for more balance and a slightly calmer lifestyle - without giving up my career and a City and region that I love.  So I compromised - I move close enought to D.C. to maintain my business, but far enough away to have some 'space'. 

With that compromise came more time in spent in the car on Interstate 95 between Fredericksburg and D.C.  I made a decision and promise to myself to 'deal' with the traffic.  I work from home much of the time, so I don't drive the Interstate everyday, but on the days that I do hop in my car, I enjoy the time because I can think, daydream, listen to music, and have a little time to myself - and because I 'chill', 'let it go' when other drivers are rude.

I make a conscious decision everytime I get into my car to 'be nice'.  It is so easy to get upset with thoughtless, often crazy, sometimes downright mean drivers.  When I lived in the City those drivers drove 'me' crazy.  No more.  When someone is riding my bumper I move over.  When someone cuts me off, or nearly sends me into a ditch, I count to 10 and thank the Lord that I'm still alive.  When someone pulls into a parking place that I am backing into (parallel parking - and yes this happens a lot), I just move on. When I just let these drivers do 'their thing' - and avoid getting upset - my day is a whole lot better. 

With that in mind why not engage in a PreMeditated Act Of Kindess On The Road Today?  Be kind to your fellow drivers.  Let someone in who is having a hard time merging into your lane.  Don't crowd folks - get off their bumpers.  Use a turn signal.  I'm not going to lecture - you know what I'm talking about.  But consider this:  if each one of us did one nice thing on the road today, tomorrow, maybe even the next day, it might rub off on others.  It could certainly make someone else's day.  And imagine this, it might eventually become a positive habit!  I'm optimistic that my 'gratitude and giving back' resolution might help me to develop a few new 'good habits'.  Why not join me and give it a go?  Be nice on the roads today :)

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 - January 10, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

I Resolve To™ . . . Give The Boot To My Carbon Footprint! - Day 9

It's Wednesday - 'Give The Boot' Day!  My resolution 'theme' this year is 'giving back' and one of recipients is the environment - 'Give The Boot To My Carbon Footprint'!  I have so much to learn about how to protect and preserve the environment. That's one of the reasons I chose, late last year, to make it a topic three times each week here on my blog in 2008.  Rarely a day goes by that we don't read 'headlines' about the dire state of the planet, potential extinction, and the threat of Global Warming and Climate Change.  I've read about all three in just the past couple days in the newspaper.

That kind of 'wake up call' prompted me to take action here on my Blog:  both to educate myself and others about what we can do collectively . . . If each one of us takes small daily steps to combat Climate Change those efforts, globally, could have a huge impact over time. 

That said, the same positive attitude and determination applies to achieving dreams, resolutions and goals:  small steps taken one at a time, one day at a time, pay big dividends over time.   Those small steps - daily goals - enable us to achieve heartfelt dreams, reap enormous rewards and fulfill our full potential.

Ten years ago, I made a huge leap of faith and left a stable employer and profitable salary to start my own business.  Being a small business owner, and perhaps even an entrepreneur, was a long-held dream, one that I knew I would attempt and achieve oneday.  When I made the actual leap, I built my business around the things that I love to do - photography, communications, politics, fundraising, and event planning.  I made a promise to myself that I would take on and maintain long-term clients that shared my values and vision - people (candidates) that worked for issues about which I strongly believe, and organizations that do the same.  I have enormous respect for my clients - our shared goals and vision fuel my fire day after day.

In recent years, one of those clients has been the Audubon Naturalist Society (ANS) in Chevy Chase, Maryland.  ANS does a wonderful job of fostering stewardship of the Washington, DC Metropolitan Region's environment by educating citizens about the natural world, promoting conservation of biodiversity, and protecting wildlife habitat.  If you live near DC, have a look at the ANS website and consider getting involved!  ANS, which is also a sanctuary, offers a wide array of educational programs and volunteer opportunities for people of all ages. 

If you don't live near ANS hop on the Internet, or head to your local libraray.  A little legwork is sure to provide you with a wide array of learning and volunteer opportunities with similar environmental organizations, or sanctuaries in your area.

Bottom line:  I hope you will stop by IResolveTo.Com often in 2008.  I'll be sharing easy to use and understand, weekly tips about ways to fight Global Warming, as well as advice about how to achieve dreams, resolutions, and goals.  I firmly believe folks are much more apt to actually achieve their resolutions and goals if they are positive intentions about which there is enormous interest, passion, desire, and ultimately 'reward' - that's why I'm sharing my resolution activities each day in an effort to lead by example.

Why not 'give it a go' in 2008?  You have far more to lose by 'never' pursuing your dreams - those wonderful things that inspire you to jump out of bed in the morning and shake your fist at the world - than never trying at all!

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 - January 9, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

I Resolve To™ . . . Be Kind - Day 8

Random Acts Of Kindness . . .  Random acts of kindness can be a wonderful part of life.  Being kind, warm-hearted, considerate, sympathetic, and humane are positive and rewarding traits to cultivate because they benefit the person giving and the person receiving.  It's rewarding when you can bestow a 'random act of kindness' on someone in need - a smile, a favor, a bit of help . . . but what if each one of us took a more pro-active approach to 'kindness'?   What if we made a more conscious effort to 'be kind' to both ourselves and to others - PreMeditated Acts Of Kindness?  I imagine the world would be a much better place.  If each one of us gave some real thought to our daily actions and activities and practiced just one small act of kindness each and every day - globally, that's an awful lot of positive energy and activity!

I believe that each one of us is capable of great things.  Each one of us has enormous potential to do good.  That said, we don't have to move mountains overnight, or perform miracles.  When you know what you want to do, why you want to do it, and how you're going to do it - you're well on your way to succeeding.  That applies to making and keeping New Year Resolutions, fulfilling dreams, and achieving goals - as well as making the world a better place by being kind.

As I've written in previous posts - my dream, my resolution in 2008 is to 'give back'.  It's a theme for the year.  One of the ways, within that theme, that I intend to give back is to look for and think about ways that I can be kinder.  Part of the catalyst for my resolution is my upcoming 50th birthday in April.  I'm pretty darn grateful for 'all that I have and all that I am', so I want to show my gratitude by giving back in various ways, one of which is PreMeditated Acts Of 'Kindness'.

I've reflected on my long career in politics and journalism where the action is fast and the elbows are sharp.  I want to continue to survive in this rough and tumble business, and the enormous Metropolitan area in which I live and thrive, the Washington, DC region -  but I also want to cultivate a kinder, gentler lifestyle, and re-discover that idealistic person that embarked on a journalistic career back in the 1970's.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout 2008 I'm going to brainstorm and write about ways in which I - and you, if you're willing to take on the challenge - can be kinder to my fellow humans.  I'm going to make an effort to act, to be kinder in both thought and action.  The animals in my universe are already covered.  Four years ago I moved from the city to the country to find a gentler way of life - the deer, birds, squirrels, turtles, chipmunks, raccoons, and other critters in my little patch of land are well cared for, trust me! 

I urge you to join me here throughout the year.  Perhaps for a bit of inspiration, or to meet up with a kindred spirit who is trying to keep dreams alive and do some good.  If you have a resolution, a dream, or daily goals that you would truly love to pursue - there is no better time than the present.  Why not 'give it a go' in 2008?

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 - January 8, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

I Resolve To . . . Take Action Against Global Warming - Day 7

Happy Monday To You And Again Happy New Year!  Since it's Monday, it's 'Tip Day:  How To Fight Global Warming And Take Daily Action.  On Monday, Wednesday and Friday in 2008 I'm providing news and information about 'how to reduce our carbon footprints' in an effort to fight Global Warming.  My personal resolution and theme for the year is 'giving back' and the environment is one of my recipients.  In an effort to educate and motivate myself, I plan to do the same for others here on my blog.  If you haven't made a resolution yet, why not consider your options today - it's never too early or too late! 

When it comes to Climate Change and Global Warming, I have a lot to learn, so I plan to inform myself about the facts, then take action - one small step at a time, one day at a time, which 'over time, will generate 'results'.  Imagine what great things could happen in our personal lives and 'globally' if each one of us made a commitment to follow a dream one small step at a time, one day at a time!

I get daily Google E-mail Alerts about New Year Resolutions and have discovered that many other individuals and organizations are making the same resolution:  To Reduce Carbon Footprints.  The editors of E/The Environmental Magazine ran an article that is chock full of tips and easy to understand facts about why it is so important for individuals, business owners, local and state governments to take steps to reduce the Carbon Footprint.  The article was in response to a reader who made the same resolution that I did - to 'reduce her Carbon Footprint in an effort to help fight Global Warming'.  It's an interesting read, click here for the full article:   EarthTalkArticle122707.pdf.

One of the tips in the article is to 'stay close to home' because about half the CO2 - Carbon - that is released into the atmosphere comes from automobile trips.  One of my weekly goals is to consolidate my errands, and trips from Fredericksburg to Washington for work events and meetings.  In the past I've been pretty careful about consolidating my appointments to reduce travel (I'm not fond of fighting traffic on Interstate 95), but there is always room for improvement!  I've made that decision, and each week as I plan my calendar, I'm going to try to stick close to home, walk more and drive less.  Consider joining me - and/or pursue one of your own heartfelt dreams in 2008!

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 - January 7, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

I Resolve To™ . . . Keep It Simple In 2008! - Day 6

If you want to make and keep a New Year Resolution in 2008:  Keep It Simple! That's a thought to ponder this Sunday as we kick back and get a little rest after the long holiday season.  When you ponder 'what' you would like to achieve in months to come, and 'how' you're going to get there, be kind to yourself.  Don't harbor unrealistic expectations about what you can achieve.  Instead, challenge yourself, but lower the bar to a workable level.  Choose just one heartfelt dream, one life-altering resolution, and focus on that one dream for the next 365 days.

The beauty of choosing just one dream, and devoting your attention to that one dream for one full year, is that you don't have to move mountains overnight.  You don't need to pressure yourself to lose 50 pounds in 30 days, or write a novel in a couple months, or get fit in a few weeks, or develop a healthy lifestyle in a single day.  Why make a resolution, keep it, check it off your list, and move on?  Why not make a resolution and keep it with you for life?  Blend that resolution into the tapestry that is your life, and use it to build confidence and momentum toward other dreams, resolutions and goals. 

In 2008, instead of focusing on the 10 things that you hate about yourself - focus on just one positive dream that you would dearly love to achieve in this lifetime.  Spend 30-minutes, or an hour each and every day taking small steps toward achieving that dream.  Those small steps will add up to enormous achievement - over time - if you're willing to work hard, be patient, passionate, and persistent.  Why not 'go for it' in 2008, what do you have to lose?  Maybe you have everything to gain . . .

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 - January 6, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

Whole Foods Market Survey Released

Whole Foods Market has released a national survey that revealed that more than 75% of Americans would prefer to adopt long-term healthy lifestyle solutions rather than make New Year Resolutions.  Interestingly, 33% of the respondents 'chose making the world a better place' as their top resolution in 2008; while 32% of those surveyed said that 'spending more time with family' would be their top choice in the New Year.  Losing weight and adopting healthy habits is typically at the top of most surveys - in this case, that resolution came in third at 23%.  Have a look at the survey, it's an interesting read:  WholeFoodsSurvey2007.pdf

I like the notion that folks would prefer to adopt long- term healthy lifestyle solutions rather than make a resolution on New Year's Day and abandon it days, or weeks later.  I firmly believe that people can use the practice of making resolutions in a beneficial way - one that doesn't lead to guilt and failure.  That's why I work so hard here at IResolveTo.Com to urge folks to change the paradigm and think outside the box.  Instead of making that long list of negative things that folks feel they should change on January 1 - I urge them to adopt just one positive resolution, a dream, that they would truly love to pursue each and every day. 

The odds of succeeding grow exponentially when a person is inspired, interested and committed.  Beyond that, consider the downside of 'never trying' - where is the magic in life without dreams and achievement?  If you never try, instead of guilt or failure, you end up with regret for all that you 'didn't do'.  Maybe it's time to pull a dream off your list and 'go for it'.  What do you have to lose?  Consider all that you have to gain . . .

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 - January 5, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

I Resolve To™ . . . Plan For The New Year! - Day 5

It's time to take a looonnngg, deeeepp, breath!  It's the weekend - finally an opportunity to kick back and relax just a bit.  The holiday season is now just a memory and the New Year is stretched before us like a rainbow with all of its wonderful potential and possibility.  Are you ready??  Did you make a New Year Resolution??  If not, it's never too late, or too early, to pursue a heartfelt dream.  Here at IResolveTo.Com - we start with a dream, turn it into a concise, one-sentence resolution, and make it a reality with daily goals!

Why not grab a cup of coffee, a calendar and your journal, and do a little daydreaming and brainstorming this weekend about what you can achieve in 2008.  Why not take that first step toward making your dream, your resolution, a reality starting today?  I did just that, and I plan to show up here each and every day in an effort to make my dream, resolution and daily goals happen in 2008!  I turn 50 in April.  With that in mind, I chose a Resolution Theme for 2008:  Gratitude and Giving Back . . . I am so grateful to have made it this far, and I feel blessed.

In the coming year, I plan to show my Gratitude for 'all that I have and all that I am' by 'Giving Back' in four areas of my life:

1. Walk 60 miles for the Breast Cancer 3-Day - Susan G. Komen For The Cure - in Washington, DC, October 3-5, 2008.  My team is I Resolve To Walk!
2. Volunteer at a Virginia Horse Rescue Farm.
3. Learn about how to combat Global Warming and take action.
4. Engage in PreMeditated acts of kindness.

Each week I'll provide a report on how I'm doing with my resolution, as well as tips, news, and advice on how to make and keep New Year Resolutions. Here is the schedule:

Monday:  'Give The Boot To Your Carbon Footprint' - Tips On How To Combat Global Warming And Take Daily Action.

Tuesday:  PreMeditated Acts Of Kindness & Ways To Give Back - My Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk and Fundraising Activities, Horse Rescue Efforts, And Other Ways To Give Back And Show Gratitude.

Wednesday:  'Give The Boot To Your Carbon Footprint' - Tips On How To Combat Global Warming And Take Daily Action.

Thursday:  PreMeditated Acts Of Kindness & Ways To Give Back - My Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk and Fundraising Activities, Horse Rescue Efforts, And Other Ways To Give Back And Show Gratitude.

Friday:  'Give The Boot To Your Carbon Footprint' - Tips On How To Combat Global Warming And Take Daily Action.

Saturday:  Weekly Check-In - How I Am Doing And What I Need To Do To Make My Dreams A Reality.

Sunday:  I Resolve To . . . Column - How To Make And Keep New Year Resolutions And Enjoy The Journey.  Ways To Be A Resolutionista!

In addition to 'giving back' - my goal in 2008 is to lead by example here on my blog.  I plan to clearly, concisely show 'how to make and keep New Year Resolutions' and how to 'live your dreams' by 'doing it daily' here at IResolveTo.Com.   I hope you'll join me!

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 - January 5, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

I Resolve To™ . . . Show Up Each And Every Day In 2008! - Day 4

Just show up!  As each day passes, taking us farther away from January 1, interest in actually 'keeping' our New Year Resolutions wanes.  Don't let that happen in 2008!  Make this year different.  Start with one resolution about which you have enormous interest and desire.  Make that resolution a reality, one small step at a time, one day at a time for the next 365 days with patience, passion and persistence. 

Bottom line - make it happen by 'showing up' each and every day.  On those days that you're tired, or bored - show up.  On those days that you don't have an ounce of inspiration - show up.  On those days that you're worried about failing, or unsure about your next steps - show up.  Half the battle is just showing up for 30-minutes, or an hour, or two.  You could put in your best effort on those days that you feel the least motivated and inspired.

If you're writing a novel fire up your computer and write one page even if you're not sure what to write.  Sit down and give it a go!  That one page could be the best page you've ever written.  If you'd rather lounge on the couch than hit the treadmill, hit the treadmill first, then reward yourself with a good movie afterward.  If you want to start a small business do your homework now - on the Internet, at the Public Library, join a networking group, find a mentor who shares your passion, take a class, get busy right now.  Don't put if off.

I long ago learned that 'showing up' and taking small actions - goals - each and every day adds up over time. Those small actions can turn the spark of an idea into full blown dream - a dream that you can keep with you for a lifetime.  Join me here at IResolveTo.Com in 2008.  I plan to show up here each and every day with tips about how to fulfill dreams, keep resolutions and achieve goals.  I'll also provide information about ways to 'give back' in the New Year.  That's my resolution!

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 - January 4, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

I Resolve To™ . . . Show My Gratitude In 2008! - Day 3

Happy New Year!  Again.  I know, we're already into Day 3 of the New Year, but I just love this time of the year, hence my excitement.  Actually, I love writing about and living my New Year Resolutions 365 days of the year.  Showing up here on my blog day after day in an effort to help others, helps me as well, to stay positive and to work toward my own dreams, resolutions and goals.

Yes, I do have a wonderful new dream, resolution and daily goals for 2008!  I've been thinking about this for a few months, and I plan to work diligently to make them real in the coming year.  As I've mentioned in previous posts, I turn 50 in April, so I've decided to make 2008 my year of giving back.  I'm truly grateful for 'all that I have and all that I am'.  Those words are actually my signature, a silent prayer, each and every day at the end of my morning hand-written journal.  Julia Cameron and her The Artist's Way books got me going on the daily journaling; I've been doing daily journaling since I read The Artist's Way 10 years ago - she's wonderful and her books are so inspirational!

I've decided to lead by example here on my blog again in 2008.  Not only am I going to lend advice about how to make and keep resolutions - I'm going to live those resolutions here on my blog each and every day in 2008.  I've done this in previous years with my exercise resolutions and it really pays off for me.  I hope it pays off for you as well!

In the coming year, I plan to show my gratitude for 'all that I have and all that I am' in four areas of my life:

1. Walk 60 miles for the Breast Cancer 3-Day - Susan G. Komen For The Cure - in Washington, DC, October 3-5, 2008.  My team is I Resolve To Walk!
2. Volunteer at a Virginia Horse Rescue Farm.
3. Learn about how to combat Global Warming and take action.
4. Engage in PreMeditated acts of kindness.

I hope you will join me here in 2008 with one of your own dreams - or to learn more about how to fight breast cancer, combat global warming, help horses and other critters, and to be kinder to fellow humans.  I know I can do better, maybe you can too!   Consider lending a hand with my resolutions, and of course join me here each and every day in an effort to fuel the fire of your own passion:  your dream, resolution and daily goals!

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 - January 3, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

I Resolve To™ . . . Remember Dear Abby's Resolutions - Day 2

Each year I try to remind myself of Dear Abby's New Year Resolutions, which are often printed at the beginning of a New Year.  The resolutions were adapted from the original credo of Al-Anon by Pauline Phillips, who founded the Dear Abby column (the writer known as Abigail Van Buren; and today written under the same pen name by her daughter, Jeanne Phillips).   Much of what she writes applies to the premise behind my I Resolve To Blog and system for making and keeping New Year Resolutions:  I Resolve To . . . Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time, For One Year.

I'd like to share, again, what Dear Abby wrote in her New Year Resolution article:

JUST FOR TODAY, I will live through this day only.  I will not brood about yesterday or obsess about tomorrow.  I will not set far-reaching goals or try to overcome all of my problems at once.  I know that I can do something for 24 hours that would overwhelm me if I had to keep it up for a lifetime.

JUST FOR TODAY, I will be happy.  I will not dwell on thoughts that depress me.  If my mind fills with clouds, I will chase them away and fill it with sunshine.

JUST FOR TODAY, I will accept what is.  I will face reality.  I will correct those things that I can correct and accept those that I cannot.

JUST FOR TODAY, I will improve my mind.  I will read something that requires effort, thought and concentration.  I will not be a mental loafer.

JUST FOR TODAY, I will make a conscious effort to be agreeable.  I will be kind and courteous to those who cross my path, and I'll not speak ill of others.  I'll improve my appearance, speak softly, and not interrupt when someone else is talking.  Just for today, I'll refrain from improving anybody but myself.

JUST FOR TODAY, I will do something positive to improve my health.  If I'm a smoker, I'll quit.  If I'm overweight, I'll eat healthily--if only for today.  And not only that, I'll get off the couch and take a brisk walk, even if it's only around the block.

JUST FOR TODAY, I will gather the courage to do what is right and take responsibility for my own actions.

Adapted by Dear Abby - Abigail Van Buren (Pauline Phillips) - from the Al-Anon Credo

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 - January 2, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

Each year I try to remind myself of Dear Abby's New Year Resolutions, which are often printed at the beginning of a New Year.  The resolutions were adapted from the original credo of Al-Anon by Pauline Phillips, who founded the Dear Abby column (the writer known as Abigail Van Buren; and today written under the same pen name by her daughter, Jeanne Phillips).   Much of what she writes applies to the premise behind my I Resolve To Blog and system for making and keeping New Year Resolutions:  I Resolve To . . . Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time, For One Year.

I'd like to share, again, what Dear Abby wrote in her New Year Resolution article:

JUST FOR TODAY, I will live through this day only.  I will not brood about yesterday or obsess about tomorrow.  I will not set far-reaching goals or try to overcome all of my problems at once.  I know that I can do something for 24 hours that would overwhelm me if I had to keep it up for a lifetime.

JUST FOR TODAY, I will be happy.  I will not dwell on thoughts that depress me.  If my mind fills with clouds, I will chase them away and fill it with sunshine.

JUST FOR TODAY, I will accept what is.  I will face reality.  I will correct those things that I can correct and accept those that I cannot.

JUST FOR TODAY, I will improve my mind.  I will read something that requires effort, thought and concentration.  I will not be a mental loafer.

JUST FOR TODAY, I will make a conscious effort to be agreeable.  I will be kind and courteous to those who cross my path, and I'll not speak ill of others.  I'll improve my appearance, speak softly, and not interrupt when someone else is talking.  Just for today, I'll refrain from improving anybody but myself.

JUST FOR TODAY, I will do something positive to improve my health.  If I'm a smoker, I'll quit.  If I'm overweight, I'll eat healthily--if only for today.  And not only that, I'll get off the couch and take a brisk walk, even if it's only around the block.

JUST FOR TODAY, I will gather the courage to do what is right and take responsibility for my own actions.

Adapted by Dear Abby - Abigail Van Buren (Pauline Phillips) - from the Al-Anon Credo

New Year Possibilities -

"The Old Year has gone.  Let the dead past bury its own dead.  The New Year has taken possession of the clock of time.  All hail the duties and possibilities of the coming twelve months!"

Edward Payson Powell - From Quotegarden

I Resolve To™ . . . Have A Wonderful New Year - Day 1

Happy New Year!!!  I hope you are having a fabulous day and looking forward to an equally fabulous year.  There is so much to look forward to in this wonderful New Year.  Personally, I was excited to find an email today from Helium.Com's, Barbara Whitlock, telling me that one of my articles is featured on Helium's Homepage.  That was quite a compliment.  I enjoy sharing my articles on how to make and keep New Year Resolutions with Helium.  The Helium site is a true wealth of information.

Please have a look at my article that ran today on Helium.Com.  You can also find a wide array of my essays and articles that Helium is running by clicking this link.  May they lend inspiration and hope as you launch your 2008 dreams, resolutions and goals.  Please visit IResolveTo.Com often in 2008.  I'll be here each and every day offering inspiration and insight about how to make your resolutions a reality!

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 - January 1, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved