I RESOLVE TO . . .

I Resolve To™ . . . Make Good Use Of My Blank Page Today! - Day 331

Just 36 Days until the New Year - plenty of time to get a jump on dreams, resolutions and daily goals in advance of January 1!  I'm re-running some of my favorite columns in an effort to get folks motivated and I'll be posting new ideas and information as we draw closer that big day!  Thought For Today:  Be A Resolutionista!  Make good use of your blank page TODAY!

A brand new day! Isn't it wonderful that we were given a new one this morning? No matter what happened yesterday, or the day before - good or bad - we got a brand new day today, a brand new chance to try again, thanks to God's good graces. What a wonderful gift.Personally, regardless of what set of circumstances I'm dealt today, I'm going to make my own thoughtful 'choices' about how I react, how I approach my day, what I plan to focus on, my attitude, and so on. I'm choosing right now to make the most of everything, rather than sleepwalking through the day.

I view each and every day as a new, blank page in the book that is my life, and I intend to make conscious, good choices about how I make each 24-hour journey. I believe in living each day as if it's New Year's Day. If you're a chronic resolution-setter like me, you understand that wonderful feeling that bubbles to the surface on January 1 when you've been given an 'entire' brand new year to achieve, do, be, experience, see, feel, create, learn! It's fabulous to have 365 new days, 365 new blank pages on which you can leave your mark.

If you're like me, when you're given those new blank pages, you fully understand that you don't have to draft that tired list of things that everyone thinks you should change. Instead you can draft an empowering list of dreams - the things that you want to 'do' while you're still here on this earth - and make a promise to yourself to pursue one of those dreams with patience, passion and persistence. There is nothing wrong with thinking outside the box. Why not be a Resolution Revolutionary and have the courage to try something different, a simple, common sense approach? Why not be a Resolutionista? Someone who turns dreams into resolutions that they make and keep. Someone who enjoys the journey? Someone who follows the I Resolve To Formula for Success . . .

Cherished Dream + Determined Resolution + Daily Goals = Success, Achievement & Reward!

With that strategy in mind, in addition to responding to everything that drops into your 'In-Box' at work and at home, devote at least 30-minutes to your dreams today, and everyday. All too often our dreams hit the back burner because we're Overtaken By Events - OBE - all the stuff that happens during the day that we have to respond to, or else! All too often we don't allow our dreams to serve as 'equals' on the priority list of daily responsibilities. Those responsibilities - work, family, home, school, hobbies, church, and so on - are vitally important, but it's up to you and me to give our dreams equal opportunities to grow and flourish, along with the 'In Box' tasks and the rest of our daily responsibilities. To do otherwise deprives us of the joy and fulfillment created by pursuing heartfelt dreams.

 If you have a dream that isn't getting an equal opportunity to thrive an flourish - if it's just a quiet spark living in your heart and mind, maybe it's time to pour some gasoline on that spark. Do your homework and build a plan that enables you to take one small step - fulfill a daily goal - each and every day. Each step, each goal, builds on the next one until you've fulfilled your dream, kept your resolution, and achieved success via your daily goals!

It's like compound interest on money in the bank, it quietly, steadily builds. When you reach the summit in your journey - don't cross your dream, your resolution off your list - take it to the next peak and make it a Lifetime Resolution that's with you for good! That's what being a Resolutionista is all about!

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 - November 26, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

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

I Resolve To™ . . . Use Course Corrections To Stay On Track With Dreams & New Year Resolutions! - Day 324

We're just 43 days away from a brand new year and that means I'm gearing up for 2009 here at I Resolve To . . . taking my dreams, resolutions and daily goals to a new level in the coming months.  During the next six weeks I'll be building toward the launch Resolve 365 . . . a new theme for the New Year.  'Yes', I do plan to continue to work on all of my Lifetime Resolutions:  Exercise, Graditutude, Walking For A Breast Cancer Cure, Giving The Boot To My Carbon Footprint, and so on . . . but I'll be shifting from weekly columns on the environment, kindness and gratitude - and adding a new theme to the mix (I'll continue to write periodically about 'gratitude & giving back').  So Stay Tuned!

In the meantime, I'm re-running some of my favorite columns in an effort to get folks motivated and I'll be posting new ideas and information as we draw closer to January 1, 2009!  Thought For Today:  Use Course Corrections To Stay On Track.

The New Year is right around the corner. It is almost time to review 2008's achievements and look ahead to 2009's dreams. So, why wait? Why not get a jump on the New Year and kick into high gear with dreams, resolutions and daily goals today? With that in mind, I'm personally committed to getting back on track with one of my Lifetime Resolutions: Exercise. I'm renewing my pledge to exercise for at least 30-minutes each day by walking, biking, swimming, working out with weights, and doing Yoga. I enjoy exercise and make it a priority in my life, but alas time is limited, so sweating for health and happiness occasionally hits the back burner. In 2006, and again earlier this year, I took a break from a variety of projects and reduced my daily work-outs both in number and duration. My body, mind and soul were shouting "lighten the load", so I scaled back to avoid burn-out. A few months later I was rested and ready to go full throttle. Taking a break, and making a course correction, as it turns out, was a wise decision. The moral to this story: A flexible plan and long-term determination are equally important if you truly want to make and keep New Year Resolutions.

My passion burns brightly for all of my commitments: My business, friends, family, health, exercise, writing and photography projects, my Resolution Project, and so on. My days are long, my list is longer. I'm a serial goal-setter and I have made and kept New Year resolutions for most of my life. I don't make a resolution, fulfill it (or give up on it), and move on. I 'make and keep my resolutions for life' and I 'enjoy the journey'. My resolutions become part of me and my lifestyle - Lifetime Resolutions. Daily exercise is just one of my Lifetime Resolutions. Excelling at photography and writing are two other important Lifetime Resolution that have been with me since I was a kid because they provide great reward, satisfaction and happiness.

My point: Just because you are occasionally forced to take a break from a resolution, or dream, does not mean that you have to give up altogether. Throughout tough times you have to be flexible, plan creatively, and maintain faith, hope, optimism, and a positive attitude. With that strategy you can smoothly move forward with your dreams resolutions and daily goals when you are past the obstacles.

When you are past the obstacles and make course corrections, you have to be realistic about 'what you can achieve' and 'the speed at which you can succeed'. As I mentioned, I made a decision to get back on track with my resolution to exercise for at least 30-minutes each day. Instead of going from a few work outs each week to seven all at once, I plan to gradually increase the number, duration and intensity of my work-outs. I am setting the bar at a reasonable height and giving myself a realistic short-term goal. I don't intend to get overwhelmed and discouraged. I understand that I can't go from zero-to-60-miles-per-hour overnight and it is working. I feel great about my work outs (both mentally and physically) and I'm gearing up well in advance of the New Year, so that I can build the enthusiasm, momentum, and motivation that is necessary to get me through the long, dark, cold months of winter.

If you need to get back on track with your own resolution - maybe a resolution that you made in January of 2008 - be kind to yourself. Challenge yourself, but don't set the bar too high. Be realistic about what you can achieve and when you can achieve it. Take small daily steps. Stay committed. Be patient, passionate and persistent. In time you will be handsomely rewarded.

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 - November 19, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

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 - November 19, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

I Resolve To™ . . . Be Open To All The Wonderful Possibilities, Despite The Troubling Times We Live In Today! - Day 322

I want to share a column that I published here are I Resolve To™ . . . some time ago, as the words ring more true than ever during these troubling times . . .

What is just around the corner? You never know, it might be something wonderful even when you're plagued by troubles. We all have hardships, troubles, and mediocre, or bad days.  The day starts out okay - maybe even great - then spirals the wrong way.  Fridays are famous for tacking in the wrong direction like a sailboat veering wildly off course.

You know how it goes on troublesome Fridays. The delimma strikes late in the day, just when you're  dreaming about weekend pleasures.  You find yourself smack dab in the middle of a pain-in-the-fanny-crisis.   You're scratching your head asking 'why me' - then things turn on a dime.  A fabulous idea erupts out of the blue. Or generous assistance from a colleague helps you to march on to victory. Or a hug and support from a loved one reminds you of all that's good and wonderful in your life. Something positive happens that helps you to take one small step after another toward resolution of the current problem. That's the positive side of the coin - the optimistic side - the one on which we should focus all of our attention with faith, hope and determination.  That's a glass half full, rather than a glass half empty.

Maybe things 'don't always turn on a dime', or change for the better right away.  You  may struggle for a day, or two . . . Or sometimes, unfortunately, much longer than a day or two.  But, somehow, things often work out okay over time. Maybe not exactly how you would hope, in the way you would hope, or when you would hope, but things do work out, and better days do arrive.

Anything is possible when you stay flexible, positive, and open to what's just around the corner - be it a turn of events in your favor, the courage to overcome a health or family crisis, your soulmate walking into your life, a brilliant idea, the determination to pursue a dream, a flash of insight, a decision to start a new career . . . you get the idea. When you're able to remain open-minded and optimistic - full of hope and faith in yourself, your talents, your dreams, a higher power . . . the sky is the limit.  Never say never and never give up!

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

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

I Resolve To™ . . . Learn Something New, Take A Class! - Day 321

Are you looking for motivation in the New Year?  Trying to find a way to stick with your New Year Resolution each and every day?  One way to insure that you will take small daily steps toward achieving your dream, resolution and daily goals is to take a class, or a series of classes throughout the year.  A class about the dream of your choice will help you to expand your creative and intellectual horizons, learn something new, introduce you to folks who share your passion, and help to provide a structure for your daily, weekly and monthly action plans.

I recently pulled out a journal from 1994. I decided in 1994 to get serious about my long-held passion for photography.  Practicing my craft - serious professional photography - is one of my Lifetime Resolutions, a dream that has been with me since childhood.  Photography is one of my gifts.  Like writing, it makes my spirit soar, keeps me energized, makes me happy.  I love picking up my cameras and heading out on a shoot - whether for work, or my personal fine art interests.  It's all the same.  Once I have my camera in hand I can go for hours and hours.  I slip into the 'zone', a pretty blissful place.  I enjoy the journey as much as the destination - pointing my camera, framing my shot and and pushing the right buttons, all the way to making the final image in the darkroom, or on my computer in Adobe Photoshop.  I enjoy the journey as much today as I did as a kid with a tiny Brownie Camera.

My point:  Back in 1994 I made a decision to get serious about my passion, my dream, and to make photography part of the eventual business that I would build.  My first step was to make an initial decision to 'go for it'.  My second step was to define specifically what I wanted to do;  then I got busy with my research and developed a long-range-plan and a short-range plan, so I could take small daily steps toward achievement.

One of the first things I did was join the Smithsonian Insitution's Open Darkroom Program in Washington, DC where I lived and worked.  It was one of the best decisions I have ever made.  The Smithsonian is first-rate and its instructors are fabulous.  They taught me more than words can convey and the people who participate in Saturday Open Darkroom are passionistas like me. I have made countless photography friends over the years.  I say "friends" because of the camaraderie we developed over pans of chemicals in the darkroom, and during our shooting 'fieldtrips', but also because of the good times shared outside our photography interests. These dear folks hold a special place in my heart because they are kindred spirits.

Taking a class and finding a community of like-minded folks who share your vision, your dream, resolution, and daily goals is one of the surest, happiest ways to make the journey toward achievement and making it a Lifetime Resolution that is with you for good.  Give it some thought.  A class just might be in your future!

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

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

I Resolve To™ . . . Exercise For Health & Happiness! - Day 320

The New Year is right around the corner.   It is almost time to review 2008's achievements and look ahead to 2009's dreams.  So, why wait?  Why not  get a jump on the New Year and kick into high gear with dreams, resolutions and daily goals today?  With that in mind, I'm personally committed to getting back on track with one of my Lifetime Resolutions:  Exercise.  I'm renewing my pledge to exercise for at least 30-minutes each day by walking, biking, swimming, working out with weights, and doing Yoga.  I enjoy exercise and make it a priority in my life, but alas time is limited, so sweating for health and happiness occasionally hits the back burner.   In 2006, and again earlier this year, I took a break from a variety of projects and reduced my daily work-outs both in number and duration.  My body, mind and soul were shouting "lighten the load", so I scaled back to avoid burn-out.  A few months later I was rested and ready to go full throttle.  Taking a break, and making a course correction, as it turns out, was a wise decision.  The moral to this story:  A flexible plan and long-term determination are equally important if you truly want to make and keep New Year Resolutions. 

My passion burns brightly for all of my commitments:  My business, friends, family, health, exercise, writing and photography projects, my Resolution Project, and so on.  My days are long, my list is longer.  I'm a serial goal-setter and I have made and kept New Year resolutions for most of my life.  I don't make a resolution, fulfill it (or give up on it), and move on.  I 'make and keep my resolutions for life' and I 'enjoy the journey'.  My resolutions become part of me and my lifestyle - Lifetime Resolutions.  Daily exercise is just one of my Lifetime Resolutions.  Excelling at photography and writing are two other important Lifetime Resolution that have been with me since I was a kid because they provide great reward, satisfaction and happiness.

My point:  Just because you are occasionally forced to take a break from a resolution, or dream, does not mean that you have to give up altogether.  Throughout tough times you have to be flexible, plan creatively, and maintain faith, hope, optimism, and a positive attitude.  With that strategy you can smoothly move forward with your dreams resolutions and daily goals when you are past the obstacles.

When you are past the obstacles and make course corrections, you have to be realistic about 'what you can achieve' and 'the speed at which you can succeed'.  As I mentioned, I made a decision to get back on track with my resolution to exercise for at least 30-minutes each day.  Instead of going from a few work outs each week to seven all at once, I plan to gradually increase the number, duration and intensity of my work-outs.  I am setting the bar at a reasonable height and giving myself a realistic short-term goal.  I don't intend to get overwhelmed and discouraged.  I understand that I can't go from zero-to-60-miles-per-hour overnight and it is working.  I feel great about my work outs (both mentally and physically) and I'm gearing up well in advance of the New Year, so that I can build the enthusiasm, momentum, and motivation that is necessary to get me through the long, dark, cold months of winter.

If you need to get back on track with your own resolution - maybe a resolution that you made in January of 2008 - be kind to yourself.  Challenge yourself, but don't set the bar too high.  Be realistic about what you can achieve and when you can achieve it.  Take small daily steps.  Stay committed.  Be patient, passionate and persistent.  In time you will be handsomely rewarded.

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

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

I Resolve To™ . . . Lend A Hand To Someone In Need This Thanksgiving! - Day 318

Thanksgiving, that wonderful, warm day of 'gratitude, caring and sharing' is right around the corner.  Just two weeks from today families will join together to break bread, carve a turkey, share memories, make memories, and take in a little football.  While historians may disagree about the date and whereabouts of the first Thanksgiving - the Plymouth Pilgrims and a harvest celebration comes to mind when I think about Thanksgiving and it's history (History.Com has a wealth of interesting tidbits if you'd like to learn more about this great American tradition).

Thanksgiving is also a wonderful opportunity to lend a hand to someone in need.  This year gentle caring and generosity are probably more urgent than at any time in recent memory.  September 11, 2001 brought us together during a time of great national tragedy, but most of us were not even born until long after the Great Depression.  We didn't experience that time of great uncertainty and suffering nearly a century ago . . . But watching the nightly news today makes one wonder just how bad things will get as the modern world economy spirals deeper and deeper into a black hole. 

This evening NBC News aired more news about store closings, high unemployment, and federal bailouts.  Not surprisingly one report warned about diminishing charitable donations and bare food bank shelves.  Some of my clients are non-profit organizations - I watch them struggle through the good times, so the current economic crisis will only add to their already heavy burden, as they work to protect the environment and assist the disadvantaged. 

Rather than getting depressed and frightened about all this bad news, I'm choosing to view the 'glass as half full' . . . Things 'are' tough right now, but we will make it through.  Instead of worrying about what we don't have, why not be grateful for all that we do have and all that we are?  Why not share the 'bounty' of our gratitude with those who are less fortunate?  It's 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 Kindness 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. 

There are so many different ways to lend a helping hand in the next few weeks.  Here's a short list of ways to reach out in the community . . . small gestures can make a world of difference.

1. Research Options - For instance, Local Churches, County Government, the Local United Way are wonderful resources that can help you to decide where you can best lend a hand by donating money, time, and/or expertise during the Holiday Season.
2. Find A Local Food Bank - Churches, City & County Governments, and 'Google' can help to point you in the direction of an 'empty pantry' in your area.
3. Remember Elderly Or Shut-In Neighbors With A Visit - Maybe a neighbor could use some help with shopping or simple errands during the Holiday Season.

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

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

I Resolve To™ . . . Revel In The Change Of Seasons! - Day 312

The change of seasons is one fabulous part of life . . . it's such a gift!  Fall is making its presence known in my neck of the woods with crisp, cool temperatures, blue skies and a blaze of color on the trees.  Soon we will share Thanksgiving and Christmas blessings with friends and family . . . followed by the New Year and a new set of wonderful blank, clean pages on which we can write the next chapter of our lives.  Why not carve out a little bit of time today, tomorrow and Sunday to enjoy 'Fall' and the terrific weather?  Spending time enjoying the great outdoors is a great way to develop an appreciation for the environment . . . and in turn a healthy respect that generates a desire to protect and preserve Mother Earth.

Happy 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.

There are so many different thing ways to appreciate the change of seasons - and the variety of things to do is as unique as the individual.   Here are some things that are on my 'To Do List' for the weekend and weeks to come . . . Enjoy your days!

1. Rake and mulch leaves - put the beloved garden to bed for the winter.
2. Visit a National Park.
3. Dust off your bike and hit the road.
4. Take a nice long 3-to-5-mile hike.
5. Enjoy some touch football, or maybe afternoon with your favorite Pro team.
6. Volunteer for your favorite cause - How about a horse rescue farm?
7. Visit a Farmer's Market.
8. Pack a picnic lunch and hit your favorite outdoor spot.
9. Pull out your camera and record the outdoor blaze of glory.
10. Bake a pumpkin pie - 'Yes' an indoor sport, but it will get you in the holiday spirit!

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

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

I Resolve To™ . . . Do A Little 'Good' Today! - Day 311

Happy Thursday - It's 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 Kindness 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.  I love using the inspirational thoughts of others as a way to learn and motivate . . . here are three quotes from one of my favorite websites The Quote Garden:

"Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul."  Henry Ward Beecher

"People pay for what they do, and still more, for what they have allowed themselves to become.  And they pay for it simply: by the lives they lead."    Edith Wharton

"Treat everyone with politeness, even those who are rude to you - not because they are nice, but because you are."  Author Unknown

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

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

I Resolve To™ . . . Brainstorm More Ways To Recycle! - Day 310

Happy 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.

If you have a dream and New Year Resolution that you intend to fulfill - research and daily follow through are keys to success.  You have to know 'what you need to do' and 'how you need to do it' to achieve the daily goals that will take you to the finish line.  With that in mind, I spend a lot of time researching ways to protect the environment.  I'm educating myself so that I can build and implement a plan.  If you've explored I Resolve To . . . you're aware that I'm not able to get recycling service at my home (out in the country), so I've been developing a simple system that allows me to recycle my plastic bottles and newspapers at the Spotsylvania County Recycling Center, and my used magazines at the Fredericksburg Library. 

I'm also taking cardboard boxes and other assorted items to the Recycling Center - things that you wouldn't automatically think to recycle.  I'm really happy with the overall effort,  and am now interested in expanding, so I'm researching new ideas.  A great natural/simple living website 'Pioneer Thinking' has some great tips for recycling and reusing everyday objects.  The rest of the site is interesting and informative as well, with a vast array of topics ranging from candle making to energy awareness.  It's well worth a look.

Here are some other interesting sites that provide both basic recycling tips - and some ideas that you wouldn't automatically think about.  Ecologue.Com, for instance, has a wealth of information in both article form and via video . . . Enjoy & Live Green!

• Ecologue.Com - Easier Ways To Live Green
• Reduce Your Rubbish (New Zealand) - Recycling Tips
• RecycleNow.Com - Start Recycling Today In Four Easy Steps
• SaveWithGreen.Com - Recycling Tips & Tips About Living Green
• RecyclingSupermarket.Com - Your Place For Everything Recycling
• Obviously.Com - World's Shortest Comprehensive USA/Canada Recycling Guide 
• Green Guide - Five Recycling Tips (Drink Boxes, Polystyrene, Computers, Batteries, & Cardboard)

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

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

I Resolve To™ . . . VOTE & Respect The Winners & Losers! - Day 309

Election Day is fnally here, thank goodness!  After a two-year campaign, I know I am eagerly anticipating an outcome.  I'm getting ready to head to the polls, shortly, and looking forward to casting my vote.  I've worked in journalism and politics my entire professional career, and while I don't always agree with what goes on in Washington, I'm proud of what I do for a living.  I'm proud to live in a democracy where people are free to vote for the candidates and parties of their choice - and the transition of power takes place smoothly, peacefully, and without any disruption in our government, or way of life.  As far as I'm concerned, voting and educating ourselves about the candidates and the issues is a very important responsibility one that should be taken seriously.  Based on the projected turnout for the election, I'm not the only citizen who is taking this election seriously!

After we cast our votes today . . . and watch as one man is elected President of the United States, I hope 'kindness' and 'good manners' and 'respect' will rule the day and days to come.  One candidate will win and one candidate will not win - making some folks very happy and others very sad.  Regardless of who comes out on top in races across the country for the U.S. House, U.S. Senate and White House remember to be open-minded and respectful of the the views of others.  Engage in PreMeditated Kindness!

It's Tuesday -  Tip-Day for PreMeditated Acts of Kindness here at I Resolve To . . .  My 2008 resolution is to 'Show  Gratitude' for my blessings by 'Giving Back'. The point behind PreMeditated Acts Of Kindness 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.  I love using the inspirational thoughts of others as a way to learn and motivate . . . here are three inspirational quotes from one of my favorite websites The Quote Garden:

"Democracy is a government where you can say what you think even if you don't think."   Author Unknown

"It's not the voting that's democracy; it's the counting."   Tom Stoppard, Jumpers

"Democracy cannot flourish half rich and half poor, any more than it can flourish half free and half slave."  Felix G. Rohatyn, New York Times, 3 June 1987

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

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

I Resolve To™ . . . Finish Strong The Remaining Two Months Of 2008! - Day 308

Happy Monday! - 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.

During the remaining two months of 2009 I plan to finish strong with my 'Give The Boot To My Carbon Footprint' priorities:

1. Personal Recycling:  I plan to continue to build a strong home & business Recycling Program.  I live in the country and can't get a trash hauler to provide recycling services to my property.  So, I'm building my own simple, efficient program.  I reduced my newspaper subscriptions to Saturday, Sunday rather than seven-day-a-week service.  I'm taking my newspapers, plastic, and cardboard items to the Spotsylvania County Recycling Center.  And I'm donating my used magazines to Fredericksburg's Friends Of The Library Program.  A very good start about which I am very proud!
2. Protect & Preserve Research:  I continue to educate myself about small steps that each one of us can take to protect the environment, and I'm posting that information here at I Resolve To . . . in an effort to help others to create or kickstart their own efforts.
3. Home & Garden Winterization:  Since August, I've been preparing my home and garden for winter.  I'm really looking forward to working in the yard in November and December when I'll mulch leaves, clear my garden beds, and put everyone to bed for the winter!
4. Revel In The Change Of Seasons:  One of the best ways to build enthusiasm for environmental protection is to spend time outside.  Outdoor activities can create or boost a healthy appreciation for the environment.  My own trees are ablaze with color - and I'm looking forward to my gardening and walking the pretty streets of Old Town Fredericksburg in weeks to come.

Maybe you'll consider joining me.  You don't have to make drastic, overnight changes in your lifestyle.  Start with something small:   Make a decision today to begin building your own new habits - one small step at a time, one day at a time.  Start by continuing your newly cultivated habit of driving fewer vehicle miles to conserve cash and gas . . . which also reduces your Carbon Footprint!  To keep you moving in the right direction, here is a list of informative websites that I have compiled this year.  They've helped in my own effort to protect and preserve the environment.  Enjoy!

Climate Change -Take Action Today!

• EarthLab
• Carbon Footprint 
• Clean Air-Cool Planet 
• StopGlobalWarming.Org 
• ConservaStore - Light Bulbs
• Conservation International 
• EnvironmentalLights.com - Light Bulbs
• Climatecrisis.net - An Inconvenient Truth 
• Direct.Gov.UK - Calculate Your Carbon Footprint 
• Environmental Defense - Fight Global Warming 
• Environmental Defense - 'How To Pick A Better Bulb'.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-Department of Energy, Energy Star.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Personal Emissions Calculator 
• FastCompany.com - How Many Lightbulbs Does It Take To Change The World(FastCompanyComLightBulbs.pdf).

Carbon Offsets

• TerraPass.Com
• CarbonFund.Org
• TreeHugger.Com
• The Climate Trust
• CarbonCounter.Org
• David Suzuki Foundation
• Wikipedia - Carbon Offsets
• The Environmental Defense Fund
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Climate Change
• NewYorkTimesFTCCarbonOffsetsJanuary2008.pdf
• BusinessWeekAnotherInconvenientTruthMarch2007.pdf
• ChristianScienceMonitorCarbonOffsetsJanuary2007.pdf
• Joint Statement By WWF, Friends of The Earth and Green Peace on Carbon Offets:  WWF-GP-FoE_on_offseting.pdf

Earth Day - April 22, 2008

• Earth Day Network
• Earth Day - Earth 911
• Earth Day - Wikipedia
• Earth Day - World Wildlife Fund
• Earth Day - EnviroLink Network
• Earth Day - The Wilderness Society
• Earth Day - The Nature Conservancy
• Earth Day - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• About.Com Earth Day - Washington, D.C., Maryland & Virginia 

Arbor Day - April 25, 2008

• Arbor Day Foundation 
• Wikipedia - Arbor Day 
• Plant-A-Tree-Today 
• Clean Air Gardening 
• Trees Are Good 
• American Forests
• United Nations Environment Programme - Tree Planting 

How To Help The Environment - Tips For Kids

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Climate Change Kids Site
• NRDC's Global Warming Challenge
• GlobalWarmingKids.Net
• Cool Kids For A Cool Climate
• Pew Center Global Climate Change
• Science News For Kids - Climate Change

Tips On Recycling

• Ecologue
• Earth 911
• Wikipedia - Recycling
• Grassroots Recycling Network
• PlanetPals - Recycling For Kids
• The Encyclopedia Of Earth - Recycling
• TreeHugger - How To Green Your Recycling
• RecycleWorks - San Mateo County, California
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency:  Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
• Magazine Publishers Family Literacy Project - Read, Rescue & Reuse

Tips On Reducing Plastic Bag Use

• Poconorecord.com - Plastic Bag Use
• Planet Ark - Why Are Plastic Bags A Problem?
• Environmental Literacy Council - Paper or Plastic?
• Salon - Plastic Bags Are Killings Us - SalonPlasticBags.pdf
• AlterNet, The Great Plastic Bag Plague - AlterNetPlasticBags.pdf
• Portland Business Journal - Whole Foods Market Bans Plastic: PortlandBusinessJournalPlasticBags.pdf 

Tips On Winterizing Homes

• E-How - How To Winterize A Home
• About.Com - Winterizing Your Home
• CBS News - How To Winterize Your Home
• About.Com - Easy Home Winterizing Checklist
• About.Com - How To Winterize Your Vacation Home
• MSN Real Estate - 10 Ways To Winterize Your Home, Now

Tips On Winterizing Gardens

• EHow - How To Winterize Your Garden
• Reader's Digest - Winterize Your Garden
• About.Com - Winterizing The Landscape In Fall
• Pittsburgh Tribune-Review - Now Is The Time To Winterize Your Garden
• Gardening With The Helpful Gardener - Preparing Your Garden For Winter

Tips On Mulching Gardens

• How Stuff Works - How to Mulch
• The Savvy Gardener - All About Mulch
• Earth 911 - How To Mulch Grass Clippings
• Do It Yourself - How To Mulch Trees And Shrubs
• About.Com - Rake Leaves And Make Compost, Mulch
• Dummies.Com - Understanding The Benefits Of Garden Mulch
• U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Resources Conservation Service - Mulching

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

Earth Day - April 22, 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 - November 3, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

I Resolve To™ . . . Pencil In My Daily Goals! - Day 307

If you want keep your dreams, resolutions and daily goals front and center, pencil them in on your calendar each and every day!  Without that simple, vitally important habit, your 'In Box' will rule your life.  Worse, your dreams, resolutions and goals will hit the back burner.  Eventually you will give up out of sheer frustration.  A 'calendar habit' can be as fancy or simple as you want to make it.  There are so many different options from which you can choose:   The calendar program on your computer, a large wall calendar, a leather organizer, a Blog - whatever is easy, organized and works best for you. To make a calendar habit work efficiently, you need to choose a calendar makes you happy, build a plan that defines your daily tasks and goals, pencil them in every week, and review them every day.

Personally I use a leather organizer, my blogs, and a wall calendar to track my resolutions and daily goals to exercise, write, be kind, help the environment, and raise money for breast cancer research (a few of my resolutions).   Each weekend, I 'Check In'.  I Review and chart my progress, brainstorm new ideas, and add new daily tasks for the week to come.  It keeps me accountable and on track because I constantly am reminded of 'what I have done and what I need to do'.   I have discovered that, sometimes, you also need to step back from all the planning and doing, so that you can catch your breath, take a break, and avoid burn-out.  In the Fall of 2006, for instance, I took a break from my Lifetime Resolution  to exercise for 30-minutes each day and a few other priorities .  It paid off.  I came roaring back a couple months later, refreshed and ready to go in 2007 and 2008.

If you take a break the trick is to avoid getting too comfortable with your time off.  Your dreams, resolutions and goals, permanently, could hit he back burner if you're not careful.  When I took my 2006 time out my calendars served as a reminder that it was time  to get moving again.  Before I put my plans on hold, I was careful to review and update my strategy, calendars, deadlines, and next steps.  I knew exactly what I had done and what I needed to do, so I was able to pick right back up where I left off with my daily goals, and brainstorm the new ideas that would take my dreams to the next level.  Bottom line:  Keep your calendar, timeline, and written plan handy, where you can review it every day and Check In at least once each week to maintain accountability.   Your resolution is a work in progress.  It can become a Lifetime Resolution if you work at it passionately, patiently, and with tireless persistence.

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

If you want keep your dreams, resolutions and daily goals front and center, pencil them in on your calendar each and every day!  Without that simple, vitally important habit, your 'In Box' will rule your life.  Worse, your dreams, resolutions and goals will hit the back burner.  Eventually you will give up out of sheer frustration.  A 'calendar habit' can be as fancy or simple as you want to make it.  There are so many different options from which you can choose:   The calendar program on your computer, a large wall calendar, a leather organizer, a Blog - whatever is easy, organized and works best for you. To make a calendar habit work efficiently, you need to choose a calendar makes you happy, build a plan that defines your daily tasks and goals, pencil them in every week, and review them every day.

Personally I use a leather organizer, my blogs, and a wall calendar to track my resolutions and daily goals to exercise, write, be kind, help the environment, and raise money for breast cancer research (a few of my resolutions).   Each weekend, I 'Check In'.  I Review and chart my progress, brainstorm new ideas, and add new daily tasks for the week to come.  It keeps me accountable and on track because I constantly am reminded of 'what I have done and what I need to do'.   I have discovered that, sometimes, you also need to step back from all the planning and doing, so that you can catch your breath, take a break, and avoid burn-out.  In the Fall of 2006, for instance, I took a break from my Lifetime Resolution  to exercise for 30-minutes each day and a few other priorities .  It paid off.  I came roaring back a couple months later, refreshed and ready to go in 2007 and 2008.

If you take a break the trick is to avoid getting too comfortable with your time off.  Your dreams, resolutions and goals, permanently, could hit he back burner if you're not careful.  When I took my 2006 time out my calendars served as a reminder that it was time  to get moving again.  Before I put my plans on hold, I was careful to review and update my strategy, calendars, deadlines, and next steps.  I knew exactly what I had done and what I needed to do, so I was able to pick right back up where I left off with my daily goals, and brainstorm the new ideas that would take my dreams to the next level.  Bottom line:  Keep your calendar, timeline, and written plan handy, where you can review it every day and Check In at least once each week to maintain accountability.   Your resolution is a work in progress.  It can become a Lifetime Resolution if you work at it passionately, patiently, and with tireless persistence.

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

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

I Resolve To™ . . . Begin Planning For My 2009 Resolutions & Daily Goals! - Day 306

I love this time of the year.  With the onset of Fall comes crisp air, clear blue skies, a tapestry of rich color on the trees, Halloween treats & pumpkin carving, and soon . . . Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New's Day 2009!  We're at 61 days and counting until we ring in the New Year and take a good long look at the achievements and the disappointments of 2008.  Personally, I try to make each and every day New Year's Day - a new blank page on which I can write my story.  I work hard to influence and shape my own story via my dreams, resolutions and daily goals.  Planning, patience, persistence, focus, commitment, and plain old hard work are among the ingredients that are necessary if you want to write your own story rather than have it written for you by your 'In Box' and the events of the day.

If you have a dream that is simmering on the back burner, why wait until New Year's day?  Why not use the next 61 days as a launching pad for your 2009 dream, resolution and daily goals?  If you are ready, start with the I Resolve To . . . Formula For Success:  Begin with a grand dream such as, "I would love to exercise every day for good health".  Turn that dream into a one sentence resolution that clearly states what you plan to achieve and why - such as, "I Resolve To . . . exercise for 30-minutes each day by walking, swimming, working out with weights, or doing Yoga, so that I can maintain my ideal weight, be healthy, happy, and fit!" Then make that dream and resolution a reality by building a long and short-range plan that enables you to achieve at least one goal - take one small step - each and every day.  That's the I Resolve To Formula For Success . . .

Dream + Resolution + Daily Goals = Achievement, Joy & Reward

If you're ready to get moving, but don't know where to begin have a look at my I Resolve To . . . Toolkit:

• I Resolve To . . . System
• I Resolve To . . . Tips

I believe in leading by example.  I put my money and energy where my mouth is.  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': 

1. Walk 60 miles for the Washington, DC Breast Cancer 3-Day and raise $3000. 
2. Volunteer at a Virginia Horse Rescue Farm. 
3. Learn more about how to combat Global Warming and take action! 
4. Engage in PreMeditated Acts Of Kindness.

With 61 days 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 health and exercise, and my resolution project (new product designs, columns, E-Books, Audio Books, and a book).  Here is the status of my efforts this week, as well as a look forward:

1. I achieved my resolution to walk 60 miles the weekend of October 3-5, raised $3000 for breast cancer research and I signed up to walk again in October 2009!  I'm planning my fundraising strategy - and preparing a special thank you package for my donors.  Their generosity helped me to achieve my goals.  I'm also creating a reminder of my accomplishments to keep me motivated, and urge others to follow my lead - a special photo gallery that chronicles my 3-Day weekend.   And I'm already training for next year's 60 mile walk!
2. I'm planning to make my first visit to a nearby farm horse rescue farm- Eagle Hill Farm - in October, and I intend to sponsor a colt for $300.
3. My home recycling program is underway.  Since I can't get my trash hauler to provide recycling out in the country - I'm taking my plastic bottles and newspapers to the Spotsylvania Recycling Center, and I'm donating my magazines to the public library.  I'm also stepping up my efforts to educate myself and others about ways that we can protect the environment, and posting the information here at I Resolve To . . .
4. 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 I am trying 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, particularly around the holidays in November and December.

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

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