I’ll improve my life in 2010 even if it kills me in the process. I am more determined than ever to accomplish my resolutions for this year- and now I have you to hold me accountable.
So, in keeping with my last article ‘I Resolve To Keep My Resolutions’ on December 31, 2009, I am sharing my resolutions with you to help keep me accountable, if not to give you some fodder for your own resolutions. I have tried to span the goals across various areas of my life and have classified them as such. Now all I have to do is make it happen.
Here then is the list for you scanners and below are the specifics for you detail-oriented people. 
- I resolve to spend more time with my family in 2010. (Social)
- I resolve to leverage social media to help people in 2010. (Social)
- I resolve to better understand the world’s religions in 2010. (Spiritual)
- I resolve to further educate myself by reading at least 8 books in 2010. (Intellectual)
- I resolve to learn some artistic skill or craft in 2010. (Intellectual)
- I resolve to maintain/increase my physical fitness in 2010. (Physical)
- I resolve to increase my participation in recycling in 2010. (Philanthropic)
1. I will exchange commercialism with time as the leading means of showing my family I love them. I have fallen into a pattern where I believe providing for my family is a replacement for spending time with my family- or worse- that providing for my family IS the time I spend with them. Guess I’ll be playing outside a lot more.
2. I will act on those ‘quiet voice’ suggestions to reach out and say ‘hi’ to someone using social media (email, Facebook, Twitter). How many times have you seen a status update or a comment by someone and thought that maybe you should just check in with them to see how they are? How many times have you followed through? What might happen if you followed up on those instincts? I’ll let you know how it goes.
3. I will work to better understand the world religions. According to Wikipedia, there are approximately 15 or more major religions in the world. Having been born and raised a practicing Christian, I have never taken the time to understand other beliefs. As a proponent of multiculturalism, I think I should better educate myself- I mean, they have to be giving out those flowers at airports for something.
4. I will read at least 8 books that have some educational or intellectual value. Fiction is okay, as long as it serves some overriding lesson. Motivational and inspirational business and professional books are likely candidates, but I’m keeping the classification loose. Okay, not entirely. No catalogues, National Geographic or Muscle & Fitness.
5. I will get to the gym regularly to maintain and increase physical fitness. There are 7 days a week. If I went to the gym 4 days a week, over 52 weeks in the year, that would be 208 days at the gym. That would result in 57% of my days including a gym visit. Some weeks I will only have 2, some weeks I will have 5- so the goal is to hit %50-57% of days overall at the gym in 2010. However, I hope to LOOK like I spend every day at the gym.
6. I will increase my awareness of the local recycling programs and actively participate. I took a truck-load of garbage to the local landfill about two months ago and witnessed the great testament to our commercialism we are burying for our children’s children to deal with. Maybe I can’t solve that problem- but I can reduce my contribution. Seriously- what kind of time capsule is a plastic diaper in a plastic bag in a plastic garbage pail going to make anyway?
7. I will step out of my comfort zone and take some creative art class or course. Photography would be ideal, but lately I’ve even wondered about sculpturing or abstract art- pastimes I have until recently associated with people with too much time on their hands.
Need some accountability?
What are YOUR resolutions for 2010?
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Tags: Dedication, Experience, Persevere, Resolutions
RE #1: After our recent snow storm, we piled all the snow from shoveling the driveway into one spot, and then made a massive snow fort. There is a dedicated slot in children’s brains to store memories of building Snow Forts, especially with Parents.
So the city doesn’t have a program on garbage collection day? We have one can for garbage, one for recycle (everything – from card board, glass to plastics all in one bin). Also, place your grass/tree clippings on the side of the road and they will recycle it and use it for city parks. Good for you and your family for doing this Reilly!
thanks so much for stopping by my new domain!
glad you found it cos i like your place. i don’t subscribe to any religions but i would like to learn more about them because i feel its a great way to better understand people and help bridge the gaps. and, i believe everyone should go to the gym/exercise more! that should be *everyones* regular routine! but, of course, have to follow my own advice here… haha.
floreta´s last blog ..An Interview With the Panda
Subscribing to a religion isn’t the point- feel free to check out my notes as I take a journey across the religions in 2010 Floreta! Here’s the start!
I love the idea of recycling! It’s the rage out here! Actually, what I need to do is collect my own recycling for extra money for the new year so we can afford our airline tickets to NS this summer, insteand of just handing it over to the city collectors.
Danielle- I don’t know the programs out here too well.. but after seeing what we waste, I just can’t justify standing by any longer without at least doing my part.
Wonderful post, and great resolutions. That’s a great one about reading for the educational value – I resolved to read more, period, but now you’ve just inspired me to make it a little more specific
Thanks Emily! Update your blog with your reading list!!
Great post Reilly! I printed the list and will make sure you commit to them with constant reminders! Now get to the gym and then go make a snowman outside with your kids!
Carl- How about shovel the driveway? Does that count?