End of The Year Reflection

End of the Year, time to focus upon possible new years resolutions, making choices that might better our lives. But as most years we already enter those ideals with the thought that they will most likely not last past the first few weeks of the new year.
Maybe it is time to change your intention, maybe it is time to stop making resolutions that are only motivated by the aches and pains, the coughs or the subtle comments of relatives about your weight throughout the holiday season.
Maybe it is the time to make resolutions that will effect more then just yourself, and make decisions that will impact the community, your extended family and if we all start doing something - the world.

Here are some ideas for New Years Resolutions that make a difference:

1. Eat less meat or better yet become a vegetarian.
The consumption of meat, has been linked to a major contribution in the climate crisis, that we are facing. You can make a real difference for your health, and that off our planet by eating less or no meat. Use the Internet for a variety of resources on how to switch to a non-meat diet.

2. Recycle.
If you have not done so on a regular basis, now is the time to start! Now there is a New Years resolution worth sticking to.

3. Walk more.
Walking is not only a good exercise, but as you are now using your car less, you are not participating in the creation of more pollution. It's cheaper then a gym membership, all that is required are good shoes (there you should splurge - get really good walking shoes!)

4. Play more
Playing with your kids, or with the dog, or friends gets you away from the TV (which is especially good if it is not an energy efficient model), and will aid or prevent depression. Activeness, positive playful running or playing or just the connection between friends for a friendly game of poker are a better way to spend your time, then in front of the box. You will feel better about yourself (depending on the friends). If you do not know anyone, join a club or the YMCA, or join in with your spiritual centers activities. (Your spiritual place is lacking activities - become creative and start a club!)

5. Discover regional products and specialties.
Getting to know your regional products and arts programs is not just a fun way to spend time, but by supporting and buying local products you are also reducing your carbon footprint. Buying holiday gifts from local artists or farmers is a great way to show your support for your community, and you are spreading the word for your regional specialities. An all around win, win situation.

Blessed Be!

Claudia

New Years Resolution My Way

Considering how exited we are about New Years Resolutions, and the important promises we make to ourselves at the last moments of an old year, I have come to the conclusion to make a new tradition for this day.

A No Setting Any Kind of Goal Day (besides from planning my day-to-day activities that is of course)

Why?

Because for such a long time, this day has been looked forward to with mixed emotions.
What resolutions should I make? Will I keep them? Will I disappoint myself again?

Drop it!

Any day, every day, is an opportunity to start over. Assigning a day to resolutions, only did one thing: Make you feel bad about yourself!

Now you tell me, how that helped you, or anyone else? It does not, because this fear of failure only does two things:

Brings down your self-esteem,
Brings fear of the future.

My conclusion to that is, that until we learn, that every day, every moment is a new opportunity to start all over again, and to begin creating the life of our dreams, this day will be my NO GOAl DAY!

Let's enjoy some fireworks, and have a party, and be thankful for the moments that we are spending time together today.

Have a wonderful day!

Claudia Blanton
Motivational Coach, Fundraiser
www.create-your-life-dreams.com
813 - 531 - 8379

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New Years Resolution - Why Do They Fail?

As the end of the year approaches, more and more people surrounding me are talking about their New Years Resolution for 2008. While I do not participate, and haven't in years, because I set my resolutions or intend on a daily basis, I became very curious why so many resolutions fail.

Here are a few things I have learned during my research:

1. The goals are too unrealistic.
Wanting to loose 40 pounds by March, without a personal trainer and major support team is not very likely. Giving up is determined before you have even started.

2. The resolutions were made last minute.
You are standing at the New Years Eve party and the count-down will start in five minutes. Your friend asks you what your resolution is, and your answer, "quit smoking" and quickly toss the cigarette.

3. Resolutions are based on impulse.
See explanation # 2

4. The Pain of Quitting is larger then the Pain of Continuing
Your bad habit fills good, but quitting takes strength. It does not feel good to you stop something your body craves, let's be realistic here.

5. They sabotage themselves with negative self-talk.
Sentences like "I can always quit: or "maybe just one donut." are not helping your. Self-talk can be damaging and limiting.

6. Resolutions lack detail.
I want a new job, is a great resolution, but not very detailed. Would you be able to find the job that is great for you, if it where right in front of you, if you can not even describe it to yourself?

Have a wonderful day, contemplating your Resolutions for 2008!

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