I RESOLVE TO . . .

I Resolve To™ . . . Hit Another Milestone With Halloween! - Day 302

Happy Halloween!  I hope you're enjoying a wonderful week, moving forward with work and personal projects and generally 'being productive', healthy, and happy.  This year, I've decided to celebrate Halloween both in a 'party sense' - heading out with friends to enjoy a few drinks and some great company - but also, as always, I view it as another opportunity to move my dreams forward, and count it as a milestone. 

Seasons and holidays can serve as wonderful 'sign posts' and 'road markers' along the journey toward fulfilling a dream.  It's not possible to achieve dreams overnight.  In fact, when you expect immediate, easy, painless results you set yourelf up for disappointment, or worse failure.  Working to fulfill a dream takes time, hard work, dedication, commitment, passion, and patience. 

That's why is so important to keep a Daily Resolution Diary, a daily journal.  If you write things down - your brainstorming, planning, homework, timelines, deadlines, and so on, you can track your progress, what's working and what's not working, and make course corrections when needed.  You can build a short, medium and long-range calendar that includes all that steps that are necessary to achieve a dream, and you can add milestones that will help you to mark progress.  Milestones can include seasons, special dates, holidays, occasions that you can work toward, and that can serve as deadlines, transition points from one success to another.  The key is to have deadlines, and dates toward which you can mark true progress.  And on those special occasions and milestones, celebrate your victories!

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps:  Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - October 31, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Make Today Count! - Day 301

Happy Tuesday!  Thought for the day:  Why wait for New Year's Day to being making positive change in your life, or to begin working toward a cherished dream?  We're two months away from the New Year, why not begin today instead of waiting?  Why not open your mind and Dare To Dream about the possibilities.  Put an end to the 'Someday, Someday, Someday Syndrome.  There's no time to waste!  To get you going, here are a few of my favorite inspirational quotes . . .

"All serious daring starts from within."  Eudora Welty

"There is no pleasure in having nothing to do; the fun is having lots to do and not doing it"  Mary Little

"The dedicated life is worth living.  You must give with your whole heart." Annie Dillard

"I have always grown from my problems and challenges, from the things that don't work out, that's when I've really learned."  Carol Burnett

"When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hang on a minute longer, never give up, for that is just the place and the time that the tide will turn."  Harriet Beecher Stowe

"Nothing in life is to be feared.  It is only to be understood."  Marie Curie

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps:  Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - October 30, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Lead By Example - Day 300

Happy Monday . . . are you ready to approach the week with optimism and a positive attitude?  I'm going to do everything I can to let the little annoyances go, avoid complaining, and to lend a helping hand when it's needed.  I've been thinking a lot about the whole notion of 'giving back' - what it means to others, and what it means to me.  With that in mind let me give you a 'What If' that I am pondering: 

"What if, in addition to 'random acts of kindness', I engage in concious, thoughtful, 'non random acts of kindness'.  What if I think ahead, look for opportunities to be kind and generous to the people that I love, strangers, colleagues, my pets, friends, family, people who annoy me.  What if I make that a daily, weekly monthly practice.  What if I give back generously with no expectations of anything in return because I am truly blessed and because I am grateful for everything that I have and everything that I am."

I don't want to sound like a pollyanna, or a do gooder - heaven forbid!  But I do want to lead by example.  A wonderful friend has been doing just that - making positive change in her life, and striving to lead by example in an effort to help others.  I am so proud of her, and I am inspired by what she is doing.  When you lead by example, maybe it's 'catchy', like the common cold.  Maybe it rubs off. 

In the coming year, I'm going to be writing a lot about 'giving back'.  I'm preparing to make it a theme for my 50th year on this planet because I am grateful, it makes me happy, and I want to make others happy with no expectations of anything in return. I'm going to make 'giving back' my primary 2008 New Year Resolution because helping others is one of my dreams.  'What if' we all try to spend a small part of our day 'giving back' - I imagine the world just might be a happier, better place . .  .

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps:  Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - October 29, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Do A Weekly Check In! - Day 299

What a wonderful Sunday!  In my part of the world much needed rain fell for a few days this week.  The sun returned in time for the weekend.  Yay!!  I set today aside to work on my resolution project - writing, product designs, some creative brainstorming, and 'yes' I am going to review my journal, my posts, to see where I've been and where I need to go next.

I actually do 'Check Ins' each and every day.  I started doing morning pages 10 years ago as part of Julia Cameron's Artists Way program, and have never stopped.  My morning journaling is a permanent part of my life.  Keeping a journal is key to achieving dreams, resolutions and goals.  Even if you're just starting with the spark of an initial idea - a dream - writing things down each and every day enables you to 'commit' not only to paper, but to commit to your dream. 

Writing things down, helps you to methodically think through what you need to do.  Writing things down helps with homework - a way to keep track of what you're learning and what you 'need to learn'.  Writing things down helps you to reflect on what you've achieved, then reward yourself for your successes!  Writing things down also helps when you need to make 'Course Corrections'.  Often things don't work out exactly as you hope, when you hope - alas there are many obstacles that grow like dandelions on any given day - but that shouldn't stop you.  When you encounter obstacles, take a deep breath, and think through how you'll overcome them, then make course corrections, and continue moving forward one small step at a time, one day at a time.

If you're working on a dream - or want to - take some time today to pull out your journal, do some brainstorming, and really consider where you want to be a year from now with your dream.  The process of achievement doesn't have to be hard - we often make it so.  But you do have to 'work hard'.  You have to be committed, determined, patient, passionate, and persistent.  Why not 'give it a go'?  What do you have to lose?

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps:  Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - October 28, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Give Back Generously Starting Today! - Day 298

Ideas have been percolating and a plan is forming in my mind!  I love the creative process, whether it's writing a column, shooting a photo essay, brainstorming ideas for a book, or turning a dream into reality, I just love the whole thing.  Starting with nothing more than a simple idea and eventually producing something that is felt deeply - heart, mind and soul - is a great way to live.

As I've mentioned in recent posts, I turn 50 next year, which is actually just fine with me.  To me age is just a number - and a reason to celebrate with friends and family!  I've been mulling different ways to make my 50th year extra special, and it's occurred to me that one of the most meaningful ways that I could spend my year is to simply 'give back' all year.  Not simply 'random' acts of kindness, though they will be on my list of ways to 'give back' too - but something more thoughtful, something bigger. 

I really want to put serious thought and effort into it - start with a dream, turn it into a resolution, and make it happen with daily goals.  That's what I've been doing all year with my resolution project - the E-Book I'm writing to help folks make and keep resolutions, for instance.  That's the formula I use to make most things happen in my life - goals large and small. 

So far, as I brainstorm, do my homework, define what I want to do, and develop a plan - I've made a commitment to two projects.  I formed a team to walk 60-miles for the Breast Cancer 3Day, in Washington, DC October 2008, and I'm busy working toward a $5000 contribution goal. 

The second commitment that I am making is to volunteer on an area Horse Rescue Farm.  I live in the middle of Virginia's horse country.  I love animals.  I have fundraising, communications and photography skills to offer one of the non-profits that I've identified.  And I'm not afraid to get dirty or work hard. So it's a great fit.

I'm really excited.  As I so often write, it's easy to dwell on the negative, but it's also easy to dwell on the positive, everything that you have in your life, everything that you are.  Positive change can happen at any time in a person's life.  You just have to open your mind, Dare To Dream, make a firm Decision to 'go for it' and make it happen with a plan. 

You don't have to start with a huge, daunting goal or dream.  If you're not good at making and keeping New Year Resolutions, why not start small, just one thing that you would truly love to do, be, achieve, see, feel, learn in this lifetime.  Just focus on one dream.  Achieve it one small step at a time, one day at a time.  Life is so short, why not commit part of your day to something about which you have great passion and desire?  It's never too early or too late to begin . . . how about right now?

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps:  Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - October 27, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Create! - Day 297

TGIF!  'Yep' that wonderful day of the week!  I hope you've had a wonderful week and are anticipating an equally fabulous weekend, no matter what is on the agenda.  Personally I plan to devote quality time to my resolution project and a few other creative endeavors, which will be a lot of fun.  With that in mind I share with you some of my favorite inspirational quotes about creativity . . .

"For my part, I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream."  Vincent van Gogh

"I shut my eyes in order to see."  Paul Gaugin

"Creativity requires the courage to let go of certainties."  Erich Fromm

"I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free."  Michelangelo

"It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see."  Henry David Thoreau

"You see things and you say, "Why?"  But I dream things that never were; and I say, "Why not?""  George Bernard Shaw

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps:  Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - October 26, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Consider The 'What If's' - Day 296

I really love 'What If' exercises.  When you're thinking about pursuing a dream, making and keeping a New Year Resolution, or achieving a goal, it's the 'What If' questions that turn 'raw ideas' into a plan that will propel you toward the finish line. 

'What If' questions are like a compost heap - your brainstorming will eventually lead to creative problem solving and 'results' much the same way composting leaves turn to rich dark soil.  It's a creative process that is necessary if you truly want to achieve - if you truly want to turn your heartfelt dreams into reality.

As we near the end of 2007, this is a partial list of What If's' that I plan to ponder for 2008:

1. 'What If' I pause long enough in my daily routine to quietly 'Dare To Dream', to truly consider all the wonderful possibilities?
2. 'What If' I think outside the box, consider coloring outside the lines with bright yellow or pink crayons, instead of drafting that same tired list of New Year Resolutions?
3. 'What If' I choose one dream that I truly passionately want to achieve in my lifetime? 
4. 'What If' I focus on that one dream, and take one small step at a time, one day at a time?
5. 'What If' I examine what I've achieved in my lifetime, what I've learned, what has worked and what hasn't, and apply those lessons, that knowledge, those skills - use them to build momentum toward fulfilling my heart's desire?
6. 'What If' I let go of past mistakes - learn from them - but 'let them go' and move on; heal and move through, and away from the pain, and into happier more fulfilling pursuits?
7. 'What If' I keep a record of my journey - a journal - so that I know where I've been and where I need to go?  And so that I can make course corrections when I've taken a wrong turn?
8. 'What If' I share my journey with a buddy, a friend, a loved one who can lend support and advice along the way?
9. 'What If' I make a promise to myself, a firm commitment, to 'go for it', to stick with my dream through thick and thin, to nurture and love it no matter what?
10. 'What If' I refuse to procrastinate, or get overwhelmed, or burned out, or give in to fear of success or fear of failure?

So much potential, if one considers all the 'What If's' and follows through, works hard, and refuses to 'give up' no matter what  happens.  'What If' . . . why not consider your possibilities, make a leap of faith, and truly 'go for it' with everything you've got?

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps:  Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - October 25, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Smile And Be Happy! - Day 295

It's easy to be negative, annoyed and sad.  It's also easy to complain and be sorry for yourself.   Life sure isn't fair a lot of the time.  Sound familiar?  Each one of us has a choice to make - we can dwell on that kind of thinking, and all the negative 'stuff' that happens in our daily lives, or we can work to 'let it go'.  It's not possible to be happy 24-7, and, actually, life would be kind of boring if we didn't experience some bumps along the way, some obstacles and challenges to make us stronger and wiser, and to teach us new things.

But it is possible to try to make each day as happy and fulfilling as we can possibly make it.  So much of life is about 'attitude'.  Your attitude, like most things, can change on a dime if you let it happen.  If you pay attention to yourself, how you're feeling and reacting, you can make a concious choice to stop - to look for the positive, do something positive, rather than be negative.

Sometimes it's a simple as taking a break and doing something that you enjoy - smile at a stranger, help a colleague, spend some time with a beloved pet, take a walk, listen to music, call a loved one to say 'hello', spend quality time with your kid, exercise, work on a single goal that will take you one more step toward making a dream a reality. 

The point is, a positive attitude and happiness don't always happen automatically - at times you have to make a concious effort to make them happen.  You have to work at it, you have to want it.  Desire, intention, commitment, determination, patience, passion, persistence are so important when you are striving to achieve virtually anything - including happiness and a positive attitude.  So smile a little today - be happy.  You know what the alternative is and it's just not as much fun, or as fulfilling!

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps:  Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - October 24, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Exercise Now Before The New Year! - Day 294

In a little more than a month we celebrate Thanksgiving!  And just a month later Christmas and the New Year arrive.  'Yep', we're at the brink.   The party season is almost upon us.  Weeks of celebration - far too much to eat and drink.  Excesssss, but fun excess in most cases. 

We plan the parties, look forward to them, then gorge on the goodies and feel soooo guilty afterward.  Before you know it, the guilt and the added baggage around the waist prompt a round of resolution making.  And one month later, after the New Year is long past - who remembers those resolutions?  Who cares?  Who continues and enjoys the journey - making and keeping those New Year Resolutions?  A very very small percentage of the living, breathing population keeps New Year Resolutions!

But it just doesn't have to be so!  Go ahead, plan and attend those parties.  Enjoy!  Have a fabulous time!  Eat, drink and be merry!  But get serious about your work out program, your exercise regimen NOW, before the partying and merriment begins.  Bury the guilt by planning ahead for the holiday season.  Carve out 30-60-90-minutes each day - or evey other day - and walk, head to the gym, ride your bike, do some gardening, Yoga, Tennis, Jogging . . . choose your favorite sports and activities and pencil time into your calendar to enjoy them now.  Don't wait for January 1 to make that resolution.

You will feel so much better.  Exercise does that.  It's fitness for the body, mind, attitude, spirit.  You'll tone up, improve your health, and overall fitness before you celebrate.  You'll burn off those extra pounds before they have chance to call your hips home.  The days are getting shorter, the weather is turning cooler, and it will get harder to motivate.  Don't wait until the dead of winter to begin thinking about exercise.  Make it your daily habit now. 

That's my goal - my Lifetime Resolution.  I took a brief break this Fall when it became too cold to swim any longer, but I'm back at it riding my bike and working out on my Total Gym each day - and I'm looking into a Tennis membership.  I want to stay active right through the very first day of Spring 2008 when I'll gear up for gardening, biking, walking, and swimming.  How about it, why wait?  Get up off the couch, put your tennis shoes on and 'go for it'!

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps:  Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It! 

Kim M. Simpson - October 23, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Make The Most Of The Next Two Months - Day 293

There is still plenty of time to make good on your 2007 New Year Resolution(s) - and plenty of time to begin planning for 2008!  I hope you've been working hard this year to fullfill your dreams, keep your New Year Resolutions and achieve your goals.  It's not hard if you're committed, don't burden yourself with too many large dreams/resolutions at once, build a plan, and strive to make progress one step at a time, one day at a time. 

An easy way to begin visualize what I'm talking about is to open your mind and Dare to Dream.  Start the process with a single Dream such as the desire to grow fit and healthy.  Turn that dream into a specific, one sentence Resolution like:  I resolve to exercise everyday for at least 30-minutes by walking, running, swimming, playing tennis, doing Yoga, or working out with weights.  Next do your homework.  Learn the answers to the 'who, what, when, where, why, and how' you'll make your dream/resolution a reality, then build a plan from that information so that you can take one small daily step (a goal) each and every day. 

I call this approach the I Resolve To System For Success:

Dream + Resolution + Daily Goals = Success, Reward & Fulfillment.

In the next two months, why not spend some time dreaming and planning - make a committment, a firm promise to go for it, and start taking those steps before the New Year.  That way you'll stand a much better chance of keeping your promise during the long, grey, cold months of winter.  Success and momentum will keep you going!

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps:  Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - October 22, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Meditate - Day 292

At various points in my life I've turned to the spiritual study and practice of Zen, meditation and visualization.  I've found those experiences to be both enlightening and useful in my daily life.  Alas, I've never been consistent, and I am working on that.  I want to make meditation a daily practice, just as I've made exercise a daily practice - a Lifetime Resolution, something that is permanently a part of my life. 

As I mentioned yesterday, I'm striving to take better care of 'me' physically, mentally, spiritually.  I'm working on a creative project that is near and dear to my heart, and I want to be fully present and do the best I can - so exercise, meditation, relaxation, diet, and quality time with loved ones are high on my list of priorities, and I'm going to try to keep them there. 

With that in mind, I want to share a few quotes that I find to be inspiring . . .

"Creativity - like human life itself - begins in darkness."  Julia Cameron - Author of The Artist's Way

"Be master of mind rather than mastered by mind."  Zen Proverb

"Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending."  Carl Bard

"Everything is extraordinarily clear.  I see the whole landscape before me.  I see my hands, my feet, my toes, and I smell the rich river mud.  I feel a great strangeness and wonder at being alive."  The Buddha (C.563-c.460BCE)  From 1001 Meditations by Mike George

"To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders."  Lao Tzu (C.604-531 BCE) from 1001 Meditations by Mike George

"The wise man in the storm prays to God, not for safety from danger, but for deliverance from fear.  It is the storm within that endangers him, not the storm without."  Ralph Waldo Emerson

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps:  Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - October 21, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Take Good Care Of Me! - Day 291

If you don't take good care of yourself - body, mind & spirit - how can you strive to achieve your dreams, resolutions and goals?  It's a question that I ask myself from time to time.  Life is so busy, it's easy to lose sight of simple, common sense, though 'important' things:  proper rest, relaxation, daily exercise, good nutritition, quality time with friends and family.  I know, I'm listing some very basic aspects of life, but it is so easy to let some or all of them drop of the table.

Personally, when I do that, I can truly feel it.  My mood sags, my energy level is sub-par, the quality of my creative work - the quality of my overall life - takes a big dip.  Personally, I feel that 'dip' most strongly in the Fall.  Maybe it's because my business events peak at that time, after an already full year.  Maybe it's the reduced sunshine, and the prospect of the approaching winter months.  Maybe it's a subtle wake up call to 'slow down'.  To stop and smell a rose or two, and to fully re-charge one's physical, mental, spiritual, emotional batteries.

I'm listening to the call and have begun to pay more attention to proper rest, relaxation, daily exercise, good nutrition, and quality time with loved ones.  I actually work pretty hard on all of those things, but I do slip at times, and the toll can be cumulative when you 'slip' a lot.  I'm taking heed, as I really want to move my creative projects forward with enthusiasm, fresh ideas, and renewed passion and creativity.  So much to do, but all of it good!

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps:  Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - October 20, 2007
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If you don't take good care of yourself - body, mind & spirit - how can you strive to achieve your dreams, resolutions and goals?  It's a question that I ask myself from time to time.  Life is so busy, it's easy to lose sight of simple, common sense, though 'important' things:  proper rest, relaxation, daily exercise, good nutritition, quality time with friends and family.  I know, I'm listing some very basic aspects of life, but it is so easy to let some or all of them drop of the table.

Personally, when I do that, I can truly feel it.  My mood sags, my energy level is sub-par, the quality of my creative work - the quality of my overall life - takes a big dip.  Personally, I feel that 'dip' most strongly in the Fall.  Maybe it's because my business events peak at that time, after an already full year.  Maybe it's the reduced sunshine, and the prospect of the approaching winter months.  Maybe it's a subtle wake up call to 'slow down'.  To stop and smell a rose or two, and to fully re-charge one's physical, mental, spiritual, emotional batteries.

I'm listening to the call and have begun to pay more attention to proper rest, relaxation, daily exercise, good nutrition, and quality time with loved ones.  I actually work pretty hard on all of those things, but I do slip at times, and the toll can be cumulative when you 'slip' a lot.  I'm taking heed, as I really want to move my creative projects forward with enthusiasm, fresh ideas, and renewed passion and creativity.  So much to do, but all of it good!

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps:  Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - October 20, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Make This A Fabulous Weekend! - Day 290

Happy, Happy Friday!!  Yes, that wonderful day of the week is here.  The weekend is almost upon us, which means, perhaps, a little time to work on long-awaited home projects, creative projects, or to relax, read, enjoy friends and family.  So many possibilities and so many things to look forward to.  With that in mind, as you consider all the possibilities for your weekend, I send these warm words of inspiration your way . . .

"Love yourself first and everything else falls into line.  You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world." Lucille Ball

"If one is lucky a solitary fantasy can totally transform one million realities."  Maya Angelou

"Don't compromise yourself.  You are all you've got."  Janis Joplin

"It is never too late to be what you might have been."  George Eliot

"What will be, will be' . . ." Italian Proverb

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps:  Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - October 19, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Seek & Find Clarity - Day 289

Happy Thursday!  Yes, the theme continues through the week.  I've been hoping and striving for happy, fulfilling days - that includes working hard to make my dreams a reality day by day.  Along that vein, when you're committed to a dream, resolution, goal - clarity is so vitally important. 

It takes a lot of thought, soul-searching, and introspection to truly know the who, what, when, where, why, and how that will help you to make your dream 'gradually' take shape in your life.  You have to know in your head and heart what you want - define that 'want' specifically before you can build a plan that will take you one small step, one day at a time, toward your desired outcome. 

Personally, I try to devote as much time as I can afford each day to these pursuits, as I truly love the journey, obstacles and all.  Some days and weeks are better than others in regard to the time available in my schedule, but I work to 'make time', as I truly am committed.  I find the process is like molding clay, painting a portrait, building a relationship, and so on - it's a creative process that you have to tend like a wonderful garden. 

I've often found there is no 'certainty' along the way.  After all, what do we know 'for sure', 100% in our lives?  As soon as you know something 'for certain' it often changes, or you start seeing the different shades of grey between the extremes of black and white - those shades tend to make things 'less certain'.  I'm not saying that you let doubt, fear, pain rule or take over your life - they are part of life, the same as joy and happiness.  It's hard to experience joy without also experiencing pain occasionally, so you have to be open to all those experiences and feelings, as much as you can - give as much as you can give.

But 'clarity', to me, is different than 'certainty'.  Clarity is a springboard, a launching pad, a process for creativity and fulfilling dreams.  Clarity can be an 'A-Ha' moment in which you begin to see the big-picture - once you see the big picture, you can consider ways to make your dream a reality.  Clarity can be a moment in which you know the 10-next steps that you need to take toward fulfilling your dream, and you take them one by one.  Clarity is asking the questions and finding the answers - but with an open mind.  Opening your mind, dreaming, considering the possibilities, seeking clarity, working toward those dreams - Alas, always so much to think about, so much to learn and do, but it's all good . . .

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps:  Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - October 18, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Enjoy Life! - Day 288

Happy Wednesday!  Okay, definite theme here this week.  Are you enjoying your week?  I hope so.  I hope you're having 'good parking karma' and traffic is flowing smoothly as you make your journey through your day.  I hope work is productive, your dreams are moving forward one small step at a time - and maybe even by a few big leaps every now and them.  In a nutshell, I hope things are going your way - and you're enjoying life.  That's my goal! 

Even if you're struggling with obstacles, you will over come them - things get better, they do work out.  In the meantime, I offer these warm words of inspiration - Enjoy Your Day!

"Doubt is a pain too lonely to know that faith is his twin brother."  Kahlil Gibran

"The purpose of the miraculous is to teach us to see the miraculous everywhere."  St. Augustine - from 1001 Meditations by Mike George

"Zen is not some kind of excitement, but concentration on our usual daily routine." Shunryu Suzuki, Japanese Zen Priest

"The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and ernestly."  Hindu Prince Guatama Siddharta, the founder of Buddhism, 563-483 B.C.

"Seems like I've been here before, can't remember when, I get this funny feeling we'll be together again; no straight lines make up my life, all my roads have bends; no clearcut beginnings, so far no deadends."  Tom Chapin

"Without change, something sleeps inside us, and seldom awakens.  The sleeper must awaken."  Frank Herbert

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps:  Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - October 17, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Focus On What's Important! - Day 287

Happy Tuesday!  I know there appears to be a recurring theme here - Happy Monday, Tuesday - Wednesday?  Well 'yes', I hope you're having a great week.  That's certainly one of my objectives.  Another goal that has been high on my list of late, is to focus, focus, focus on what's important in my life - what I value, the people I care about, what I hope to achieve, and how I want to leave my mark on this world. 

I've been doing a lot of soul searching, journaling, reviewing plans for my dreams, resolutions and goals.  That means a lot of quiet time.  I worked hard this year to clear the decks of work and personal projects, and while it's still very busy, I now have a little more quiet time to reflect. At the same time, I am very focused on my resolution project, my other New Year Resolutions - most of which are Lifetime Resolutions, and a few other priorities such as writing, exercise, and my home.

Okay, the list is long - so much to do in a given day. That's why it's so important to make firm decisions about what's really important in your life - what you intend to achieve, be, do, have, feel, how you want to spend your time, and so on.  Without setting those priorities and making a commitment to them (via dreams, resolutions and goals) the Daily 'In Box' quickly takes over. 

All the other stuff that comes up in a given day - some of it obstacles to dreams and what you hold dear in life can really overwhelm and consume you.  It's so easy to be 'Overtaken By Events'.  Stuff happens.  The hard part is to determine what you really have to deal with, what you have to do - and what you can just say 'no' to.  You really have to decide what is truly important and what isn't - what you want to do and what you can just 'let go'. 

It takes a lot of introspection and courage to get to the point where you know your priorities, and can say 'no' to everthing that's not important to you and your life.  Just 'let it go' is a common phrase used by one of my dear friends.  She is so wise when you really think about it.

The question to ponder is 'can you truly let go of all that doesn't really matter to you, so that you can spend more and more time on the things that strike passion in your heart and soul'?  Are you ready to spend more time with the people you love, the things you want to learn and create, the dreams you want to fulfill, the adventures, travel, and all the giving back . . . there is so much that can fill your day.  Are you filling your day with what is truly important, magical and wonderful?  What do you need to do to make that change? Definitely food for thought.  So much to think about and learn . . .

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps:  Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - October 16, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Learn Something New! - Day 286

Happy Monday!  I hope you had a wonderful weekend - the kind of weekend that will catapult you into a fulfilling, productive week.  I was thinking this weekend about two things that are near and dear to my heart:  learning and curiousity.  They really should be paired together, they so complement each other.  If you want to learn something new, you have to be curious - you have to ask all the questions that will help to teach you something new.  And if you're curious, you're certain to learn something new.

To take that one step further, if you're working toward a dream, resolution, goal - it's a constant learning process.  Curiousity will transport you, as you ask all those questions that will enable you to learn what you need to do to make your dream a reality.  The how, when, where, what, why, who - that will take you to the finish line.  Are you curious, are you learning?  Are you working toward that beloved dream that nags at you?

Dreams come in all shapes and sizes.  They're big and small.  They're unique to each one of us and they're all valid, viable, 'IF' you are truly interested, committed, determined, patient, passionate, persistent.  If your dream is stalled just a bit, why not do some brainstorming, ask some questions, be curious - sort out what you need to do to make your dream a reality.  Then make a decision to 'go for it'.  Define your dream - turn it into a determined resolution, then build a plan that will see you through with small daily steps - daily goals - one day at a time.  You can do it!

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps:  Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - October 15, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Be Inspired Today! - Day 285

So much to do - and I'm hoping for inspiration to get me through!  I hope you're having a wonderful weekend, as well - full of things you love to do, people you care for, along with some fun and relaxation. Personally, I've been working away on my resolution project this weekend, which actually isn't work, it's a labor of love.  Writing, creating, photography - I make a point to do them when I'm feeling inspired, and when I'm not. I'm optimistic that I'll be filled with inspiration today, as I have a lot of writing to do.  I'm sending some warm words of encouragement and inspiration your way, as well . . . have a grand day!

"I am imagination.  I can see what the eyes cannot see.  I can hear what the ears cannot hear.  I can feel what the heart cannot feel."  Peter Nivio Zarlenga

"A rock pile ceases to be a rock pile the moment a single man contemplates it bearing within him the image of a cathedral."  Antoine de Saint-Exupery

"It takes someone with the vision of the possibilities to attain new levels of experience.  Someone with the courage to live his dreams."  Les Brown

"Faith and doubt are needed - not as antagonists, but working side by side to take us around the unknown curve."  Lillian Smith

"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome."  Anne Bradstreet

"As a single footstep will not make a path on the earth, so a single thought will not make a pathway in the mind. To make a deep physical path, we walk again and again. To make a deep mental path, we must think over and over the kind of thoughts we wish to dominate our lives."  Henry David Thoreau

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps:  Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - October 14, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Make The Most Of This Saturday! - Day 284

So much to look forward to!  Not only this gorgeous fall weekend, but also things to look forward to this year, and in 2008 (New Year's Day is just 80 days away!).  Are you feeling optimistic about your dreams, resolutions and goals?  I hope so . . .

Why not make a little time for yourself this weekend - spend some time working on your dream.  Do a weekly Check-In . . . consider all the progress you've made.  Think about the next steps you'll make tomorrow, next week, next month.  If you're stuck, consider what else you need to learn to build a plan that will take you to the finish line.  What are the course corrections you need to make - what's working and what's not working? 

Maybe it's time to build a new timeline and set new deadlines.  Maybe it's time to take a class, or find a buddy who has the same dream - then make the journey together.  Maybe it's time to ask your family to lend a little support.  There are so many ways to make a dream, resolution, goal a reality - the key is to take the first small step today, and know what the next step is - so you'll be ready and motivated to take that next step tomorrow.  Why wait for New Year's Day to make positive change in your life?  Why not begin today . . .

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps:  Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - October 13, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Get Organized This Weekend! - Day 283

TGIF!  'Yep' that wonderful day of the week!  Great fall days ahead, creative projects that are near and dear to my heart, so I'm all set. I'm looking forward to a fabulous weekend.  How about you?  Are you planning some great activities - maybe time to relax, enjoy friends and family, take steps toward achieving your dreams, resolutions and goals?  I hope so, no time to waste!

Personally, I've been clearing the decks work-wise in recent months, in order to free up time on weekends for my resolution project, a little more daily exercise, some chill time, and 'organization projects'.  I find that organizing myself, my home, office etc. is a wonderful way to make myself more productive and motivated.  I'm careful not to take on too much, it defeats the purpose because it becomes overwhelming and that's no fun.  To avoid that, I've created a list of organization projects, and I plan to tackle them one by one through the end of 2007.  I love to start the New Year with a truly clean slate, and a clean house!

Why wait for New Year's Day to clean, or to start work on your New Year Resolution(s) - dream those dreams, plot those daily goals.  Why not get yourself organized right now?  Why not open your mind to all the possibilities for 2008 as well?  Begin dreaming those dreams now . . . what better way to start the New Year?

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps:  Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - October 12, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Rock My World Today! - Day 282

Sunshine, crisp fall temperatures, great weather!  How can you complain on a day like this - and why would you want to complain, it does not good, it just drags your mood down and solves nothing.  Instead, why not approach the day with a positive attitude and great energy.  Even if you're a little tired, or feeling somewhat overwhelmed, it's okay, the work will get done - just take it one thing at a time, one step at a time.

If you're looking for some positive ways to boost your mood, to rock your own world in ways large and small, here are a few suggestions - things that I like to do to create energy, motivation and positive results . . .

1. Find a pretty, quiet spot during your lunch break, crack open your journal and review all the things you've achieved this week, this month, this year.  Then give yourelf a round of applause for moving your dream(s) forward - treat yourself to something special, it doesn't have to be expensive or time consuming, but do it, you deserve some credit.
2. The flip side, if you're feeling guilty for relegating your dream(s) to the 'back seat' - find a pretty quiet spot during your lunch break, crack open your journal and begin building a plan to jump start your dream. That's step one - then decide today, what you will do tomorrow and the next day to move your dream forward.  Small steps, day after day add up.  You can do it!
3. Go for a walk, open your eyes, ears and senses to all the inspiration that surrounds you - inspiration that you may take for granted.  I live and work in the Washington metro area. Sometimes I take the beauty and grandeur for granted, the monuments, parks and architecture.  When that happens I make a point to look for inspiration in my daily life and it does pay off.  It motivates me and lends new energy.
4. Do something nice for someone else.  A smile.  A gesture.  A small gift.  Let someone merge in heavy traffic - don't speed up!!!  Give back.
5. Get some exercise - it's amazing what 30-minutes of daily exercise can do for the body, mind, spirit, and soul!
6. Get organized - take small daily steps toward organizing your, office, house, life.  You don't have to do it all at once.  Do it one small project at a time.  Cleaning is one of my favorite activities becaue I love the results, and sense of organization.
7. Have dinner or lunch with a dear friend - share adventures, do some dreaming and brainstorming.  Have a few laughs!   Show a friend how much you care . . .
8. Begin planning a great vacation.  It's always wonderful to have things about which you can daydream!
9. Give your kid a hug - spend some quality time together.
10. Call your Mom, your loved ones.  Ask them how they're doing, and listen, really listen!

I bet you can come up your own list of ways to rock your world.  Why not 'go for it' today, rather than waiting for the weekend or January 1!  Why not make every day New Year's Day?

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps:  Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - October 11, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Be True To My Commitments! - Day 281

Promises, Promises, Promises - we make them everyday to ourselves and to others.  We make them at work, at home, to friends, and family.  We make them in the form of New Year Resolutions.  We indicate to others - to ourselves - what we will do, or not do, or give, or be, or achieve . . . It's easy to make promises, but much harder to guarantee that those promises are not just 'empty words'.

So often that's what happens with New Year resolutions, for instance.  Folks pledge that they will do or change something on January 1, and 30 days later those resolutions, those promises are long forgotten.  I firmly believe that people fail because they choose too many resolutions most of which are very difficult - it's hard enough to achieve one major dream or make one major life change, let a lone 10!  Worse, folks choose resolutions for which they have no true interest, passion, or commitment.  To succeed in achieving a dream, resolution or goal - you have to want it more than anything.  You have to promise yourself that you will stick with it through good times and bad.  You have to be determined, patient and persistent.

So how's your track record with 'promises'?  I bet you keep most at work (you have to do that to keep your job and earn a paycheck).  I image you keep many/most with friends and family.  It's the responsible thing to do - and family members, friends, colleagues, bosses help to kee you on track by holding you accountable. 

But do you keep your promises to yourself?  Do you follow through with all the daily steps that are necessary to make a dream, a goal, a resolution - a reality?   If the answer is 'no', don't beat yourself up, you're not alone.  Take heart, there are ways to improve a lackluster record in the area of promises and commitments to yourself. 

Consider this:  Once you've opened your mind to the possibility that you can achieve your dream - Dared To Dream; and have made a firm Decision to 'go for it', by Defining your resolution, and building a solid Plan - why not share it with family members and ask for their support, ask them to help you be accountable.  Why not join a class or club that will enable you to make the journey with others who share your passion?  Don't be afraid to talk about your dreams - you'll likely find genuine support, not ridicule.  That support will help you to take small steps each and every day toward fulfilling your dream.

I believe in making and keeping promises.  Deciding that you're not going to honor a commitment because you're tired, busy, or just don't want to is just plain not acceptable.  You hurt yourself and others.  You feel bad afterwards.  Who wants to live with all that regret?  Don't take the easy way out by stopping, it's a cop out.  Keep making promises - they help you to achieve things large and small, and they enable you lead a rewarding and full life.  But when you make them - keep them!

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps:  Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - October 10, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Encourage Others! - Day 280

A compliment, a hello, a smile, or warm words of encouragement can make all the difference in another person's day.  Today when you get the opportunity to lend a hand, why not do so freely and without prodding.  Sometimes even the smallest gestures on your part can help another person to take that one additional important step toward fulfilling a dream, resolution, goal.  Your reward?  The wonderful feeling derived from helping someone else.  Then go one step further.  Why not use that good will, positive attitude and motivation to fuel the fire of your own dreams while you're at it? 

With that in mind, I offer you these warm words of encouragement to help get you going on this wonderful Tuesday . . .

"Willingness opens the doors to knowledge, direction and achievement.  Be willing to know, be willing to do, be willing to create a positive result.  Be willing, especially to follow your dream.  Peter McWilliams

"Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort."  Franklin D. Roosevelt

"Once you start replacing negative thoughts with positive ones, you'll start having positive results."  Willie Nelson

"Procrastination reaps regret.  Action reaps achievement.  Turn that spark into a flame, make your dream a reality!"

"Faith is the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase."  Martin Luther King

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps:  Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - October 9, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Generously Give Back! - Day 279

Happy Monday To You!  I hope you're enjoying this fabulous, sunny fall day!  Personally, I spent some much needed quality time on 'me' this long holiday weekend.  No work, lots of rest, thinking, brainstorming, dreaming, sorting through my priorities - and what I want to focus on in 2008.  I know I'm a bit ahead of the curve - 85 days until January 1, 2008 - but I truly believe in making each and every day New Year's Day.  That means working on my dreams, resolutions and goals, one small step at a time, one day at a time - each and every day.

This weekend, as I've been reflecting on what I've accomplished and what I want to achieve - it's occurred to me that since I turn 50 next spring, maybe I should work to make '08 a truly incredible year.  I'm considering focusing on a two priorities in my life that are very important to me - both could very well become themes for 2008:  Creativity and Giving Back.  With that in mind, I'm working right now to finish my I Resolve To E-Book and Store, and developing a plan for my other creative projects.  I'm determined to keep them - and my other Lifetime Resolutions - front and center.

Although I'm just at the brainstorming stage for my 2008 ideas- the Dare To Dream stage - I am making some decisions and commitments as you can see above, my commitment to my resolution project.  In regard to 'Giving Back' I need to brainstorm the many ways that I can make a useful contribution, and again - Decide, Define my Resolution, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily, the five steps that I use in approaching all of my dreams, resolutions and goals.

I've already decided one way that I can have an impact is to do the Breast Cancer 3Day Walk, October 3-5, 2008.  I signed up for the walk a couple years ago, but had to pull out because of work commitments.  In 2008, I'm doing the walk for three wonderful friends.  If you'd like to 'give back' - why not consider making a donation that will benefit the fight for a breast cancer cure, and help me to make my 60-mile journey next October.

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps:  Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - October 8, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Make Creativity A Priority In My Life In 2008! - Day 278

Choose a dream about which you are truly passionate, interested, intrigued - and you will succeed!  If you're trying to make change in your life, learn something new, turn a dream into reality - passion, patience, persistence, true interest, commitment, determination, excitement, and fun, are among the qualities that are central to success.  I spend a portion of my day, each day, thinking and brainstorming about my dreams, resolutions and goals.  I made a special effort this weekend, and my efforts have been productive, as I've mined for nuggets of gold - bits of insight that will take me closer and closer to realizing my dreams.

The thread that is woven throughout all that I do, all that is important to me - is creativity.  A driving force in my life is my love for creating whether it's in writing, photography, gardening, building a business, devising an exercise program, helping others . . . and on and on.  So many possibilities.  It's second nature to me to weave that thread through everything that I do, but I'm realizing that this year, sheer lack of time has made it impossible to focus on some areas of my creative life - and I miss them, so I'm re-ordering my priorities.

One idea:  I might make 'creativity' the 'theme' for my 50th year in 2008, so that I will place greater emphasis on my writing, photography, home, and garden projects for instance.  I want to 'make time' for the things that I love to do - I want to put them front and center.  While I was brainstorming this weekend I applied the five steps that I preach about:  1)  Dare To Dream;  2)  Decide;  3)  Define;  4)  Develop A Plan;  5)  Do It Daily.

I carved out quiet time for myself, sat down with my journal, and did some real soul searching about what I want in the coming year.  I opened my mind and 'Dared To Dream' about the possibilities.  I've come to realize that I need to make a few subtle course corrections in my life and I've made a 'Decision' today to do just that.  Next, I need to 'Define' exactly what I'm thinking about and 'Develop A Plan' that will enable me to 'Do It Daily': take small steps toward my dreams, resolutions and goals each and every day in 2008.  I'm trying to get a 'jump' on the New Year - I want to have a plan in hand on January 1!  You can too!  If you truly want to make the journey toward your dreams in 2008 . . . it's up to you to make it happen . . .

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps:  Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - October 7, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Be A Fabulous 50! - Day 277

Yes, next year I turn 50 - 'yay'!  A dear friend is celebrating her birthday next week, and it got me to thinking today about my own birthday next year.  I've always loved birthdays and I make a practice of celebrating them for days, and weeks at times.  My birthdays - and those of my close friends and loved ones - have always been a source of joy.  Each birthday marks the end of a chapter and the beginning of a new chapter.  Each one should be a celebration of successes and all the good things in life.

With that in mind - chapters new and old - I like to use my birthday as a milestone of sorts, a way to help myself motivate toward achieving my dreams, resolutions and goals.  For now, my primary personal goal between now and April 21, 2008 is to finish and launch my I Resolve To E-Book, and store.  So much to do, but it will all get done!

Since this is a 'big' birthday, 50 years, maybe I'll put together a fun list of things that I want to do and see in 2008.  I already have a Life Resolution List - all the things that I'd love to do, be, have, achieve, feel, experience, learn . . . in this lifetime.  Maybe it's time to put together a 'dream list' that is full of fun things that can easily be achieved in one year, next year.  Life is so often chock full of work and responsibilities, maybe it's time to turn the tables a bit, and inject more rest, relaxation, and pleasure into my days.  Hmmm . . . lot's to think about, will post more later as the list takes shape!

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps:  Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - October 6, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Rest, Relax, Write & Brainstorm! - Day 276

TGIF - 'Yep' that wonderful day of the week, and a long holiday weekend at that!!  Soooo looking forward to some time to myself. And as my post title suggests, I am going to rest and relax - and I'm going to spend a good chunk of my weekend writing, thinking, brainstorming, working on my creative projects, and definitely dreaming.  Since, it's going to be a thinking-dreaming kind of weekend - to get in the 'mood', I'm sharing (again, as I post it occasionally) one of my all time favorite passages from The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald . . . such wonderful writing.

"And as I sat there brooding on the old, unknown world, I thought of Gatsby's wonder when he first picked out the green light at the end of Daisy's dock.  He had come a very long way to this blue lawn, and his dream must have seemed so close that he could hardly fail to grasp it.  He did not know that it was already behind him, somewhere back in that vast obscurity beyond the city, where the dark fields of the republic rolled on under the night.

Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgiastic future that year by year recedes before us.  It eluded us then, but that's no matter -- tomorrow we will run faster, stretch our arms farther . . . And one fine morning --

So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back cesaselessly into the past."

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps:  Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - October 5, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Smile At The Next Person I See! - Day 275

A smile is an easy gift to give!  What is the cost of a smile?  Consider that.  What does it cost to you?  Nada.  But consider the benefit:  a smile makes makes you feel good and it can make someone else feel great as well.  Personally, I'm somewhat reserved, serious much of the time - smiles aren't automatic, but I make the effort, often.  What if they were more automatic for all of us?  What if we just open the flood gates some days?  What if we just smile at someone at the grocery store, as a way of acknowledgement, as a way to say life is good, all is well.  "Hello, how are you?"

What if?  Why not consider the possibility that a simple smile can make someone else's day - perhaps a stranger, perhaps a loved one, a co-worker, a friend.  The cost of a smile is amplified a zillion-fold when you simply make the effort.  Why not start tomorrow by reserving a smile for someone you love, then work from there? 

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps:  Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - October 4, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Continue Soul Searching - Day 274

What is it that I truly want out of this life?  I've always believed that asking that question and knowing what you want and what you don't want out of life is key to achieving your dreams, your heart's desire.  All too often we settle into lifestyles that are full of activities that we perform because we 'should' or because they're 'required'.  But what about opening your mind to all the 'other' possibilities.  What about considering those things that we 'imagined' as kids.   What about doing some real 'soul searching' on a regular basis?  What about stopping your day long enough to listen to your heart, your head, your body, your soul?

Dreaming shouldn't just be reserved for children.  Dreaming should be a lifelong pursuit.  It keeps us young.  It lends magic to an ordinary day.  Dreaming helps us to grow and learn, expand our horizons, open new doors, meet new people, feel new feelings.  Dreaming enables us to write, sing, run, create, laugh, compete . . .  So open your mind and dream - consider all the possibilities.  It just might bring incredible reward and joy to your life.

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps:  Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - October 3, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Exercise Daily! - Day 273

Just three months from the start of the New Year, why not start or renew your exercise resolution!  We're in the lovely throes of fall days - crisp temperatures, blazing colors on the trees, maybe a little time to take a deep breath and consider the possibilities, and all the 'next steps'.  Personally, I've been lagging a bit the past couple of weeks with my exercise program - pool is closing, so no more daily swims.  It's time to begin walking again, riding my bike, working out on my Total Gym, doing daily Yoga, tennis.  So many options - now it's time to shift my focus and re-define my priorities, meet up with old friends.

Why not do the same for yourself before those cold, harsh days of winter.  Why not - in the next three months - set up a realistic work-out program that will take you through those long, cold, grey days of winter? Working out lends so much reward to each and every day, why put it off?  Okay I need to start too - tomorrow in fact - why don't you do the same?  Build and strengthen those good habits now, rather than wait for January 1?  Re-acquaint yourself with exercise!!

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps:  Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - October 2, 2007
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I Resolve To™ . . . Make My Dreams A Reality - Day 272

Happy Monday to you!  I hope you're entering October with a sense of optimism and hope.  Personally, today was one of those days that I awoke with the proverbial 'song in the heart' - the weather is so wonderful how can you be pessimistic?   

Alas - my day also included a few 'sucker punches' along with the sunshine.  Unfortunately some days are like that.  I decided to take the high road - sometimes you get a firm kick in the butt rather than a thank you for all that you've done.  We all have those days and experiences.  When that happens you just have to review the bidding - admit if you were wrong, make amends, and a promise to do better.  Or sometimes you just have to move on when the circumstances are not 'amendable', or when you just plain weren't wrong.  Always a scapegoat. Life goes on.

My point - sometimes even when you give your all, and things don't work out as you hope - you have to move on, cut your losses, dream the next dream.  I've learned the hard way at times, it's all a part of life's cycles.  You just have to learn your lessons and move forward.  Can't give up on your dreams  Can move forward . . . never lose sight of that!

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps:  Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Kim M. Simpson - October 1, 2007
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