Thursday, December 21, 2006
I've never done a Thursday Thirteen post, but there's a first time for everything. This one is inspired by an article I read in U.S.News and World Reports U.S.News and it is based on ways you can vastly improve your life for the coming year, without making huge changes.
1. Get happy - Easier said that done right? Just try being grateful for what you have and learn to go with the flow.
2. Exercise - No excuses! Wear your sneakers all day three times a week and walk to more destinations, climb for stairs and ride a bike (you'll save money on gas and help the environment at the same time)
3. Eat at home - Trans fat is making us fat, unhealthy and will kill us if we keep eating it. You can control the intake at home, but not in restaurants so buy a great low-fat cookbook and save yourself some money too.
4. Read a book - Books can change lives, open doors, see ourselves and the world through different eyes and help us escape from our daily lives.
5. Join a book club - Boobk clubs are more than about books; they're about bonding and friendships and sharing. It improves the quality of life to have people you can share with. If you can't find a book club to join, start your own.
6. Learn to play an instrument - You are never too old to learn and you can bring more joy and excitement into your life that may have been missing for a while.
7. Unplug yourself one day a week - Step away from your computer, your cell phone and your ipod (this would be a good time to pick up a book).
8. Learn about other cultures - The only way to better understand each other and eliminate hate is to learn more about each other.
9. Start a blog - You've probably already done this, but if not, now is a good time to begin. Blogs will open up doors for you and give you an amazing outlet to express yourself.
10. Try to be a positive role model for your kids - This is a tough one (especially if you have teenagers). Kids don't need unnatural praise to help them build self esteem. Recognize the little things they do every day and give them a pat on the back for trying to be independent.
11. Start saving for college right now - Even if you have an infant, start saving for college today. 529 college savings plans are a great way to begin.
12. Give back to your community - This includes the whole world. Help renovate a local park or give to a fund to help build New Orleans (they still need lots of help) and vote, vote, vote!
13. Improve your relationship - Show your appreciation to your partner for all the good stuff (it's like positive parenting for adults). It will make you and them feel much better!
1. Get happy - Easier said that done right? Just try being grateful for what you have and learn to go with the flow.
2. Exercise - No excuses! Wear your sneakers all day three times a week and walk to more destinations, climb for stairs and ride a bike (you'll save money on gas and help the environment at the same time)
3. Eat at home - Trans fat is making us fat, unhealthy and will kill us if we keep eating it. You can control the intake at home, but not in restaurants so buy a great low-fat cookbook and save yourself some money too.
4. Read a book - Books can change lives, open doors, see ourselves and the world through different eyes and help us escape from our daily lives.
5. Join a book club - Boobk clubs are more than about books; they're about bonding and friendships and sharing. It improves the quality of life to have people you can share with. If you can't find a book club to join, start your own.
6. Learn to play an instrument - You are never too old to learn and you can bring more joy and excitement into your life that may have been missing for a while.
7. Unplug yourself one day a week - Step away from your computer, your cell phone and your ipod (this would be a good time to pick up a book).
8. Learn about other cultures - The only way to better understand each other and eliminate hate is to learn more about each other.
9. Start a blog - You've probably already done this, but if not, now is a good time to begin. Blogs will open up doors for you and give you an amazing outlet to express yourself.
10. Try to be a positive role model for your kids - This is a tough one (especially if you have teenagers). Kids don't need unnatural praise to help them build self esteem. Recognize the little things they do every day and give them a pat on the back for trying to be independent.
11. Start saving for college right now - Even if you have an infant, start saving for college today. 529 college savings plans are a great way to begin.
12. Give back to your community - This includes the whole world. Help renovate a local park or give to a fund to help build New Orleans (they still need lots of help) and vote, vote, vote!
13. Improve your relationship - Show your appreciation to your partner for all the good stuff (it's like positive parenting for adults). It will make you and them feel much better!
# posted by Susan : 6:29 AM
