Assertagirl’s Resolutions for 2008

For the last couple of years I haven’t made any new year’s resolutions, telling myself (and others) that I thought it was silly to make promises to one’s self just because it’s January 1st. After all, if you aren’t willing to work on changing or improving yourself the whole year round, what’s the point of making list of unachievable, unrealistic statements about how you’re going to change that year, especially if no one is making you accountable for reaching or not reaching those goals.

I’ve changed my mind, however…I think that we could all use an excuse to examine ourselves and our shortcomings and try to find ways to improve ourselves. This is how I plan to be accountable: I’m going to tape my list up on the fridge door, so that anybody who comes into the house can see the things I’m trying to do to make myself better. You’re a fool if you’ve managed to convince yourself you’re perfect, and doing yourself a great disservice, too.

Here’s my list of resolutions.

1. Be better to my body. This means cutting out fast food. Yup, there, I said it. No more fast food. I’ve done this for months on end before, successfully, and I can do it again. I don’t usually feel very well after I eat that kind of food, and I don’t want to put those extra toxins into my body anymore. Just to clarify, my definition of fast food does not include the occasional pizza dinner, fish & chips or submarine sandwiches. It does include the evil Burger Kings, McDonald’s, Harvey’s, Taco Bells and Wendy’s of the world, etc.

2. Once our debt is consolidated, I plan to keep only one credit card for emergency purposes, filed away. I will not memorize the number, and I will limit online spending to those shops I can use my PayPal account for, spending only ad revenue generated by my two sites.

3. I will try hard to accept the people in my life as they are. My Dad and I had a good talk about how discovering this was a turning point in his life, and I think it’s good advice.

4. I will exercise. Graham and I got a one-week free trial at the recreation centre in our municipality and what do you know? It’s BEAUTIFUL inside. The change rooms are huge, clean, beautiful, with hair dryers, a sauna and whirlpool and a swimming pool all included in the membership. The fitness room is bright and modern and the facility is family-oriented. Yoga classes are also included. We’re going to join for three month initially so we can go together and encourage one another to be healthier. Hopefully after that we will extend the membership to the full year.

5. I will start taking a multi-vitamin. I’ve tried this in the past, but there was an unpleasant side-effect. I might have to try a few different kinds before I settle on one I can handle.

6. I will keep going to therapy once a month.

7. I will read more real books. I love reading blogs, but I get so much enjoyment out of a good book and don’t devote enough time to this.

8. I will limit the amount of time I burn on the laptop.

9. I will write one article for Suite101.com per week.

10. I will meet my obligations for the BlogHers ACT Canada site, which I’ve been neglecting due to the holidays. (January’s Challenge is to eat one meatless meal a week. Can you do it?)

Ten seems like a nice, round number to stop at! And I’ve got the bases covered.

Happy New Year, everyone! I look forward to continuing to read all about you and your families and your adventures into 2008 and beyond!

Become a freelance writer!

Latest Articles by Amy Urquhart

Be Sociable, Share!

•