| Simply put: holidays are a time of indulgence. We | | | | Some suggestions: |
| eat more food, buy more stuff, see more people. | | | | - The Sporting News |
| It's easy to get caught up in the snowflakes and | | | | - WikiHow: Develop an Appreciation for Reading |
| tinsel and make somewhat unrealistic New Year's | | | | - Booklist |
| resolutions only to become so frustrated that we | | | | 3) Volunteer to Help Those Less Fortunate. |
| put away our resolutions along with our fruitcakes | | | | Throughout the holidays the media bombards us |
| and mistletoe and only bring them back out when | | | | with stories of the poor and hungry and for a |
| the next New Year rolls around. | | | | few fleeting weeks these people are on our |
| The "holiday spirit" is an elusive beast, spreading | | | | hearts and minds. Remember that people are in |
| goodwill and festivities for only a short while. Once | | | | need all year long, not just when it's convenient to |
| he flees, we're often left only with the guilt of | | | | think about them. |
| overindulgence, too much eggnog, and a lofty plan | | | | - Craigslist (look for your city and then check for |
| to really change for the better this year. | | | | volunteer opportunities) |
| But how do you make it from Point A (the | | | | - WikiHow: Find a Community Service Program |
| current reality of a somewhat post-jolly state) to | | | | - WikiHow: Change the World in 10 Ways |
| Point B (the next New Year with last year's | | | | 4) Knock the Wardrobe Up a Notch. Let's face it; |
| resolutions neatly checked off one by one)? | | | | those stone-washed, pleated, tapered-leg jeans |
| Think of your resolutions as a year-long to do list. | | | | just aren't as hip as they used to be and that size |
| Buy a calendar and write reminders and | | | | 2 skirt in the back of your closet isn't getting any |
| motivations for each of your tasks. You don't | | | | bigger. Don't be afraid to do some tossing (a good |
| have to tackle them all at once, but you don't | | | | rule of thumb: if you haven't worn it in a year, get |
| want to have to add more to the list halfway | | | | rid of it) or if the clothes are in good condition, |
| through, so you work smarter. Just make sure | | | | donate them to Goodwill or a local charity (find a |
| the goals you set are realistic or you will get | | | | Goodwill near you: |
| frustrated and call it quits. | | | | - Allure |
| Now let's take a look at some typical resolutions | | | | - Style |
| and valuable resources that can help you stick | | | | - Vogue |
| with it. Because we all know that this year will be | | | | 5) Fall in Love. Books have been written, movies |
| the year that you keep those resolutions. | | | | have been made, wars have been fought. Enough |
| 1) Lose Weight and Get in Shape! Remember to | | | | said. |
| celebrate your progress throughout the year. You | | | | - WikiHow: Get a Girl to Fall in Love with You |
| will stay encouraged if you realize the small | | | | - WikiHow: Have a Real Love |
| victories as well as the large ones. Here are some | | | | - WikiHow: Love |
| (free) online publications that can help: | | | | True, it's hard stay motivated when facing 365 |
| - Better Nutrition | | | | days of trials and tribulations. But with the right |
| - Women's Health Weekly | | | | resources and some willpower, you can at least |
| - Health News | | | | hope to set attainable, realistic goals. |
| 2) Read More. Read Better. You don't have to | | | | Now hop to it! You're keeping those resolutions, |
| pay for newspaper or magazine subscriptions | | | | remember? |
| when you can read these items for free online. | | | | |