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Resolution. I don't really like that word because it feels so rigid to me. The actual definition is this: res�o�lu�tion �n. 1 The state or quality of being resolute; firm determination. 2 A resolving to do something. 3 A course of action determined or decided on.

I do believe that determination is good. But it's the word "resolute"... why make it sound so horrid if you flub up just a tad sometimes? Life doesn't end. You just keep moving. You do the best you can with what you have. This is really all anyone can ask of themselves.

Usually at the end of the year I make "Expectation Lists" instead of resolutions...writing down all the things I expect to happen in the new year. But this year I don't want to do that either. This year I have a goal. Not a strict goal that I'll be let down if I sometimes forget. Not a harsh mission to lose "this much by this date" or be someone I'm not. Who needs that pressure? Not me. I already put enough pressure on myself.

Which is why my goal is just to take it easy on myself. I spent a lot of 2005 working my tail off. I hardly took a break. I bent over backwards. I didn't exercise much. I didn't eat right. I didn't walk away when I needed to. I didn't travel or shut off for long enough to rejuvenate. Basically, I didn't take very good care of myself.

So I'd like to change that in 2006. I want to give myself permission to nap if I feel tired. Eat food that is good for my body. Walk more. Stop and look around me. Take breaks and relax. Spend more time with my husband. And especially give myself permission to do all these things guilt-free. (I have this guilty conscious that I need to always be doing something productive...working toward some goal or end result.) So in the new year I'm giving myself permission to slow down and be kind to myself (and therefore, kinder to those around me).

Any 2006 goals for you?

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I'd like to wish each and every one of you a very happy new year. I hope you have a safe and happy celebration and that your new year is fillled with many good things!