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