I RESOLVE TO . . .

I Resolve To™ . . . Use My Leap Day Today To Get Revvvved Up! - Day 60

Happy Leap Day!  If you need an excuse to get excited about the day - more than simply knowing it's Friday and the weekend is ahead - then why not celebrate the fact that you have an extra day this month.  Today!  I found an interesting website TimeAndDate.Com that provides a lot of interesting information about the Leap Year, which is a year in which an extra day is added to keep our calendar in alignment with the Earth's revolutions around the Sun.

Personally, I'm going to use my extra day today to get revvved up about my dreams, resolutions and goals.  In 2008 my New Year Resolution is to show 'gratitude' for all my blessings by 'giving back', and one of the recipients is the environment.  On Monday, Wednesday and Friday I write about ways that we can help protect and preserve the environment - more specifically, how we can can 'give the boot to our Carbon Footprints', and reduce the threat of Global Warming. 

With that in mind, I thought it would be useful to provide some reminders, and useful Website addresses for Earth Day and Arbor Day, which are right around the corner - as is the first day of Spring!  So, if you need some fresh excuses to breath some life into your dreams, resolutions, and goals - and if you want to make a difference by taking action to reduce your Carbon Footprint, why not start today?  Use these special dates and events to motivate and inspire yourself.  January 1 doesn't have to be the only day to 'resolve' to change or to make dreams a reality.  You can make and keep a New Year Resolution, virtually any day of the year.  You just need to Open Your Mind, Dare to Dream, and Make A Decision To 'Go For It'!  Make everyday New Year's Day!

Here are some inspiring dates and website links, particularly if you want to lend a hand to help the environment:  The first day of Spring is right around the corner, 19 days away, on March 20.  If you want to celebrate Earth Day 2008 - it's 52 days away on April 22.  Arbor Day is another great way to celebrate the environment - it's 54 days away on April 25.  Why not plant a tree this Spring?  It's a great way to reduce your Carbon Footprint because trees absorb Carbon Dioxide (C02).

If you want to learn more, here are some great websites that are chock full of good information about Arbor Day, Earth Day and Climate Change:

Earth Day - April 22, 2008

• Earth Day Network
• Earth Day - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• World Wildlife Federation
• Earth Day - EnviroLink Network
• About.Com Earth Day - Washington, D.C., Maryland & Virginia

Arbor Day - April 25, 2008

• Arbor Day Foundation
• Wikipedia - Arbor Day
• Plant-A-Tree-Today
• Clean Air Gardening
• United Nations Environment Programme - Tree Planting
• Trees Are Good
• American Forests

Climate Change -Take Action Today!

• Clean Air-Cool Planet
• Carbon Footprint
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Personal Emissions Calculator
• Climatecrisis.net - An Inconvenient Truth
• Conservation International
• Direct.Gov.UK - Calculate Your Carbon Footprint
• Environmental Defense - Fight Global Warming
• StopGlobalWarming.Org
• Environmental Defense - 'How To Pick A Better Bulb'.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-Department of Energy, Energy Star.
• ConservaStore - Light Bulbs.
• EnvironmentalLights.com - Light Bulbs.
• FastCompany.com - How Many Lightbulbs Does It Take To Change The World ( FastCompanyComLightBulbs.pdf ).

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!

Need More Inspiration?  Wear Your Resolution!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - February 29, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved 

I Resolve To™ . . . Strive To Be More Patient - Day 59

Patience is a virtue . . . as far as I'm concerned that old saying is so true.  Patience is worth cultivating because it's an important way to show kindness to others and to yourself.  In many respects I'm a very patient person.  I'm willing to work long and hard to make my dreams a reality - sometimes without any appreciable evidence that my efforts are paying off.  Ultimately the results do show up, but not overnight.

I'm usually patient with other people as well, and consider myself to be quite tolerant.  I try to reserve judgment and strive to be open minded.  But . . . when it comes to things that appear to waste my time, or instances of truly poor service - my telephone and cable providers come to mind, as they often have 'driven me nuts' during the past 14 years - I am not patient and I have not always been polite when 'awful service' rears its ugly head. 

I 'AM' trying to change.  It's Thursday, and that means it's Tip-Day for PreMeditated Acts of Kindness.  My 2008 Resolution is to 'Show Gratitude' for my blessings by 'Giving Back'. The point behind PreMeditated Acts Of Kindess is to give more conscious thought to my actions and the way that I treat others.  I'm urging folks to join me and do the same - to work at being kind because it's the right thing to do, without worrying about receiving anything in return, be it kind gesture or word, though my experience is that kindness shown is usually returned in kind.

With that in mind, I can't single-handedly improve a company's service record, but I can add years to my life by reducing stress, and letting things 'roll off' - 'just let it go', as one colleague often says.  Even if the 'poor service' is caused by an employee's who bad attitude, or perhaps by unrealistic, or inadequate company policies, it does no good to be rude or impatient.  Often, the person at the other end of the phone line is just trying to help, and has no control over the situation, so I'm really working to show patience, restraint and kindness.

I have a folder on my computer full of 'complaint letters' about a whole host of service problems that have occurred in various industries over the years.  I have tried to improve things by writing to illustrate the problems, suggest changes that would improve service and make it more fair.  In most instances, the problems were eventually solved, but with many headaches.  The letters do help in another important way, however, because they make you feel better via an avenue to vent, and by providing a sense of empowerment . . .  doing something positive when you have no control over a situation.

Bottom line:  I am making a conscious effort to be patient and kind with all service providers, both good and bad.  And I'll continue the practice of writing letters, calling supervisors, and tipping for great service.  I don't believe in contacting companies simply to complain.  The compliments are just as important.  I hope you'll join me this week in striving to make someone else's day a little bit happier.  Or if you're feeling a little low, try to be inspired by a kind soul who passes your way and smiles, does you a favor, gives you a big hug, lets you merge in traffic . . . lends a hand.

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!

Need More Inspiration?  Wear Your Resolution!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - February 28, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved 

I Resolve To™ . . . Be Consciously Kind - Day 57

There are so many ways to show kindness to others . . . but if you truly want to make a difference it really helps if you make a decision to be kind, then look for daily opportunities.  Rather than being random about showing kindness - leaving it to chance - why not put some effort into it?  The same holds true if you want to fulfill a dream, keep a New Year Resolution, or achieve a goal - you have to open your mind Dare To Dream and believe that you can succeed.  You have to make a Decision to 'go for it', Define specifically what you want to do, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily.  Those are the Five I Resolve To Do's - a simple common sense way to keep your priorities front and center, and to make them a reality.

It's Tuesday, and that means it's Tip-Day for PreMediated Acts of Kindness.  My 2008 Resolution is to 'Show Gratitude' for my blessings by 'Giving Back'. The point behind PreMeditated Acts Of Kindess is to give more conscious thought to my actions and the way that I treat others.  I'm urging folks to join me and do the same - to work at being kind because it's the right thing to do, without worrying about receiving anything in return, be it kind gesture or word, though my experience is that kindness shown is usually returned in kind.  I hope you'll join me this week in striving to make someone else's day a little bit happier.  Or if you're feeling a little low, to be inspired by a kind soul who passes your way and smiles, does you a favor, gives you a big hug, lets you merge in traffic . . . lends a hand.

With that in mind, I offer these inspiring quotes from Thinkexist.com - individuals who have given some thought to 'kindness' . . .

"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children. . . is to leave the world a better place . . . to know even one has breathed easier because you have lived.  This is to have succeeded."  Ralph Waldo Emmerson - American Poet, Lecturer & Essayist (1803-1882)

"Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see'."  Mark Twain - American Humorist, Writer & Lecturer (1835-1910)

"Be kind to unkind people - they need it the most."  Asleigh Brilliant - English Author & Cartoonist (1933 -   )

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!

Need More Inspiration?  Wear Your Resolution!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - February 26, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved 

I Resolve To™ . . . Do More Homework About Carbon Offsets - Day 53

Happy Friday!  It's Tip Day for ways to build habits that benefit the environment.  I'm expanding on the information that I provided Wednesday about Carbon Offsets - what they are, and the pros and cons of investing in them.  My resolution in 2008 is to 'Show Gradtitude' for my blessings by 'Giving Back' and the environment is one of my recipients.  In an effort to help protect and preserve the environment I'm working to educate myself and others about Global Warming, Climate Change, and 'how to give the boot to our Carbon Footprints'.  I dedicate my posts on Monday, Wednesday and Friday to the environment.

As I mentioned on Wednesday, folks who are working to reduce their Carbon Footprints - the measure of their activities on the environment in terms of the amount of greenhouse gases that are produced, and measured in units of Carbon Dioxide - are driving fewer miles, using less electricity at home and at work - and some are looking for additional alternatives such as Carbon Offsets. 

On Wednesday, I highlighted a website that I found in my initial research - CarbonCounter.Org - which tells the story about The Climate Trust, a 501(c)(3) non-profit in Portland, Oregon that is working towards a more stable climate.  According to their Website:  "Our mission is to provide climate change solutions by purchasing high quality greenhouse gas (GHG) offsets from projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and advancing sound offset policy."  If you want to learn more, it's worth having a look at the CarbonCounter.Org website.

The Environmental Defense Fund also offers some excellent background, as well as a list of offsets which it says were "were evaluated by a team of experts and meet our standards for credible, high-quality offsets."  The Environmental Defense Fund website also offers a strongly worded disclaimer: 

"Environmental Defense has tried to assure that the offsets on this website are credible but can not warrant or guarantee their value, quantitative accuracy, or long-term viability. The buyer of any offsets should always determine to his or her satisfaction that the offsets to be purchased have been quantified and verified in a rigorous and transparent manner and that they have been registered in an appropriate offset registry. Environmental Defense provides this website as a public service, and specifically disclaims any liability, financial or otherwise, should purchased offsets prove to be inaccurate or overvalued. Use of this website is conditioned upon user's acceptance of this liability disclaimer."

With that in mind, as with any investment - whether for personal retirement, business, savings, or to help preserve the environment - it pays to do your homework, educate yourself so you can make informed decisions, and be a careful, wise consumer.  There is a lot of information on the Internet about Carbon Offsets.  Today, I'm expanding my research and offering a list of websites from environmental organizations, the Federal Government, and other organizations in the business of providing offsets, as well as newspaper and magazine articles that shed light on some of the pros and cons surrounding offsets.  This list is not meant to be the final word, exhaustive, nor is it an endorsement by IResolveTo.Com of any of the organizations or the information they offer, but is merely provided for informational purposes as an educational tool:

• TerraPass.Com
• CarbonFund.Org
• TreeHugger.Com
• CarbonCounter.Org
• The Environmental Defense Fund
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Climate Change
• NewYorkTimesFTCCarbonOffsetsJanuary2008.pdf
• BusinessWeekAnotherInconvenientTruthMarch2007.pdf
• ChristianScienceMonitorCarbonOffsetsJanuary2007.pdf

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!

Need More Inspiration?  Wear Your Resolution!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - February 22, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved 

I Resolve To™ . . . Call A Loved One Just To Say 'Hello' - Day 52

'Hello' - How Are You On This Fine Thursday?  I hope the year has been kind to you, so far, and you've been able to spend some time working toward your dreams and all the many things that are important to you.  I hope you've also contributed to the happiness of your loved ones - whether by kind word, or kind deed - perhaps an extra hug, a bit of praise, a smile, or maybe by calling someone that you don't connect with as frequently as you - or he/she - would like to connect.

It's Tuesday, and that means it's Tip-Day for PreMeditated Acts of Kindness.  My 2008 Resolution is to 'Show Gratitude' for my blessings by 'Giving Back'. The point behind PreMeditated Acts Of Kindess is to give more conscious thought to my actions and the way that I treat others.  I'm urging folks to join me and do the same - to work at being kind because it's the right thing to do, without worrying about receiving anything in return, be it kind gesture or word, though my experience is that kindness shown is usually returned in kind.  I hope you'll join me this week in striving to make someone else's day a little bit happier.  Or if you're feeling a little low, to be inspired by a kind soul who passes your way and smiles, does you a favor, gives you a big hug, lets you merge in traffic . . . lends a hand.

On this Thursday - I hope you'll also consider giving a boost to a loved one with whom you can't or don't interact with on a daily basis.  The holidays are now a distant memory.  Those warm feelings of sharing with loved ones may have passed as well, but we don't have to restrict 'family closeness' to the holidays.  Why not try to stay in touch on a more consisent basis with loved ones, family members, the people who are so important to you.  Sometimes the converstations aren't as easy as we would hope;  sometimes they don't go the way we would like - but don't let that deter you from picking up the phone.  Life is so short.  The years pass so quickly.  Time gets away from us.  Why not pick up the phone to say 'hello', to show that you care and you're thinking of the people in your life who are important to you?

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!

Need More Inspiration?  Wear Your Resolution!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - February 21, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved 

I Resolve To™ . . . Learn More About Greenhouse Gas Offsets - Day 51

Greenhouse Gas Offsets . . .  I've been hearing and reading more and more about offsets, as I've progressed with my research about ways that I can reduce my personal Carbon Footprint.  It's Wednesday and that means it's Tip Day for building habits that benefit the environment.  My resolution in 2008 is to 'Show Gradtitude' for my blessings by 'Giving Back' and the environment is one of my recipients.  In an effort to help protect and preserve the environment I'm working to educate myself and others about Global Warming, Climate Change, and 'how to give the boot to our Carbon Footprints'.  I dedicate my posts on Monday, Wednesday and Friday to the environment.

When I'm working toward any dream, resolution, or goal, part of the process is to educate myself about the 'who, what, when, where, and why' of what I'm doing - and the same has applied to my resolution to 'take action' on behalf of the environment.  I've learned that my Carbon Footprint is a measure of my activities on the environment in terms of the amount of greenhouse gases that are produced - and measured in units of Carbon Dioxide. I've also learned that switching from Incandescent Light Bulbs to Compact Flourescent Lights is an important way we can make our homes more energy efficient.  Turning off lights as we leave rooms, or when not using computers are other easy ways to conserve energy.

So what's the scoop on Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Offsets?  As I said I keep reading about them, and in my forays across the Internet came cross a really useful website that I want to highlight today - CarbonCounter.Org - which tells the story about The Climate Trust, a 501(c)(3) non-profit in Portland, Oregon that is working towards a more stable climate.  According to their Website:  "Our mission is to provide climate change solutions by purchasing high quality greenhouse gas (GHG) offsets from projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and advancing sound offset policy."

So what does that mean?  Here is another excerpt from The Climate Trust's mission statement: 

"We purchase offsets on behalf of entities interested in mitigating their GHG emissions through the implementation of projects that lead to verifiable reductions of GHG levels in the atmosphere. The Climate Trust solicits, negotiates, and contracts to purchase offsets on behalf of its funders, including power plants, businesses and individuals. As one of the largest and most experienced purchasers of offsets in the U.S., The Climate Trust has $9 million invested in a diverse portfolio of offset projects that are expected to reduce 2.6 million metric tons of greenhouse gases."

Again, so what does that mean?  Another excerpt from The Climate Trust Website:

"Offset means “neutralize,” “balance,” or “cancel out.” When we do certain activities like drive, fly or heat our homes we emit carbon dioxide. Carbon offsets counteract these activities by funding projects that remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. When you buy a carbon offset, therefore, you are helping to fund a project that reduces the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere."

Think I got it.  I decided to put shine a spotlight on CarbonCounter.Org because it really helped me to uderstand what offsets are - and The Climate Trust sounds like it's doing some really great work. If you have a few minutes, browse through - the website is full of good information!  As you surf this week, drop by IResolveTo.Com on Friday - more about offsets and what you can do to reduce your Carbon Footprint.

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!

Need More Inspiration?  Wear Your Resolution!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - February 20, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

I Resolve To™ . . . Be Inspired By The Kindness Of Others - Day 50

Inspiration!  It's the life force that drives dreams, resolutions and goals.  Some days we have enormous inspiration.  Our fingers fly as we write the next fabulous page in a novel.  We feel calm, strong and peaceful as we listen to the crunch of pebbles while running.  Picking up a camera yields award-winning images.  We dive in to our studies with enthusiasm. 

At other times, however, the horizon looks a little bleak.  It's hard to drag ourselves off of the couch to work out, or to move our dreams to the next level.  Life is full of those day-to-day ups and downs, peaks and valleys.  It's hard - actually impossible - to feel inspired, happy, completely fulfilled 24/7.  There is no perfection in life.  Actually, there is no perfection in perfection.  We just do the best we can on the good days and the not so good days.

So what to do when you're struggling and you need a jolt of inspiration?  Why not take a lesson from those people in your life who are kind, patient, and 'give selflessly' - strangers, colleagues, friends, loved ones . . . you know who they are.  You interact with them on the streets, at work, at home, and in daily life.  Or perhaps try another small bit of incentive:  Visit a museum, or a library, take a long walk in the park - look for a dose of inspiration in places outside your norm.   

It's Tuesday, and that means it's Tip-Day for PreMeditated Acts of Kindness.  My 2008 Resolution is to 'Show Gratitude' for my blessings by 'Giving Back'. The point behind PreMeditated Acts Of Kindess is to give more conscious thought to my actions and the way that I treat others.  I'm urging folks to join me and do the same - to work at being kind because it's the right thing to do, without worrying about receiving anything in return, be it kind gesture or word, though my experience is that kindness shown is usually returned in kind.  I hope you'll join me this week in striving to make someone else's day a little bit happier.  Or if you're feeling a little low, to be inspired by a kind soul who passes your way and smiles, does you a favor, gives you a big hug, lets you merge in traffic . . . lends a hand.

Personally, I was feeling somewhat uninspired, a little low this week and was thinking about a friend who is a gentle soul, someone who is kind and good by nature.  Folks often say she's easy to be around -they say she is great, and she is great.  I've absorbed many small lessons from her on simple acts of kindness.  When I stay at her home I like to bring small gifts.  One such gift was a dozen Krispy Kreme Donuts during a slumber party last Fall.  The next morning I forgot to take half of the donuts to my next destination (knowing she wouldn't want to absorb 12 donuts).  No worries.  She took care of it, with a simple act of kindness.  She shared those Krispys to homeless men at a nearby church.  It's those gestures that lend great inspiration to me, that I take to heart.  In your daily life, I'm confident there are gentle souls who perform similar acts of kindness.  I hope you' are able to draw inspiration and strength from them - to appreciate them for the true gems that they are.

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!

Need More Inspiration?  Wear Your Resolution!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - February 19, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

I Resolve To™ . . . Educate Kids About Global Warming - Day 49

Happy Monday!  It's Tip Day for building habits that benefit the Environment.  My resolution in 2008 is to 'Show Graditude' for my blessings by 'Giving Back' and the environment is one of my recipients.  In an effort to help protect and preserve the Environment I'm working to educate myself and others about Global Warming, Climate Change, and 'how to give the boot to our Carbon Footprints'.  I dedicate my posts on Monday, Wednesday and Friday to the environment. 

I believe in making dreams, resolutions and daily goals a reality one small step at a time, one day at a time - whether it's daily exercise, taking a stand 'for' the environment, starting a small business - whatever the dream - one small step at a time does work and pays big dividends if you're patient, passionate and persistent. 

To do my part to protect the environment, I take small steps every day to improve my habits:  Drive less and walk more, use fewer plastic bags, install energy efficient light bulbs, turn the lights out as a I leave the room to name just a few 'good' habits.  That's a lot of positive change over time.  If you do the same, and urge someone else - your kids, neighbors, friends, colleagues - to follow your lead . . . that becomes more than simply creating good habits, it becomes a movement, huge positive change!

In doing my research about Global Warming, one important fact that I've learned is that Carbon Footprints are a measure of our activities on the environment in terms of the amount of greenhouse gases that are produced - and measured in units of Carbon Dioxide.  If you want to build good habits, help the environment, make yourself feel good by doing something that is worthwhile - why not make a special effort to educate your kids as you educate yourself?   Since January 1 I've posted links to a wide range of websites that are enormously useful - a quick browse through my January and February posts, and those websites provides a great introduction to Global Warming and Climate Change. 

I want to add to that educational arsenal by providing some useful links for kids.  It's never too early, or too late take action 'for' the environment . . .

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Climate Change Kids Site
• NRDC's Global Warming Challenge
• GlobalWarmingKids.Net
• Cool Kids For A Cool Climate
• Pew Center Global Climate Change
• Science News For Kids - Climate Change

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!

Need More Inspiration?  Wear Your Resolution!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - February 18, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

I Resolve To™ . . . Take One More Small Step Toward My Dream - Day 48

Day 48 in 2008 . . .   We're at the point in the year when the 2007 Holiday Season is now a distant memory, recorded for posterity in family photos and party pics.  Remember that New Year Resolution - or that List of Resolutions - that you promised yourself you would 'keep this time'?  Perhaps they were resolutions induced in the passion of the moment, the heady spirit of the New Year, or maybe simply by too many 'liquid spirits'.  Regardless, there were resolutions - written, spoken, imagined.  What happened to them?  Did they slowly vanish in the post-holiday rush of activity - back to work, back to the crush of everyday worries and and responsibilities?

No matter.  The point is that you probably had a resolution or two.  The question that I ask is this:  Were they resolutions about which you had enormous desire, passion and interest?  If the answer is 'no' that's probably a primary reason your 2008 resolutions are buried under piles of paper on your desk, relegated to the back seat, back burner, out of sight, out of mind. 

Why not try again?  You can make and keep a New Year resolution virtually any day of the year.  You just need the right resolution - something that really inspires you.   You need a resolution that would make you happy as you make the day-to-day the journey toward achievement and making it a reality.  You need to do what you love, love what you do.  If you need a holiday to on which you can hang your resolution, Spring is just 32 days away - another wonderful opportunity to begin anew, another sweet, clean blank page on which you can write the next chapter in your life story.

If you're ready to to 'go for it', consider the I Resolve To . . . Formula For Success as a starting point:

Dream  + Resolution + Daily Goals  =  Success, Achievement  &  Reward!

Start with a cherished dream.  Turn that dream into a specific one-sentence resolution. Make that resolution a reality with daily goals.  Need a simple organized system to keep you going one small step at a time, one day at a time.  Consider the I Resolve To . . . Do's:

• Dare To Dream: Open your mind and consider all the wonderful possibilities. Find a quiet spot where you can relax and daydream with your journal. Make a list of the 100 things that you would truly love to do, be, see, feel, create, experience, learn, achieve, and have while you're here on earth - your Lifetime Resolution List. Focus like a laser on the one dream that most inspires you, makes you excited and nervous at the same time. Focus on the one that you will want to pursue day after day, the one that would make you happy and proud.
• Decide: Make a firm decision, a personal commitment, a promise to yourself to pursue that dream today; to make it a Lifetime Resolution that is with you for good. Why fulfill a dream, then check it off your list? Why not achieve it, keep it with you, and enjoy it for life!  Achieve it, then take it to the next level.  Use what you've learned to inspire and invigorate you - to launch you toward achieving new dreams and resolutions.
• Define: Turn that dream into a specific, positive, one-sentence resolution that provides clarity of purpose. For instance, I Resolve To exercise for 30-minutes daily by walking, working out with weights, swimming, doing Yoga, and biking, so that I can reach and maintain my my ideal weight (i.e. 125 pounds), be fit and toned (i.e. look good in my clothes, and feel good about myself), be healthy (i.e. lower my cholesterol and blood pressure), and maintain a good mood and positive outlook.
• Develop A Plan: Do your homework. Learn all you can about the 'who, what, when, where, why, and how' of your dream, then turn that knowledge into written short and long-range plans that include daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly goals, timelines, and milestones, along with a system of making course corrections, and rewarding victories. Keep a Daily Resolution Diary and do Daily and Weekly Check-Ins. Your plan is a living document that will grow and change as you grow, learn and change.
• Do It Daily!: Each and every day take one small step - achieve at least one goal - that will enable you to make your dream, your resolution a reality. Try to devote at least 30-minutes each day to your dream. If you devote just 30-minutes each day to your dream that adds up like compound interest on money in the bank to 7.5 full 24-hour days in one year! Tell your friends and family and enlist their support. Find buddies who can make the journey with you. Seek out a mentor who can provide advice. Join a club or take a class to learn new things that will lend motivation and inspiration to your quest. Wear your resolution on your shirt, and plant a post-it on your computer, your mirror, your refrigerator - anyplace that will provide frequent reminders.

Fulfilling dreams, keeping resolutions and achieving goals doesn't have to be hard.  All too often we make it hard, create obtacles of our own making.  Keep in mind you don't have to 'do it all overnight' - write your novel in a day, get fit in a week, change the eating habits of a lifetime in one month.  Whatever it is you want to 'do, achieve, be' - you can do it, one small step at a time, over time.  Why not begin today.  What do you have to lose?  Maybe you have everything to gain if you simply try . . .

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!

Need More Inspiration?  Wear Your Resolution!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop - have a look at Resolutionista Gear by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - February 17, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

I Resolve To™ . . . Do A Saturday Check In - Day 47

How is your 2008 resolution?  Is it a distant memory?  Or are you working diligently to make your dream, resolution and daily goals a reality?  Regardless, it's never too late, or too early to ignite that spark of a dream and fan the flames of inspiration and motivation - to make that all important decision to 'go for it'.  If you're struggling a bit, why not spend a few minutes reading through through my I Resolve To . . . Do's & Don'ts . . .

• I Resolve To . . . System
• I Resolve To . . . Tips
• I Resolve To . . . Promise  [IResolveToPromise.pdf]

My own Resolution is to show my gratitude for all that I have and all that I am by 'giving back' in 2008 in four areas of my life:  1)  Walk 60 miles for the Washington, D.C. Breast Cancer 3-Day and raise $3,000. 2)  Volunteer at a Virginia Horse Rescue Farm.  3)  Learn more about how to combat Global Warming and take action!  4)  Engage in PreMeditated Acts of Kindness.

I keep a written daily journal that includes my long and short range plans (my daily goals) as well as my timelines, successes, obstacles, milestones, and rewards.  If you don't write things down it's impossible to know what you need to do, and what you've already done.  Accountability is very important if you want to fulfill a dream, keep a resolution, and make daily goals happen.  I also have several wall calendars that help me to track my progress - I love applying multi-colored stars to the days that I've made key achievements.  Exercise, for instance is a Lifetime Resolution that I track on my calendar with stars.

In a nutshell, during the past 46 days I've shown up here on my blog most days to report what I'm learning about how I can individually help fight Global Warming - and ways in which I can make a conscious daily effort to be kind:  PreMediated Acts Of Kindness.  I have a little catching up to do here at IResolveTo.Com - some posts aren't finished for January, but I will complete and post them in days to come.  I've also plotted and am working on 'next steps' for my 3-Day Walk and Horse Rescue Volunteer Activities, as well as new Environment and Kindness intentions, which include:

1. Drafting my 3-Day fundraising letter, which will go out to friends, family, colleagues in March.
2. Researching training strategy and gear for the 60-mile 3-Day Walk in October.
3. Selecting a Horse Rescue Farm in Virginia where I intend to donate time and money in 2008.
4. Building a 'menu' ways to be kind daily - with reminders to 'act consciously'.
5. Building a proactive list of ways to reduce my carbon footprint - with reminders to 'act'.

Spring is just around the corner, so I have added incentive to continue generating momentum toward achieving my goals.  I like to spend the winter doing as much research/homework as possible, so I can spend more time outdoors during the warm months.  But the process of educating yourself never really ends when you're working toward a dream.  Once you've reached one peak, climbed one mountain, there's always another one.  I believe in achieving my dreams and keeping them with me for good - Lifetime Resolutions - that I can build from one level to the next like climbing stairs to the stars!

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!

Need More Inspiration?  Wear Your Resolution!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - February 16, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

I Resolve To™ . . . Plan For Arbor Day - Day 46

Happy Friday!  I hope you're looking forward to enjoyable, relaxing plans for the long holiday weekend. Perhaps you'll have some time to devote to your New Year Resolution.  Yes, New Year's day 2008 is now a distant memory, but that doesn't mean we have to abandon our dreams, resolutions and daily goals.  Now is the the time to re-double our efforts to make those dreams a reality. 

Though February days may be bitter cold and dark and dreary at times - it is winter after all - Spring is just 33 days away.  Very soon we will be spending time outdoors in short sleeves, enjoying our favorite warm-weather activities. There is so much to look forward to!   With Spring just around the corner, that means Earth Day is coming on April 22, and Arbor Day arrives on April 25.  If you haven't made a New Year Resolution yet, why not think about doing something for the environment in coming days? 

On Monday, Wednesday and Friday here at IResolveTo.Com, I write about ways to 'Give The Boot To Our Carbon Footprints'.  My intention is to educate myself and others about ways that we can take action and combat Global Warming - the measure of the impact of our activities on the environment in terms of the amount of greenhouse gases produced (measured in units of Carbon Dioxide, CO2).  It's part of my 2008 resolution to 'Show Gratitude' and 'Give Back' out of appreciation for my many blessings, and the environment is one of my recipients.

As promised earlier this month, I've done a bit more research about Arbor Day activities and why celebrating that special day is important.  Planting more trees and saving the trees we have is an key weapon in the battle against Global Warming.  Trees and plants absorb Carbon Dioxide as part of the photosynthesis process. 

Much is being written by scientists about the positive impact of planting more trees on Global Warming.  But, concern about trees and their beneficial impact on our natural habitats is not new.  Arbor Day was the brainchild of J. Sterling Morton and celebrated for the first time April 10,1872 in my home state of Nebraska.  The Arbor Day Foundation, has a lot of interesting historical information about Morton's quest to plant trees in the plains of Nebraska, as well as useful information about planting and caring for your own trees.

If you want to celebrate Arbor Day - and make a difference for the environment - why not make a Decision to 'go for it' today?   Define what you want to do, educate yourself, and Develop A Plan so you can take action this spring. Why not follow the Five Step I Resolve To . . . System for achieving your dreams resolutions and goals?  There's plenty of time (more than two months) to learn what you can do to contribute.  Why not consider planting a tree in your yard, or getting involved in local efforts to plant and preserve trees.  If you're looking for historical information about Arbor Day, as well as ideas about what you can contribute, have a look at these useful websites:

• Arbor Day Foundation
• Wikipedia - Arbor Day
• Plant-A-Tree-Today
• Clean Air Gardening
• United Nations Environment Programme - Tree Planting
• Trees Are Good
• American Forests

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!

Need More Inspiration?  Wear Your Resolution!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - February 15, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

I Resolve To™ . . . Be Kind This Valentine's Day - Day 45

Happy Valentine's Day 2008!  Flowers, candy and roses are wonderful, but they're not the only ways to celebrate Valentine's Day.  Why not show some basic human kindness this Valentine's Day?  It's Thursday and that means it's Tip-Day for PreMeditated Acts Of Kindness.  My 2008 resolution is to 'Show Gratitude' and to 'Give Back'.  The point behind PreMeditated Acts Of Kindess is to give more conscious thought to my actions and the way that I treat others.  I'm urging folks to join me and do the same - to work at being kinder because it's the right thing to do, without worrying about receiving anything in return, be it kind gesture or word, though my experience is that kindness shown is usually returned in kind.  I hope you'll join me this week in striving to make someone else's day a little bit happier.

With that in mind, there are so many ways that you can send a Valentine to someone.  Why not think outside the box just a bit?  Yes, expressing affection to loved ones should be a top priority, but there are also other ways to show gratitude and kindness to others.  Here are  a half-dozen ideas to get you going . . .

1. Reach out to a friend, loved one, family member with whom you're having difficulties, life's imperfect 'ups and downs'.  If you're struggling, trying to make things right, let them know that you're trying.  Send a card, an E-Mail message, leave a phone message - take a small step to let them know that you do care.
2. Do something nice - a smile and praise, an extra tip - for the people who help you through your day:  the barista who brews your coffee, the bus driver who gives you a friendly nod everyday, your grocery clerk, the wait-person at your favorite restaurant . . . all those people who lend quality to your life.
3. Send a small donation to your favorite charity.  The end of the calendar year, 'tax-time', doesn't have to be the only time to make donations to your priorities.
4. Pay a highway toll for the person behind you for no other reason that it will make you and him/her feel great - what a nice surprise!
5. Do something for the environment today:  Turn off the lights behind you, use fewer plastic bags, drive less miles, and screw in more light efficient bulbs.
6. LOVE your kid - your dog, cat, birds, and all the other small, fragile, wonderful creatures that depend upon you - what better love is there than that?  Their unconditional love is priceless and they should be treated as priceless gems in return.

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!

Need More Inspiration?  Wear Your Resolution!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - February 14, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

I Resolve To™ . . . Find An Earth Day Celebration - Day 44

Earth Day 2008 is just 67 days away!  That's plenty of time to find a local celebration, or create an Earth Day Project of your own.  If you want to make and keep a New Year Resolution, fulfill a dream or achieve a goal, you have to make a decision to 'go for it', define what you want to achieve, then build a plan that will take you to the finish line.  Why not put the environment on your list of priorities, resolutions and goals for 2008 - and use the I Resolve To . . . System to get you going?

On Monday, Wednesday and Friday here at IResolveTo.Com, I write about ways to 'Give The Boot To Our Carbon Footprints'.  My intention is to educate myself and others about ways that we can take action and combat Global Warming - the measure of the impact of our activities on the environment in terms of the amount of greenhouse gases produced (measured in units of Carbon Dioxide, CO2).  It's part of my 2008 resolution to 'Show Gratitude' and 'Give Back' out of appreciation for my many blessings, and the environment is one of my recipients.

If you want to achieve a dream or make a resolution a reality, education is part of the process.  Once you make a decision to 'take action' you need to know all the many steps that are necessary to fulfill your dream.  You can't build a plan without knowing the 'who, what, when, where, and why' of achieving your dream.

With that in mind, if you're serious about making a commitment to the environment - one step that you can take that will lend excitement, inspiration, comraderie, and motivation to your cause is to link up with others in a local Earth Day Celebration.  According to Earth Day Network (EDN), hosted by the founders of Earth Day - there will be celebrations in eight cities: New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Denver, Dallas and Miami, plus the flagship event at Washington DC’s National Mall. 

If you're interested in attending one of these celebrations, a celebration in your local community, or building an Earth Day project of your own, here are links to websites that will get you going:

• Earth Day Network
• Earth Day - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• World Wildlife Federation
• Earth Day - EnviroLink Network
• About.Com Earth Day - Washington, D.C., Maryland & Virginia

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!

Need More Inspiration?  Wear Your Resolution!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - February 13, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

Valentine's Day Kindness - Six Ways To Think Outside The Box

There are so many ways that you can send a Valentine to someone.  Why not think outside the box just a bit?  Yes, expressing affection to loved ones should be a top priority, but there are also other ways to show gratitude and kindness to others.  Here are  a half-dozen ideas to get you going . . .

1. Reach out to a friend, loved one, family member with whom you're having difficulties, life's imperfect 'ups and downs'.  If you're struggling, trying to make things right, let them know that you're trying.  Send a card, an E-Mail message, leave a phone message - take a small step to let you know that you do care.
2. Do something nice - a smile and praise, an extra tip - for the people who help you through your day:  the barista who brews your coffee, the bus driver who gives you a friendly nod everyday, your grocery clerk, the wait-person at your favorite restaurant . . . all those people who lend quality to your life.
3. Send a small donation to your favorite charity.  The end of the calendar year, 'tax-time', doesn't have to be the only time to make donations to your priorities.
4. Pay a highway toll for the person behind you for no other reason that it will make you and him/her feel great - what a nice surprise!
5. Do something for the environment today:  Turn off the lights behind you, use fewer plastic bags, drive less miles, and screw in more light efficient bulbs.
6. LOVE your kid - your dog, cat, birds, and all the other small, fragile, wonderful creatures that depend upon you - what better love is there than that?  Their unconditional love is priceless and they should be treated as priceless gems in return.

Kim M. Simpson - February 13, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ * All Rights Reserved

I Resolve To™ . . . Tell The Truth - Day 43

It's Tuesday and that means it's Tip-Day for PreMeditated Acts Of Kindness.  My 2008 resolution is to 'Show Gratitude' and to 'Give Back'.  The point behind PreMeditated Acts Of Kindess is to give more conscious thought to my actions and the way that I treat others.  I'm urging folks to join me and do the same - to work at being kinder because it's the right thing to do, without worrying about receiving anything in return, be it kind gesture or word, though my experience is that kindness shown is usually returned in kind.  I hope you'll join me this week in striving to make someone else's day a little bit happier. 

Consider this . . . There are so many opportunities in a given day, week, month to help a stranger, friend, loved one, family member - so many opportunities to simply be kind.  Sometimes we lose sight of the forest for the trees. Life is so busy.  It seems to speed up and seldom slows down.  With that in mind sometimes we forget about the very basics of simple humanity:  integrity, honesty, incorruptabilty, soundness . . . being good, solid, trustworthy folks. 

It's an easy mistake to make, when you're living fast.  Life is fast.  That's the norm.  But what happens i f you slow down just a bit?  What happens when you really give conscious thought to how you're behaving, what you're saying, how you're treating other people.  Much of the time, when folks are being 'rude' or inconsiderate, it's because they just aren't 'thinking' about how they're treating others.  I give people more credit than that because I really believe people are 'good at heart'.

When I fall into that trap of being rude - and catch myself - I'm ashamed afterwards because I know I was wrong.  All too often, I wasn't making a conscious decision to behave one way or another, I was just reacting to the stresses of the day, and creating stressful conditions for others in my wake.  But that is no excuse.  I can do better.  We all can do better, if we try.

What happens when you stop for a moment, take a deep breath and think about how you're treating another person?  How about taking a deep breath and making a conscious decision to treat that person with respect, dignity, kindness, and honesty.  Sometimes honesty goes out the window, for instance, when folks tell 'white lies' to protect a friend, colleague, or loved one.  But in the end those 'white lies' usually lead to heartache rather than happiness.  Those 'white lies' catch up with you. 

A house of cards is just that - a house of cards. A whiff of wind will blow the house down, and in its wake cause hurt and unhappiness.  If you really want to be kind, truth delivered carefully and gently, usually works far better than 'white lies'.  In the end, the truth will win out, regardless.  It always does.  The 'white lies' while well intentioned cause mistrust and bad feelings.  In the end . . . as is so typical in everyday life, you really do have to weigh every situation, and trust your instincts to decide how to 'act'.  Personally, having been on both sides of the 'truth issue' - I'd stick with the truth every time if you want to show kindness and compassion to someone that you care about.

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!

Need More Inspiration?  Wear Your Resolution!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - February 12, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

I Resolve To™ . . . Celebrate Earth Day 2008 - Day 42

Spring is just around the corner!  That's wonderful news.  Soon, we can begin to shed our layers, move outside into our gardens, hop on our outdoor bikes, and hit the hiking trails.  Personally, I am so ready.  On one recent mild February winter day I mulched leaves in my yard.  That made me long for the onset of warm Spring days, so I launched my annual countdown to the first day of Spring, March 20 - which is now just 37 days away. 

That means that Earth Day will soon follow on April 22 and Arbor Day on April 25.  As we draw closer to those celebrations, which honor the environment, each in it's own way, I'll write more about the history and present day celebrations.  I want to share a bit of background and some interesting links about Earth Day today - and more in a continuing series about Arbor Day and planting trees on Friday (planting trees helps to reduce our carbon footprint, so think about planting a tree this Spring!). 

On Monday, Wednesday and Friday here at IResolveTo.Com, I write about ways to 'Give The Boot To Our Carbon Footprints' and the environment is one of my recipients.  My intention is to educate myself and others about ways that we can take action and combat Global Warming - the measure of the impact of our activities on the environment in terms of the amount of greenhouse gases produced (measured in units of Carbon Dioxide, CO2).  It's part of my 2008 resolution to 'Show Gratitude' and 'Give Back' out of appreciation for my many blessings and the environment is one of my recipients. 

With that in mind, nearly 40 years after the 'first' Earth Day - commemorating Earth Day continues to be an important way to draw attention to the continuing deterioration of the environment from threats ranging from stormwater pollution, to cutting down and paving over acre after acre of trees, to Global Warming and Climate Change.  The Founder Earth Day, Wisconsin Senator, Gaylord Nelson, wanted to move the environment from "non-issue status" to the "political limelight".  According to an interesting column written by Senator Nelson: "The idea for Earth Day evolved over a period of seven years starting in 1962."

Senator Nelson went on to describe how Earth Day 'organized itself' in that column, which appears on envirolink.org [EarthDayHistory.pdf]:

"Earth Day worked because of the spontaneous response at the grassroots level. We had neither the time nor resources to organize 20 million demonstrators and the thousands of schools and local communities that participated. That was the remarkable thing about Earth Day. It organized itself. "

Earth Day celebrations are being planned in eight major U.S. cities, including Washington, D.C. on April 20th.  For more information, visit Earth Day Network's Website, which is hosted by the founders of Earth Day.  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency also has a wealth of information about Earth Day on its Website.  Have a look and think about the small steps that you can take each and every day to combat Global Warming, and to protect the environment - steps as small as turning your computer off when you're not using it, switching off lights when you leave the room, and using energy efficient light bulbs.  Small steps taken each and every day add up over time!

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!

Need More Inspiration?  Wear Your Resolution!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - February 11, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

I Resolve To™ . . . Make Every Day New Year's Day! - Day 41

Happy Chinese New Year!  January 1 isn't the only New Year celebration, there are many.  The Chinese New Year began on Thursday, February 7th, so 'yes' there are other inspirational celebrations and dates on which you can hang your New Year Resolution Hat!  Don't despair if you haven't made your resolution, or if you've fallen off the wagon and given up.  God willing, there is always a new day, one more opportunity, a new blank page on which you can write your life's story!

In the Chinese New Year celebration for instance, 2008 is known as the year of the Rat.  The celebration in China lasts for approximately 15 days.  It's determined by the Lunar Calendar, and is therefore often referred to as the Lunar New Year.  Interestingly, according to taboo - the whole house should be cleaned before New Year's Day.  All brooms and brushes should be put away New Year's Eve, and cleaning and dusting shouldn't be performed on New Year's day for fear that good fortune will be swept away.  I found a great website that provides a great description of Chinese New Year Traditions:  http://www.educ.uvic.ca/faculty/mroth/438/CHINA/chinese_new_year.html

My point is this:  you can make a decision to pursue a dream, create a new habit, make change in your life at virtually any time.  It all starts with you:  You have to make a personal decision to 'go for it', then act on that decision.  It's that's simple.  You can make that decision right now, or you can tie it to a holiday or special event.  January 1 isn't the only New Year celebration.  Consider this small sampling of a long list of cultural and religious dates and celebrations that are tied to the New Year, or are simply great opportunities make a resolution:

1. January 1 - New Year's Day
2. February 2 - Groundhog Day
3. February 7 - Chinese New Year
4. February 14 - Valentine's Day
5. March 20 - Spring Equinox
6. March 23 - Easter
7. April 13-15 - Cambodian New Year
8. April 21 - My Birthday!
9. May 5 - Cinco de Mayo
10. June 21 - First Day of Summer
11. July 4 - Independence Day
12. September 3 - Labor Day, The Start Of A New School Year, The End Of Summer
13. September 23 - Fall Equinox
14. September 29 - Rosh Hashanah
15. October 31 - Halloween
16. November 22 - Thanksgiving
17. December 25 - Christmas

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!

Need More Inspiration?  Wear Your Resolution!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - February 10, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

I Resolve To™ . . . Do A 'Status Check' On My Resolutions - Day 40

Happy Saturday!  I hope your weekend is off to a wonderful start.  We're at Day 40 in 2008, how is your New Year Resolution going?  Is it going?  Or is it gone?  Did you stick with it long enough to make it a habit?  As research shows, it takes approximately 21+ days to develop a habit.  Alternatively, did you make the same long list of New Year Resolutions that you make each and every year, and promptly bury the list on your desk never to be seen again, due to lack of interest, inspiration, desire, and passion.

Don't despair.  You're not alone.  Most folks do the same thing.  But you don't have to live like 'most folks'.  If you have a burning desire to achieve 'something', it's very important to choose the right 'something', and you don't have to wait until January 1, 2009 to make that promise, that commitment to yourself to follow through.   You can move forward today by deciding that you are going to 'go for it' now, not next year.  You can make and keep a New Year Resolution virtually any day of the year.  The act of deciding 'when' is totally up to you.  Why not do it today?

Personally, my resolution theme in 2008 is to 'Give Back' - to show my 'Gratitude' for all that I have and all that I am in four ways:

1. Walk 60 miles for the Breast Cancer 3-Day - Susan G. Komen For The Cure - in Washington, DC, October 3-5, 2008.  My team is I Resolve To Walk!
2. Volunteer at a Virginia Horse Rescue Farm.
3. Learn about how to combat Global Warming and take action.
4. Engage in PreMeditated acts of kindness.

I know 'what' I intend to achieve in each area, and I'm building a long, short and medium range 'written plan' that will enable me to make each of my four 'goal areas' a reality in 2008.  Don't let the notion of a 'written plan' scare you.  You don't need a Ph.D. in strategic planning to fulfill dreams, keep resolutions and achieve daily goals.  You do need to take the first step and that's opening your mind and Daring To Dream about the possibilities, then moving forward by Deciding to 'go for it', Defining specifically what you intend to achieve, Developing A Plan, and 'Doing It Daily'.  In a nutshell those are the five simple, common sense steps that I apply to everything that I achieve in my life.  That simple system does work.

All too often we make things harder than they need to be.  Why not simplify?  This weekend, do a 'Check-In' on your dream - the one you're working on, or hope to be working on, that thing that you daydream about, that inspires you, makes you excited and a bit scared at the same time.  Perhaps you haven't had the courage to take the first step.  Maybe it's time to put an end to the 'Someday, Someday, Someday Syndrome' and simply act today. Apply my five simple steps.  Buy a 79-cent notebook and a wall calendar.  Do your homework.  Learn everything you can about the 'who, what, when, where, why, and how' of your dream.  And you're on your way . . .

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!

Need More Inspiration?  Wear Your Resolution!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - February 9, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved   

I Resolve To™ . . . Learn More About Global Warming - Day 39

So much to learn!  If you want to fulfill a dream, keep a New Year Resolution, or achieve a daily goal - education is part of the process from beginning to end.  If you educate yourself about the 'who, what, when, where, why, and how' of the specific issue or dream that you're working on, it takes the guess work out of 'what to do' on a day-to-day basis.

On Monday, Wednesday and Friday here at IResolveTo.Com, I write about ways to 'Give The Boot To Our Carbon Footprints' and the environment is one of my recipients.  My intention is to educate myself and others about ways that we can take action and combat Global Warming. - the measure of the impact of our activities on the environment in terms of the amount of greenhouse gases produced (measured in units of Carbon Dioxide, CO2).  It's part of my 2008 resolution to 'Show Gratitude' and 'Give Back' out of appreciation for my many blessings and the environment is one of my recipients. 

I've run across a substantial number of really useful websites, which I've been posting as I work thorugh my own personal research about Climate Change and Global Warming.  As we approach the weekend, I'm listing some of the sites that I have found particularly useful (in the hope that you'll take a moment to do some browsing of your own):

• Clean Air-Cool Planet
• Carbon Footprint
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Personal Emissions Calculator
• Climatecrisis.net - An Inconvenient Truth
• Plant-A-Tree-Today
• Conservation International
• Direct.Gov.UK - Calculate Your Carbon Footprint
• ArborDay.Org
• Environmental Defense - Fight Global Warming
• StopGlobalWarming.Org

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!

Need More Inspiration?  Wear Your Resolution!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - February 8, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved      

I Resolve To™ . . . Forgive My Mistakes - Day 38

Everyone makes mistakes.  I make them.  You make them.  We all make them.  Instead of beating ourselves up, stewing incessantly, and brooding over them . . . why not take a deep non-emotional breath, and ponder the mistake. If you claim it, embrace it, own up to it, learn from it and move on then it's much, much more than a mistake.  It's an opportunity to build integrity, honesty, self esteem, and confidence.  Why not be kind to yourself, your colleagues, your loved ones:  When a mistake is made, work to correct it, then forgive it and get on with your life.

It's Tuesday and that means it's Tip-Day for PreMeditated Acts Of Kindness.  My 2008 resolution is to 'Show Gratitude' and to 'Give Back'.  The point behind PreMeditated Acts Of Kindess is to give more conscious thought to my actions and the way that I treat others.  I'm urging folks to join me and do the same - to work at being kinder because it's the right thing to do, without worrying about receiving anything in return, be it kind gesture or word, though my experience is that kindness shown is usually returned in kind.

Sometimes the simplest way to correct a mistake is to know you've made one - and apologize.  Sincerely apologize and make a correction, a change, with a promise to try to avoid making it again.  But be careful not to raise the bar too high - mistakes do happen, that's life, we're human.  If you're doing your best, and you make a mistake - or repeat a mistake, don't beat yourself up.  Tomorrow is a new day, a new opportunity to give it your all once again.

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!

Need More Inspiration?  Wear Your Resolution!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - February 7, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved      

I Resolve To™ . . . Turn Off My Computer When I'm Not Using It! - Day 37

One Small Step At A Time, One Day At A Time . . . can generate huge results, 'over time'.  If you want to help the environment in 2008 one small step that you can take each and every day is to turn your computer off when you're not using it.  According to the Clean Air-Cool Planet Website, "One computer left on all day results in the emission of 1,500 pounds of carbon dioxide in a year. It would take 100 to 500 trees to absorb that amount of extra carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere."  The solution, according to Clean Air-Cool Planet:

"Turn off your computer or put it in sleep mode when not in use. ENERGY STAR has free software tools to help businesses, municipalities, colleges, and individuals enable sleep mode on their computer monitors. You will save 20 watts or more by going into sleep mode when idle. This is the equivalent of removing one in four cars from the road every year! Plus, your hardware may actually last longer due to reduced heat stress and mechanical wear. Turn off computer monitors. Screen savers are energy HOGS."  [CoolPlanet2008.pdf ]

On Monday, Wednesday and Friday here at IResolveTo.Com, I write about ways to 'Give The Boot To Our Carbon Footprints' and the environment is one of my recipients.  My intention is to educate myself and others about ways that we can take action and combat Global Warming. - the measure of  the impact of our activities on the environment in terms of the amount of greenhouse gases produced (measured in units of Carbon Dioxide, CO2).  It's part of my 2008 resolution to 'Show Gratitude' and 'Give Back' out of appreciation for my many blessings and the environment is one of my recipients. 

Whether I'm working to protect the environment, or to achieve my dreams and New Year resolutions, I live my life by the power one:  one small step at a time, one day at a time because it works.  First of all, that practice lowers the bar enough to generate momentum, enthusiasm, confidence - and in turn, motivation.  Big dreams and big challenges become much more manageable when you are approaching them with a realistic strategy, timeline and daily goals.  With a willingness to work hard, stay focused, cultivate patience, and have some fun along the way, you can achieve whatever set your mind to. 

Are you ready?  Perhaps you'll join me in taking small steps each and every day to preserve the environment.  Maybe you have your own dream, as well. Why not make that 'all important decision' to 'give it a go' in 2008'?  The Chinese New Year begins tomorrow . . . yet another opportunity to make and keep your New Year Resolution!

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!

Need More Inspiration?  Wear Your Resolution!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - February 6, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved      

I Resolve To™ . . . Patiently Wait In Line At The Bank - Day 36

Patience, persistence, perseverance . . . all are traits that I hold dear and have cultivated in my lifetime.  Most days.  I'm a pretty determined person, willing to sacrifice for my dreams, my family, my values.  I have a lot of stick-to-it-ive-ness.  I don't give up often or easily.  I'm generous and giving.  I work to be kind and considerate, but . . . waiting in the drive-through lane at my bank for 20-to-30-minutes each visit drives me absolutely crazy, and does not bring out the best in me, though I try to be polite.  The lines don't move much faster inside the bank, I've tried that as an alternative, so moving inside is not a solution . . . the solution is an 'attitude adjustment' on my part.

It's Tuesday and that means it's Tip-Day for PreMeditated Acts Of Kindness.  My 2008 resolution is to 'Show Gratitude' and to 'Give Back' and I'm working on both 'hard' and 'easy' ways to show kindness.  Being kind and cheerful after waiting for a half-hour in the drive-through lane is not going to be 'easy', so it's a 2008 personal challenge.  The point behind PreMeditated Acts Of Kindess is to give more conscious thought to my actions and the way that I treat others.  I'm urging folks to join me and do the same - to work at being kinder because it's the right thing to do, without worrying about receiving anything in return, be it kind gesture or word, though my experience is that kindness shown is usually returned in kind.

A little more back story about the bank:  Some weeks my drive-through time adds up to 90+ minutes.  I once remarked half-jokingly to the teller that I would be rich if I got paid for the time I waited in the drive through lane.  She responded if she was paid more the lines would probably move faster.  Food for thought.  I'm sure she deserves a better living wage.  I sympathize with her plight, but when I use the same bank in a suburb near D.C. the wait is just a few minutes despite a line.  Hmmm . . . not sure what to make of the difference, but no matter - my goal is to cultivate more personal patience in the drive through.

With that in mind, I intend to adjust my attitude, and bring a newspaper to read tomorrow morning while I'm waiting. I'm going to ask the teller 'how she's doing', smile, and listen - again, without holding up the line.  That teller stands in one place for a long period of time, assisting one customer after another, and my being annoyed at the wait, doesn't make his/her job any easier.  I can't change my 'wait time' but I can adjust my reaction and be kind to the person at the bank who is trying to move the line along.  It's just one more example of small steps, taken one at a time, one day at a time, that do add up. Whether it's conscious kindess, fighting Global Warming, or keeping New Year Resolutions - it's positive change for the better!

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!

Need More Inspiration?  Wear Your Resolution!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - February 5, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved      

I Resolve To™ . . . Make Plans To Plant A Tree This Spring! - Day 35

Happy Monday!  Looking at the calendar this morning I noticed that Spring Equinox is just 44 days away, March 20, which is wonderful.  The weather here in Virginia was so warm on Saturday I spent the afternoon working in the yard and garden mulching leaves.  It reminded me how much I love Spring.  I'm itching to get outside for longer stretches on a more regular basis.  I'm already plotting and planning what I intend to do in my yard and garden this year, and planting trees and shrubs is high on my list of Things To Do.  I bought my house because it's surrounded by six acres of trees and I intend care for what I have and add more this year - maybe a Blue Spruce (haven't decided on the others).  Did you know that planting trees can help to reduce your Carbon Footprint?  Yep, that's true.

On Monday, Wednesday and Friday here at IResolveTo.Com, I write about ways to 'Give The Boot To Our Carbon Footprints' - the measure of the impact of our activities on the environment in terms of the amount of greenhouse gases produced (measured in units of Carbon Dioxide, CO2).  It's part of my 2008 resolution to 'Show Gratitude' and 'Give Back' out of appreciation for my many blessings and the environment is one of my recipients.  My intention is to educate myself and others about ways that we can take action and combat Global Warming.

Planting more trees and saving the trees we have is an important weapon in the battle against Global Warming.  Trees and plants absorb Carbon Dioxide as part of the photosynthesis process.  Much is being written by scientists about the impact of planting more trees on Global Warming.  In my quest to learn more I've found some informative websites:

• Plant-A-Tree-Today
• United Nations Environment Programme - Tree Planting
• Arbor Day Foundation
• American Forests
• Trees Are Good

Arbor Day is just around the corner - April 25th.  Arbor Day was the brainchild of J. Sterling Morton and celebrated for the first time April 10,1872 in my home state of Nebraska.  The Arbor Day Foundation, above will take you to a link that has a lot of interesting historical information about Morton's quest to plant trees in the plains of Nebraska, as well as useful information about planting and caring for your own trees.

Are you like me, itching to get outside?  On these cold Winter days, why not start dreaming about what you can do in your yard and garden this Spring and Summer.  Planting a tree will beautify your surroundings, and be one more positive step toward reducing the impact of Global Warming.  Imagine if I take small steps each day, and you take small steps each day, and urge the next person to do the same . . . that's positive, powerful change for the better both personally and Globally.  And it's not too late to make a New Year Resolution, perhaps to reduce your Carbon Footprint - or something else about which you have enormous interest, desire and passion.

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!

Need More Inspiration?  Wear Your Resolution!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - February 4, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved      

I Resolve To™ . . . Sacrifice For My Dream - Day 34

If you truly want to fulfill a dream, keep a resolution and achieve daily goals sacrifice is part of the equation like it or not.  Doing great things - large and small - bears a price tag.  If you want to succeed you have to contribute mental and often physical sweat equity.  You have to trade precious spare time for work on your dream.  In my case, when I'd rather be reading a book, taking a long walk in the park, or enjoying my friends I'm often in front of the computer writing, working on IResolveTo.Com, or handling projects for my business. 

I gladly make those sacrifices because I approach each day, each task as a labor of love.  My personal and professional life are intertwined, which is good and bad.  Healthy balance is a continual struggle, but I'm well aware of that and I do try to inject 'play' and 'relaxation' into my day alongside all the work.  My business and my personal life revolve around things that I love to do: writing, photography, communications, and fundraising for Members of Congress, Associations and Non-Profit Organizations.  Exercise, creativity, gardening, my home, friends, family, politics are also top priorities.  I happily make sacrifices for the things and people that are important to me because the reward and fulfillment outweigh the 'aches and pains'.

The late Katharine Hepburn - a wonderful actress and quite a witty, wise woman - summarizes this notion nicely in one of my favorite quotes:

"Life is to be lived. If you have to support yourself, you had bloody well better find some way that is going to be interesting. And you don't do that by sitting around."

This year I turn 50 and looking back over my life, and my career in journalism and politics, the one word that defines my state of mind right now is gratitude for having made it this far.  I'm grateful for all that I have, all that I am, and for having an interesting life.  I count my blessings each and every day.  That gratitude and a desire to 'give back' draws me to this blog day after day writing about ways each one of us can fight Global Warming and perform PreMeditated Acts of Kindness for our fellow humans and animals.  That sense of gratitude prompted me to commit to walking 60-miles for the Breast Cancer 3-Day in Washington in October, raising $3000 for breast Cancer research, and to donate time at a horse rescue farm.

My point is this:  Making sacrifices for something that you love and enjoy is easy.  A key ingredient to successful dreams and New Year resolutions is adopting a dream about which you have great interest, desire and passion.  New Year Resolutions end up being broken promises because they were empty promises to begin with.  On January 1 folks make a long laundry list of things that they feel they 'should change', but know in their heart of hearts that they won't follow through, prompting guilt, disappointment and frustration.

New Year Resolutions do not have to end in failure.  A little common sense and introspection goes a long way.  Keeping a New Year Resolution doesn't have to be hard.  We often make it hard.  Instead, why not just keep it simple?  Start with one dream about which you have great desire, interest and passion.  Tackle that dream one day at a time.  Educate yourself.  Be patient.  Be persistent.  If you're ready to 'give it a go' Consider the I Resolve To . . . Do's, Don'ts and Tips:

• I Resolve To System
• I Resolve To Tips

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!

Need More Inspiration?  Wear Your Resolution!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - February 3, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved      

I Resolve To™ . . . Do A Thorough Weekly Check In Today! - Day 33

Happy Saturday!  I hope your weekend is off to a wonderful start.  Personally, it's Weekly Check-In time for my 2008 resolution to 'Show Gratitude' by 'Giving Back' in 2008.  The weekend provides a great opportunity to kick back just a bit with a cup of coffee, my journal, wall calendar, and my project notes and files.  I do a 'Daily Check In' as well, but the weekend provides a more relaxing atmosphere, in which I can really provide quality time to my planning, assessing and brainstorming.

Looking back on the month of January, while I made a lot of progress here on my Blog with efforts to educate myself and others about Global Warming - I need to work a little harder to get my posts up in a timely fashion and on schedule.  That said, I have to admit, I've learned a lot about my my 'Carbon Footprint' and Energy Efficient Lighting.  Next step is to wander throughout my house and assess all my light bulbs (I already use a lot of Flood Lights and Compact Fluorescent Lights, but there is always room for improvement; I need to shift all my Incandescent Bulbs to Energy Efficient Bulbs like Compact Fluorescent Lights).

In keeping with my 2008 resolution to perform, and urge others to perform, PreMediated Acts Of Kindness - I am following my own advice given in Tuesday's post to write a letter to a dear friend.  Tomorrow I'm going to send a letter and card to a friend who is recovering from 2007 Breast Cancer surgery.  She's been on my mind and is one of three friends who are Breast Cancer Survivors.  I'm doing the Breast Cancer 3-Day in October in honor of those friends.   

I did some planning and plotting today regarding my training schedule, fundraising, and gear.  I hope to send my fundraising letter to friends, family and colleagues in February (PLEASE CLICK HERE TO DONATE - YOUR SUPPORT IS MUCH NEEDED AND APPRECIATED), and will begin my training walks in March.  Researching walking and camping gear that I will need for the 3-Day trip is on my February list of Things To Do. 

The 3-Day is helping me with one of my other Lifetime Resolutions - to exercise daily for 30-60-minutes.  Most years I actually work out three to six days each week, which is fine.  I don't beat myself up if I miss a few work outs. I do the best that I can, but make a point to try to do at least three work outs weekly, which was my January 2008 Tally.  In February I intend to step up the pace - longer and more frequent work outs on my bike, Total Gym and some outdoor walking excursions.  I bought stars for my wall calendar to celebrate the days that I work out.  That will definitely add some incentive (small pleasures)!

The next step for my goal to volunteer at a Horse Rescue Farm in Virginia is to choose a farm that I would like to assist.  I've done some research, and hope to make a decision in February, so I can start volunteering in the Spring.  I'm not going to digress into the rest of my planning details, I think you get the point.  A successful Weekly Check-In is a review of completed goals/activities, as compared with planned goals (what was actually achieved).  Equally important Check-Ins help you to look ahead at the next 10, 20, 100 steps that need to be taken, and plot/brainstorm how you're going to achieve those steps.

Regular review really does help to keep you on track and motivated because you're constantly thinking about what you've achieved - which gives you momentum and enthusiasm because you're building on successes.  You're also thinking about what you 'need' to achieve/do, which takes the guess-work out of planning and fulfilling 'next steps'.  If you're lagging a bit with your dream, resolution and daily goals, tomorrow is a new day and February is a new month.  Why not give it another try?  Don't give up!

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!

Need More Inspiration?  Wear Your Resolution!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - February 2, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved      

I Resolve To™ . . . Do More Homework About Energy Efficient Lighting! - Day 32

Using Energy Efficient Lighting is one small, easy step that each one of us can take to 'Give The Boot' To Our Carbon Footprints'.  On Wednesday I offered some lighting tips as part of my Monday-Wednesday-Friday series on Global Warming.  My 2008 New Year Resolution is to 'Show Gratitude' by ' Giving Back' and the environment is one of my recipients.  I'm working to educate myself and others about small daily actions that we can take that could really add up and benefit the environment over time.

Reducing our 'Carbon Footprints' - the measure of the impact our activities have on the environment such as driving automobiles - is a term that we are hearing more and more from the media, as the threat of Global Warming grows.  A Carbon Footprint reflects the amount of Greenhouse Gases that are produced, and measured by the amount of CO2 (Carbon) that is emitted into the atmosphere.  Taking steps to reduce 'Carbon Footprints' is good news for the environment.

Changing our Incandescent Light Bulbs to Compact Flourescent Lights is one way we can make our homes more energy efficient.  I'm providing some additional links here that build on the information that I offered in my post Wednesday (Please note: I am not endorsing individual vendors; showing product variety for informational purposes only):

• Environmental Defense - 'How To Pick A Better Bulb'.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-Department of Energy, Energy Star.
• ConservaStore - Light Bulbs.
• EnvironmentalLights.com - Lighb Bulbs.
• FastCompany.com - How Many Lightbulbs Does It Take To Change The World ( FastCompanyComLightBulbs.pdf ).

Buying energy efficient bulbs is one small step that we can take that would make a big difference to the environement over time.  Consider this - if you and I educate ourselves and make small daily changes, and pass the word on to others, and urge them to pass the word on . . . well you get the picture.  That kind of positive change could make a difference both on a personal and global scale.  Why not give it go, for starters, by clicking through the website links above.  Let me know if you find the information helpful.

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!

Need More Inspiration?  Wear Your Resolution!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - February 1, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved