Holidays Information

A Resolution Worth Keeping


New Years Resolutions: Making them is a tradition -keeping of them is usually optional. That's unfortunate, because some of the pledges we make in those moments before the calendar changes are wonderful things to aspire to - spending more time with our children, exercising regularly, stopping a bad habit like smoking - or considering chocolate one of the main food groups. Yet, this is the one time of the year that it's condoned - almost expected - that we don't follow through on our promises.

But what if we did follow through? What if we could make a resolution that changed our lives for the better? What if we made a tiny adjustment in our perspective and it allowed us to be happier, feel freer, and enjoy a more mindful existence?

Well, get ready to make a commitment - it's as easy as embracing the idea of simplicity. Yes, simplicity.

The start of the New Year is the perfect time to make some changes. Resolve to get back to basics. I'm not advocating a cabin in the woods with no heat or electricity, just a small step to the left of the consumer frenzy. Where do you start? Right at home in your own headspace - by making a conscious decision that your time and daily experiences are more important than money and stuff.

Reduce your clutter: Unless you use it regularly, or it holds a high degree of sentimental value, it should go. Choose a charity and schedule a pick up. Just think of how much easier your house will be to clean, and how much easier it will be to find things once you've thinned out your belongings.

Decrease distractions: Cell phones, voice mail, two-way walkie-talkies, online instant messenger, and palm pilots are all tools created for convenience. Left unchecked, however, they can start running your life. Be sure your not becoming a slave to advanced technology. Oh, and turn off that darn TV too.

Learn to say "no": This tiny two-letter word is your best defense against becoming overextended. Start using it - no one will think any less of you if you do.

Learn to say "yes" when others offer help: Stop with the Superwoman fallacy. There is no harm in accepting help when offered, or even in asking for it when needed. In fact, most people are happy to be of assistance.

Cut down on compulsive buying: Shopping has become a sport in this country and credit card debt is hitting an all time high. Before you break out your plastic to get that new Prada handbag ask yourself - do I really need this? Will this improve my life? Is this "thing" worth the time I will have to put in working in order to pay for it? If the answer is no then don't buy it.

Relinquish some control: You can't speed up the driver in front of you, make the check out line at the supermarket move more efficiently, or govern the happiness of others. Just let it go. Take some deep breathes in traffic, practice your Kegel Exercise while waiting at the grocery store, and lead your life with integrity. Don't carry the weight of the world on your shoulders - it's too heavy.

Reduce decisions: While having a choice is a good thing, too many options can be overwhelming. Whether you are contemplation a major purchase, or deciding what to cook for dinner, limit your self to two options. Choose one, then be happy with your decision - second guessing never helped anyone.

Enjoy the little things in life: Read a book, take a walk, have a bubble-bath, start a snowball fight with your kids, eat together as a family at the kitchen table, garden, snuggle, pursue a hobby, listen to music, write a letter, meditate, and follow your passions. Partake in everyday pleasures - all the things that don't entail shopping, spending, or crowds - and spend quality time with the ones you love.

Living simply is not about depravation; it's about living well. Our lives are complicated, in part, because we make them that way. Resolve to make 2005 the year of simplicity, and greet the coming months with a relaxed and peaceful spirit.

Deborah Martin is a Chicago born writer, life coach, and motivational speaker. She is Co-Founder of The Woman Project. Deborah holds a master's degree in psychology and is a licensed professional counselor. She is a certified teleclass leader and offers teleclasses and workshops on a variety of subjects. Her new e-book, How To Keep Your Kids Off Drugs: A Parent's Guide, will be available in January. For more information please visit her website at http://www.dreamlearncreate.com.

  


MORE RESOURCES:

Airfares expected to be 20% higher over holidays
Atlanta Journal Constitution,  USA - 2 hours ago
For those who plan to travel for the holidays and haven’t booked flights yet, “it’s not too late,” said Rick Seaney, chief executive of FareCompare.com. ...


GMTV

Bank holiday Britons flee in search of sun
Times Online, UK - 2 hours ago
Two million Britons will flee the country over the Bank Holiday weekend as the country seeks to forget a washout August. A record number will head abroad, ...
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biggest ever ‘gottogo’ holidays promotion unveiled
Al-Bawaba, Jordan - 9 hours ago
Etihad Holidays has launched its biggest ever ‘gottogo’ promotion, offering breaks at more than 80 hotels in 14 cities across the world with great value ...


Fraud fear on foreign holidays
Scotsman, United Kingdom - 26 minutes ago
Fear of card fraud means they have an average of £209 in their pockets when they jet off for a weekend away, compared to the usual £21. ...


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Ski Holidays Set for Growth in 2008
PRunderground (press release), MO - 5 hours ago
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Green Greeting Cards Help Companies Say "Happy Holidays" with New ...
MarketWatch - Aug 20, 2008
The green holiday collection features nine new cards produced on a stock made from 50 percent sugar cane pulp and 50 percent recycled paper. ...


Let’s face it, holidays are strange
Creamer Media's Engineering News, South Africa - 1 hour ago
Secondly, I must admit, I also struggle with the whole concept of a holiday. It is not that I am one of those grumpy people who do not like holidays. ...


On Our Radar: Tommy Hilfiger Happy Holidays Collection
FabSugar.com, CA - 7 hours ago
It's the holidays, and grandma is enjoying her retirement on some faraway island enjoying the cool sea breeze. Thus, no time to knit a holiday sweater. ...


Telegraph.co.uk

Britons look beyond Eurozone for better-value holidays
Telegraph.co.uk, United Kingdom - Aug 20, 2008
Travellers are heading for alternative destinations as the cost of holidays inside the Eurozone take their toll. By Oliver Smith British holidaymakers are ...


Klue

Knowledge Base: Cheap holidays
Klue, Malaysia - 10 hours ago
Though there are tons of other options for beach holidays (ie: Perhentian, which I'm sure someone else will mention), my recommendation would be the Tanjung ...

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