It's Saturday and that means it's time to review progress on my 2008 New Year Resolution to 'show gratitude for all that I have and all that I am by giving back'. If you truly want to make and keep your resolutions - commitment and accountability are keys to success. When you show up each and every day and devote at least 30-minutes, or more, to your daily goals, that time and those accomplishments really add 
up in a year's time. So grab a cup of coffee, pull out your journal, and get ready to do some brainstorming on what you've achieved this week and what you hope to achieve in the coming week.
Personally, I love to write, so daily journaling is a firm part of my life. I like to check in on my dreams, resolutions and daily goals every morning, and it really does help me to stay focused on what I need to do that day, that week, and in weeks to come. Not everyone has the time to review progress every day - and some folks would rather spend that time working on their daily tasks - so a weekly Check-In will more than suffice. The point is to stay connected to your plan, timeline, deadlines, and milestones (your victories and successes), so that you can keep the momentum going and make course corrections when necessary.
In 2008, I made a personal commitment to 'show gratitude for all that I have and all that I am by giving back in four areas of my life':
- Walk 60 miles for the Washington, DC Breast Cancer 3-Day and raise $3000.
- Volunteer at a Virginia Horse Rescue Farm.
- Learn more about how to combat Global Warming and take action!
- Engage in PreMeditated Acts Of Kindness.
With six months left in the year there is plenty of time to achieve my 2008 'gratitude resolution', and keep the forward momentum going on my Lifetime Resolutions, which include exercise, my resolution project (new product designs, columns, E-Books, Audio Books, and a book). Here's the status of my efforts this week:
- Brainstorming ways to raise $250 for my 3-Day Walk, which will bring me to my goal of raising $3000 myself and more than $5000 for my team. I'm getting back on track with my training, and am building a plan that will enable me to rack up the miles - need to get to 27+ miles per week, and two back to back walks that total close to 20 miles. I'm looking at sleeping bags, fanny packs, work out clothes, and other gear that will prepare me for the walk. So things are on track - 83 days until the walk!
- I'm holding off on volunteering at a Virginia Horse Rescue farm until this Fall, when I am stronger and my stamina has improved. For now, I'm trying to get my yard and garden beds back in shape after a couple months of post-surgery neglect. But plan to begin reviewing farms again and pick a few to visit, so I can decide where to spend my time volunteering.
- I continue to move forward with my 'Give The Boot To Your Carbon Footprint' Project. I'm continuing my research and brainstorming new ideas. I try to conserve energy by shutting off lights/computers etc., am down to near zero plastic bags when I shop, am driving as little as possible, conserving water, and so on. Need to add some new ideas to the list. And I need to hit the local library to ask about recycling my magazines.
- PreMeditated Acts of Kindness - a daily effort to be conscious about my words, gestures and actions (how I treat others and myself) is on track. It is becoming a habit to be much more conscious of what I am saying and doing - and to try to insert more kindness toward others into each and every day. It's time to do some brainstorming about creative ways to reach out to others. I'm finding that there are times that I have to say 'no' to folks who expect my help occasionally, and I'm trying not to feel bad about that. Each one of us has only so much to give and I'm learning that you really have to seek a balance to keep yourself healthy and happy, and to 'do some good for others'.
So, all in all, I'm pleased with the progress this week. If I continue to maintain my focus and put in the hours of sweat equity, I'll be pleased as punch with my achievements on January 1, 2009. So much to do . . . and I intend to 'keep my eye' on the prize as I make the journey!
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 12, 2008
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