2011. Resolutions.

It's a New Year! A time for reflection, self-improvements, and goal-setting. I have made my list. It's a familiar one: lose 20 pounds, create more and follow-through on projects, make more money, and take my career more seriously. I think my list has been more or less the same for the last 10 years.

But this year, I added another item to the list. I am going to enjoy. Enjoy. Simple, right? So, how does one do that? Well, in my research of books, websites, and observations of people I admire, I discovered a few tools to help me with this resolution:

1. Breathe. Obviously I have been doing this is previous years. But, I want to do this in a way that has an affect on my physical and emotional well-being. I tend to worry. So when that panic and anxiety rears its ugly head, I will simply breathe in good, and release the yucky.

2. Pay attention. I am making a commitment to myself to look around me. There is so much to take in. I often keep my eyes forward on my path. I'd like to exercise my peripheral vision more frequently this year.

3. Appreciate. Let's admit it, the world ain't as easy as it was when we were kids (yes, I just said that which means I'm getting older. Oops... breathing, breathing). But, rather than focus on what I don't have or miss... I can take a moment to look at what I do have. My life is full. I have an abundance of supportive friends, loving family members, a delightful and handsome husband, and so many talents, gifts, and blessings. I will approach my days with gratitude.

4. Avoid gossip and other peoples' noise. This is a tough one for me. First, I am a fan of gossip. It's fun to dish, let's face it. But, it's incredibly unproductive and often turns negative. So, I am going to avoid all negative gossip. I am in no position to judge. And if hearing about some celebrity's drug problem makes me feel better about myself, then I have some serious issues. Remember the old addage, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all."

Secondly, I have some terrific friends. And I have some friends that complain... a lot. I am the listener. I am the person you call when you need to talk, and vent, and moan. And I offer some advice or try to spin the situation to positive, but until they work it out, I somehow feel like a failure. I realize this is my issue. I find myself too involved. I become a sponge for the misery of others. I am not a therapist, so it's hard for me to just listen with a detachment. So, I am going to find a way to be a good friend. But not an enabler. I am going to be a person to talk to, but empower my people by letting them make their own decisions.

Thirdly, I am going to avoid toxic tv. This one will be the toughest. I watch shows about murder and rape, addiction, reality show with hideously selfish characters. This is noise that is uninspiring and depressing. I am going to fill my DVR with shows about self-improvement, hope, and laughter.

5. I will treat myself once a week to more cute. I will notice cute. I will try on cute. I will eat cute. I will smell cute. I will photograph cute. I will capture cute. I will write about cute. And I will deliver cute. Wicked Cute.

Happy New Year!