I RESOLVE TO . . .

I Resolve To™ . . . Banish My To Do List For A Day! - Day 145

Happy Saturday!  The sun is shining and a long holiday weekend is just ahead.  Typically, I reserve a portion of each Saturday to do a weekly Check-In.  I review the status of my daily goals and long-range plans.  I brainstorm fresh ideas and I make course corrections when I'm veering a bit off track.  Checking in both daily, and on the weekend when I'm more relaxed, helps me to maintain focus and stay true to my plans.

Today, however, I'm banishing my To Do Lists for the day.  Due to health issues, I've fallen a bit behind with my dreams, resolutions and daily goals.  That's okay.  Each one of us hits bumps in the road.  We all have days, weeks, and sometimes months, in which we are 'Overtaken By Events'.  Our dreams are sometimes hijacked by things for which we can't control.  That's life.  You have to take a deep breath (or many), dig deep for strength, and have faith that your dreams will soon be on track again. 

With that in mind, today, instead of dwelling on the fact that I've fallen a bit behind on some of my goals, I'm going to remind myself of my many successes and how far I have come with I Resolve To . . . I'm going to think about the big picture and 'keep my eye on the prize.'  In the not too distant future, I will be moving full steam ahead again, and I'm going to focus on that . . . and continue to take small daily steps toward my goals.  Perhaps my pace has slowed of late . . . but I continue to pursue my dreams, one small step at a time, one day at a time, and will pick up steam in time.  I hope you are doing the same and finding joy in your journey!

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 - May 24, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved  

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 - May 24, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved  

I Resolve To™ . . . Recycle My Magazines! - Day 144

When it comes to magazines, I'm like a kid in a candy store.  I love magazines.  I'm a serial subscriber, though I've tried to cut back in recent years because there just aren't enough hours in a day to do it all - that includes tending my magazine addiction.  So my magazines sit unread.  I have two, two-foot high stacks of magazines in my family room.  I walk past them each day and rarely grab one off the stack, just too busy . . . but that is going to change this summer.  I am determined to begin reading them, one by one - one day at a time, as is the mantra at I Resolve To . . .

When I'm done, I will donate them to worthy causes.  Last week when I compiled my list of useful recycling websites (which I will post again today), I ran across some tips for recycling magazines.  There are so many worthy causes, and people in need, I'm sure I can find a good home for my magazines in Fredericksburg.  That goal is destined for my 'To Do List'!

It's Friday, Tip Day for ways to 'Give The Boot To Our Carbon Footprints'.  In 2008 my New Year Resolution is to 'show gratitude' for my blessings by 'giving back' and the environment is one of my recipients.  I dedicate three columns each week to news and information about small, daily steps we can take to reduce our Carbon Footprints.  Consider the huge, positive, long-range impact on the environment if each one of us performs 'habitual' actions - like driving fewer miles, using more energy efficient light bulbs, and turning off lights when we leave rooms.  My goal, as an individual, is to urge others to follow my lead, and take a few small steps each and every day toward protecting the environment. 

I hope you will join me - recycle, reuse, and reduce your Carbon Footprint!  Here are some useful websites that are sure to lend inspiration:

Ecologue

Earth 911

Wikipedia - Recycling

Grassroots Recycling Network

PlanetPals - Recycling For Kids

The Encyclopedia Of Earth - Recycling

TreeHugger - How To Green Your Recycling

RecycleWorks - San Mateo County, California

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency:  Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Magazine Publishers Family Literacy Project - Read, Rescue & Reuse

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 - May 23, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved  

It's Friday, Tip Day for ways to 'Give The Boot To Our Carbon Footprints'.  In 2008 my New Year Resolution is to 'show gratitude' for my blessings by 'giving back' and the environment is one of my recipients.  I dedicate three columns each week to news and information about small, daily steps we can take to reduce our Carbon Footprints.  Consider the huge, positive, long-range impact on the environment if each one of us performs 'habitual' actions - like driving fewer miles, using more energy efficient light bulbs, and turning off lights when we leave rooms.  My goal, as an individual, is to urge others to follow my lead, and take a few small steps each and every day toward protecting the environment. 

I hope you will join me - recycle, reuse, and reduce your Carbon Footprint!  Here are some useful websites that are sure to lend inspiration:

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 - May 23, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved  

I Resolve To™ . . . Recycle! - Day 137

If you want to be kinder to Mother Earth, recycling - and reducing consumption, reusing items - are great ways to protect and preserve our precious natural resources . . . land, water, and air.  Earth Day doesn't have to come just once each year on April 22. Each one of us can make every day Earth Day if we so choose.  We can take daily steps to recycle, pay more attention to Climate Change and Global Warming, and generally be more conscious of the impact that our actions have on the environment

It's Friday, Tip Day for ways to 'Give The Boot To Our Carbon Footprints'.  In 2008 my New Year Resolution is to 'show gratitude' for my blessings by 'giving back' and the environment is one of my recipients.  I dedicate three columns each week to news and information about small, daily steps we can take to reduce our Carbon Footprints.  Consider the huge, positive, long-range impact on the environment if each one of us performs 'habitual' actions - like driving fewer miles, using more energy efficient light bulbs, and turning off lights when we leave rooms.  My goal, as an individual, is to urge others to follow my lead, and take a few small steps each and every day toward protecting the environment.

In my effort to learn more about reducing my Carbon Footprint I try to practice what I preach, what I write about.  As I've educated myself about ways that I can make a difference, I've also begun taking small daily steps - doing the things that I've been writing about since January 1.  Alas, recycling at home has been somewhat harder than limiting my plastic bag use, installing energy efficient light bulbs and driving fewer miles in my car. 

I live in the country and trash haulers won't send their recycling trucks out here given the long distance from the road to my house.  I'm still investigating other companies - and other ways to begin recycling some of the trash on my own.  With that in mind, I've been surfing to find recycling ideas that I can begin now, on my own, in the absence of a recycling trash hauler.  I found a wide array of websites that are very useful if you want to step up your recycling activity:

• Ecologue
• Earth 911
• Wikipedia - Recycling
• Grassroots Recycling Network
• PlanetPals - Recycling For Kids
• The Encyclopedia Of Earth - Recycling
• TreeHugger - How To Green Your Recycling
• RecycleWorks - San Mateo County, California
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency:  Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
• Magazine Publishers Family Literacy Project - Read, Rescue & Reuse

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 - May 16, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved 

It's Friday, Tip Day for ways to 'Give The Boot To Our Carbon Footprints'.  In 2008 my New Year Resolution is to 'show gratitude' for my blessings by 'giving back' and the environment is one of my recipients.  I dedicate three columns each week to news and information about small, daily steps we can take to reduce our Carbon Footprints.  Consider the huge, positive, long-range impact on the environment if each one of us performs 'habitual' actions - like driving fewer miles, using more energy efficient light bulbs, and turning off lights when we leave rooms.  My goal, as an individual, is to urge others to follow my lead, and take a few small steps each and every day toward protecting the environment.

In my effort to learn more about reducing my Carbon Footprint I try to practice what I preach, what I write about.  As I've educated myself about ways that I can make a difference, I've also begun taking small daily steps - doing the things that I've been writing about since January 1.  Alas, recycling at home has been somewhat harder than limiting my plastic bag use, installing energy efficient light bulbs and driving fewer miles in my car. 

I live in the country and trash haulers won't send their recycling trucks out here given the long distance from the road to my house.  I'm still investigating other companies - and other ways to begin recycling some of the trash on my own.  With that in mind, I've been surfing to find recycling ideas that I can begin now, on my own, in the absence of a recycling trash hauler.  I found a wide array of websites that are very useful if you want to step up your recycling activity:

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 - May 16, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved 

I Resolve To™ . . . Lead By Example In My Acts Of Kindness - Day 136

Random Acts Of Kindness and Paying It Forward . . . most folks are familiar with these concepts.  They prompt thoughts of 'doing good', helping others, lending a hand, offering (and receiving) kind words and gestures, smiles, and warmth.  Giving to others, and 'giving back' for all that a person has in life are wonderful ways to live, to find reward, and fulfillment, while making someone else's day.  So why not do more of it?  Why not lead by example?

It's Thursday - 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 - and the way that I treat 'myself'.  In 2008 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.

Often, when folks perform 'acts of kindness' they prefer that their gestures are 'anonymous'.  There is merit in anonymity - when you do something kind for someone else, there is no expectation for anything in return, or a pat on the back.  Kind acts are typically meant to be selfless gestures with no attached expectation(s).  But there is a flip side to consider - why not 'promote' kindness.  Why not tell the world with the hope (or even intention) that it be 'catchy' like the common cold . . . that it will rub off on others.  Treat others as you want to be treated.  Lead by example.  It's a win-win way to live.

When you hold a door open for someone and smile, it feels good.  When you let someone merge in traffic, it promotes more cooperation on the roadways.  When you make quality time for your family it promotes happiness.  I could go on and on - there are so many different ways to help others, and in turn put a smile on your own face.  Instead of hiding 'acts of kindness', however, share your experiences.  If being kind is one of your goals, make it a centerpiece of your day, not an afterthought, or a random act, that you may or may not remember.  Be conscious of your actions.  Don't sleepwalk through your day.  It makes a huge difference in quality of life - your quality of life, and each person that you meet along the 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 - May 15, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved 

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 - May 15, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved 

I Resolve To™ . . . Do A Thorough Check-In Today! - Day 131

Happy Saturday!  Whether the sun is shining or storm clouds have opened up to rain, I hope your day is filled with peace and happiness.  I hope you're able to spend some time on your heartfelt dreams, resolutions and daily goals.  It's Saturday, and here at I Resolve To . . . that means it's time to Check-In, review progress, and brainstorm new ideas for upcoming goals.

Personally, my resolution for 2008 is to 'show gratitude for all that I have and all that I am' by giving back' in four areas of my life:

1. Walk 60 miles for the Washington, DC Breast Cancer 3-Day and raise $3000. 
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.

Recently, I must admit, I've been 'Overtaken By Events' in my life.  Sometimes day-to-tday events and circumstances get in the way of progress.  In fact, sometimes those events can completely stall progress.  Rather than fight the circumstances, and grow disappointed and discouraged by what you cannot control, it's wiser and healthier to acknlowledge the obstacles, 'go with the flow' for a time, and plan for a future 'work around'.  There are so many different types of obstacles:  problems with health, work, family, for instance.  All are important priorities, so you just need to focus on the challenges at hand, what is important for the moment, and know that you will, in time, put your 'dreams' back on the fast track.

I've hit a few bumps in the road recently, but I'm not going to let them get me down.  Instead, this weekend, I'm taking a long hard look at what I have accomplished in 2008, and what I want to accomplish this summer (and the rest of 2008).

1. Breast Cancer 3-Day:  I've raised 60% of my $3000 goal.  I started walking in April, and need to step up the pace of both my walking and work outs in May, and throughout the summer.  This summer I also plan to purchase all the gear that I need for the actual walk and camping trip.  I bought two pairs of Ryka shoes and a slew of Thorlo socks, so I'm set for the actual training.  I need to focus next on clothes, sleeping bag and gear for the actual 60 mile walk.
2. Volunteer At A Virginia Horse Rescue Farm:  Slated for July-December.  Have not made a final decision yet on which farm(s) to assist.
3. Learn More About How To Combat Global Warming And Take Action:  While I've made good consistent progress with my research and posts to educate myself and others, my blogging activity recently has been thin.  May is a catch-up month.  The tiny Arbor Day Foundation Trees that I planted are growing and have sprouted leaves, so I'll continue to nurture them.  I'm down to 'no plastic' bags with the exception of grocery shopping.  I'm planning to order some I Resolve To . . Canvas Tote Bags, which will eliminate most of my grocery plastic.  And I'm planning this month to install more energy efficient light bulbs at home.  So progress made, more progress to come.
4. Engage In PreMeditated Acts Of Kindness:  The days that I'm pre-occupied with my own challenges are the toughest.  Sometimes it's hard to be charitable when you're struggling with your own obstacles.  That's when it's most important to make a concerted effort to be consciously kind to yourself and to others, one day at a time. 

Bottom Line:  I'm proud of the progress that I've made.  I can always do a little better and I'll strive to do so in weeks to come.  But for now, I'm going to celebrate my successes and use them to fuel the fire of passion for my dreams in days and weeks ahead.  I hope you'll consider doing the same.  If you have a dream that you've postponed . . . maybe it's time to move it to the front burner, and 'Go For It' today.  It's far worse to go through life never having pursued your dreams, than it is to chalk up a failure or two.

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 - May 10, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved 

Happy Saturday!  Whether the sun is shining or storm clouds have opened up to rain, I hope your day is filled with peace and happiness.  I hope you're able to spend some time on your heartfelt dreams, resolutions and daily goals.  It's Saturday, and here at I Resolve To . . . that means it's time to Check-In, review progress, and brainstorm new ideas for upcoming goals.

Personally, my resolution for 2008 is to 'show gratitude for all that I have and all that I am' by giving back' in four areas of my life:

1. Walk 60 miles for the Washington, DC Breast Cancer 3-Day and raise $3000. 
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.

Recently, I must admit, I've been 'Overtaken By Events' in my life.  Sometimes day-to-tday events and circumstances get in the way of progress.  In fact, sometimes those events can completely stall progress.  Rather than fight the circumstances, and grow disappointed and discouraged by what you cannot control, it's wiser and healthier to acknlowledge the obstacles, 'go with the flow' for a time, and plan for a future 'work around'.  There are so many different types of obstacles:  problems with health, work, family, for instance.  All are important priorities, so you just need to focus on the challenges at hand, what is important for the moment, and know that you will, in time, put your 'dreams' back on the fast track.

I've hit a few bumps in the road recently, but I'm not going to let them get me down.  Instead, this weekend, I'm taking a long hard look at what I have accomplished in 2008, and what I want to accomplish this summer (and the rest of 2008).

1. Breast Cancer 3-Day:  I've raised 60% of my $3000 goal.  I started walking in April, and need to step up the pace of both my walking and work outs in May, and throughout the summer.  This summer I also plan to purchase all the gear that I need for the actual walk and camping trip.  I bought two pairs of Ryka shoes and a slew of Thorlo socks, so I'm set for the actual training.  I need to focus next on clothes, sleeping bag and gear for the actual 60 mile walk.
2. Volunteer At A Virginia Horse Rescue Farm:  Slated for July-December.  Have not made a final decision yet on which farm(s) to assist.
3. Learn More About How To Combat Global Warming And Take Action:  While I've made good consistent progress with my research and posts to educate myself and others, my blogging activity recently has been thin.  May is a catch-up month.  The tiny Arbor Day Foundation Trees that I planted are growing and have sprouted leaves, so I'll continue to nurture them.  I'm down to 'no plastic' bags with the exception of grocery shopping.  I'm planning to order some I Resolve To . . Canvas Tote Bags, which will eliminate most of my grocery plastic.  And I'm planning this month to install more energy efficient light bulbs at home.  So progress made, more progress to come.
4. Engage In PreMeditated Acts Of Kindness:  The days that I'm pre-occupied with my own challenges are the toughest.  Sometimes it's hard to be charitable when you're struggling with your own obstacles.  That's when it's most important to make a concerted effort to be consciously kind to yourself and to others, one day at a time. 

Bottom Line:  I'm proud of the progress that I've made.  I can always do a little better and I'll strive to do so in weeks to come.  But for now, I'm going to celebrate my successes and use them to fuel the fire of passion for my dreams in days and weeks ahead.  I hope you'll consider doing the same.  If you have a dream that you've postponed . . . maybe it's time to move it to the front burner, and 'Go For It' today.  It's far worse to go through life never having pursued your dreams, than it is to chalk up a failure or two.

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 - May 10, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved 

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 - May 10, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved 

I Resolve To™ . . . Use Fewer Plastic Bags - Day 130

How often do you walk out of a store or restaurant with a few items in a plastic bag.  I imagine the answer is 'pretty often'.  Using plastic is a common habit, a mode of convenience.  But with the growing threat of Global Warming, continued pollution of our rivers and streams, and seemingly endless urban sprawl, more and more folks are making changes in their daily lives that could help to protect and preserve the environment in the long run.  Using fewer plastic bags is one of those 'small daily changes' that could really benefit the environment over time.

It's Friday, Tip Day for ways to 'Give The Boot To Our Carbon Footprints'.  In 2008 my New Year Resolution is to 'show gratitude' for my blessings by 'giving back' and the environment is one of my recipients.  I dedicate three columns each week to news and information about small, daily steps we can take to reduce our Carbon Footprints.  Consider the huge, positive, long-range impact on the environment if each one of us performs 'habitual' actions - like driving fewer miles, using more energy efficient light bulbs, and turning off lights when we leave rooms.  My goal, as an individual, is to urge others to follow my lead, and take a few small steps each and every day toward protecting the environment.

Plastic bag use has become a hot topic in recent years forcing more and more of us to re-think our habits.  Does it really make sense to walk out of a store with one item in a plastic bag that doesn't bio-degrade in a landfill, and will outlive each one of us, perhaps for centuries?  This year, I decided that it doesn't make sense, so I'm striving to drastically limit my plastic bag use, eventually working toward zero-use in time.  When you start researching the impact of billions of plastic bags on the environment, it really is sobering.  With that in mind, I want to share some informative links and articles in the hope that more folks will join the march toward 'zero plastic'.

• Planet Ark - Why Are Plastic Bags A Problem?
• Environmental Literacy Council - Paper or Plastic?
• Salon - Plastic Bags Are Killings Us - SalonPlasticBags.pdf 
• AlterNet, The Great Plastic Bag Plague - AlterNetPlasticBags.pdf
• Portland Business Journal - Whole Foods Market Bans Plastic:  PortlandBusinessJournalPlasticBags.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 - May 9, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved 

It's Friday, Tip Day for ways to 'Give The Boot To Our Carbon Footprints'.  In 2008 my New Year Resolution is to 'show gratitude' for my blessings by 'giving back' and the environment is one of my recipients.  I dedicate three columns each week to news and information about small, daily steps we can take to reduce our Carbon Footprints.  Consider the huge, positive, long-range impact on the environment if each one of us performs 'habitual' actions - like driving fewer miles, using more energy efficient light bulbs, and turning off lights when we leave rooms.  My goal, as an individual, is to urge others to follow my lead, and take a few small steps each and every day toward protecting the environment.

Plastic bag use has become a hot topic in recent years forcing more and more of us to re-think our habits.  Does it really make sense to walk out of a store with one item in a plastic bag that doesn't bio-degrade in a landfill, and will outlive each one of us, perhaps for centuries?  This year, I decided that it doesn't make sense, so I'm striving to drastically limit my plastic bag use, eventually working toward zero-use in time.  When you start researching the impact of billions of plastic bags on the environment, it really is sobering.  With that in mind, I want to share some informative links and articles in the hope that more folks will join the march toward 'zero plastic'.

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 - May 9, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved 

I Resolve To™ . . . Do Something Kind For Mother's Day - Day 129

Mother's Day is right around the corner, this Sunday, May 11.  There is still plenty of time to do something special for the Mother(s) in your life.  Don't let this day pass without showering acts of kindness on those special women that you love.

It's Thursday - 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 - and the way that I treat 'myself'.  In 2008 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.

There are so many different ways to show your Mom that she is special - so many different ways to be kind.  You know what the Mom(s) in your life enjoy, what makes them happy - but there are some universal gifts that always seem to please . . .

1. A special card, flowers, chocolates, and a big hug.
2. A shared meal with the family that she doesn't have to cook.
3. Quality time spent with her children.
4. A day of pampering - maybe a manicure, pedicure and a massage.
5. Handling of some of her chores, to ease her burden for a day or two.
6. A scrap book of recent family photos, with a few 'retro' images thrown in for a laugh or two.
7. A pair of tickets to a play or concert that she would love to see (with you).
8. A phone call if you can't be in the same city with her on Mother's Day.
9. A long walk in the park together on a sunny, May, Mother's Day.
10. A book that she's been 'eyeing' for awhile.

So many possible kind gestures.  I leave you this Thursday, with these kind thoughts from The Quote Garden about Mothers and Mother's Day . . .

"A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie."  Tenneva Jordan

"Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs... since the payment is pure love."   Mildred B. Vermont

"When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts.  A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child."  Sophia Loren, Women and Beauty

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 - May 8, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved 

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 - May 8, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved