Hanging By a Thread

Motherly Advice {On Aging}

Be on the alert to recognize your prime at whatever time of your life it may occur.

~Muriel Spark

It's when I'm in a conversation with a 20 something year-old and make a reference to style or a movie or ad slogan or newsworthy event from my childhood and realize this person has no idea what I'm talking about. Or while in a coffee shop, I listen in on the conversation of several 20 somethings and hear them sharing life's dilemmas and dramas and sense their {false} certainty of having already figured everything out about who they are and where they're going.

That's when I feel my age.

This is not a bad thing, but merely a gentle reminder of where I am on this path we call life.

When I hear and see interactions with younger adults it makes me smile and remember when I was where they are now; when I thought I had it all figured out; when I thought I knew where I was headed.

It turns out that with age you realize you don't have a f****** clue. All you can be sure of is where you have been. And if you're lucky, you have an inkling of where you'd like to go next.

I have found that with age comes enlightenment, acceptance and self-reflection. Of course, I have also found that with age come lots of wiry, crazy, gray hairs in this dark mane of mine; and with it questions of whether I should for the first time ever put color on my hair.

I recently saw a photo of my almost 21 year old self. There is no mistaking that it's me. I still resemble that very thin version of me in ways, but there's something dissimilar about my face too. My cheeks are still full and child-like; the angles are somehow different. And honestly, while I'd love to have that figure back, I like my features now better than my younger visage.

Upon my face now, you'll find the ups and downs of life and experience and authenticity and assurance delicately etched. It can be seen in small lines or ripples or wrinkles around my eyes, in the depth of my eyes, the firmly set jaw and lips that easily turn upwards into a smile.

I still don't have it all figured out and now accept that I may never accomplish that. But I feel optimistic and confident as I march on, gray hairs and all, for I feel, my prime has yet to be.

To me, there is no shame or disappointment in getting older and looking the part. It happens to everyone, if he or she is lucky enough to get to stick around that long. Besides, it really matters not what the numbers say, it's how you live and what you do with the days and years that truly makes a life well lived.

And um, regarding the photo, I'm sure my mom can't believe that I'd post a photo of me with no makeup, not even lipstick, with hair looking like that, still wet from the shower, but I wanted a stripped down, true photo of my aging face and hair. Over and out...

Anna

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Motherly Advice {On Faith}

Random Tidbits: Completely Unrelated, Useful/Interesting/Semi-Important/You Fill-in-the-Blank Information

You know when you're driving along and your kid pipes up and says something like, "Mom, whatever happened to that stick that I picked up last summer when we were walking around that lake?" and then a few minutes later says, "For my next birthday {which is something like 8 months away, generally}, can I have a birthday cake that has Transformers, Mickey Mouse and Word Girl on it?" And the whole time you're thinking I have no idea and where are these random thoughts coming from.

Well, that's what this post is like.

I've had very few minutes to write lately, but I have a number of random tidbits knocking around in my head. It happens frequently that I have a random thought, save a clipping or jot down an idea that doesn't warrant an entire post, but is still worth mentioning. Sometimes I let them linger until I might have enough to weave the tidbits into something more, but often they simply unravel and these loose ends rot away tucked in a file or pasted on a "sticky note" on my computer desktop or randomly written in a notebook.

So, I decided I'd piece together a quick, unconnected run-down of these various bits of information; some tips, some interesting points, some important notes, some simple observations.

1. Tightening the Belt. For a while I had an internal struggle with trying to figure out whether the strap should be locked or left loose or did it even matter. Booster seats. There's just not the plethora of information about these "tween" seats; that is, "in between" 5 point harnesses and a seat belt without a special seat. I know some parents just leave it loose. I always tighten the seat belt strap.
   1. For one thing, Darling 2 is apt to fall asleep in a moving vehicle and slump forward or sideways. If the belt is loose, he could slip right out of the seat or be injured if the belt snapped tight in an accident or sudden stop.
   2. I dug around online and surprisingly didn't find any definitive answers. So, I asked a resident expert; whom I happened to run into at my Caribou Coffee. She said either way is fine. If you have a sleeper or wiggler then it's best to lock the belt. But if your child is older and is not prone to moving around and getting out of the belt, then loose is fine.
   3. So, there you have it. I still tighten out of habit and because Darling 2 still likes to fall asleep in the car, but Darling 1 likes to remind me that he doesn't have to be locked in now that we know the answer to this question.
2. Mythbusters – Distracted Driving. Do you know about Mythbusters? It's a fun program that we found on Netflix over Winter Break. They take various statements or "facts" and put them to the test. On one program they ran their own test to see whether talking on the phone while driving is as dangerous as driving drunk, as some studies have reported.
   1. Now they weren't legally drunk, but they were as close to it as possible; with police officers overseeing the experiment.
   2. And they weren't recklessly driving around on the roads with other drivers. They were on a driving course with an instructor.
   3. But the tests and testers were serious and the drivers were blown away by how difficult it was to stay on task and not break laws by missing signs, weaving, etc. while talking on the phone and after a few drinks.
   4. Their conclusion was that it is not a myth. Texting/talking on the phone is just as dangerous as driving drunk (or almost drunk), and they did indeed feel out of control {and it's rare that they don't bust the myth}. There you have it. So, Phone Down; Eyes Up! {TAKE MY CHALLENGE!}
3. Teachers Packing Heat. Some teachers may have decided to take matters into their own hands when it comes to "securing" their classrooms.
   1. In the weeks following the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting, according to MotherJones.com, about 600 teachers in some 15 states have signed up for a free firearms training program offered by Buckeye Firearms Association.
   2. MotherJones.com noted that there are only three states in the U.S. that allow concealed weapons in schools: Utah, Kansas and Mississippi.
   3. Now, 600 is a very tiny percentage of the number of teachers in our country, but it's an interesting note.
   4. I'd be curious to know which 15 states those teachers come from; and how many of those 600 are male and how many are female.
   5. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't want my kids' teachers packing heat in class.
   6. And on a lighter note, I just pictured Darling 1's amazingly patient, kind and loving kindergarten teacher from last year, with a gun strapped to her hip; now that puts class rules in a very different light.
4. Boo Indeed! Sometimes you miss the ugly, prickly weed when looking for the "Green."
   1. I found a write up for a product called, Bambooee, in MN Parent under Hot Stuff/Go Green. It says this about the products on this page, "Ta-ta, toxins! These products eschew chemicals and/or promote reuse!"
   2. So, the Bambooee is apparently an earth-friendly, sustainable, reusable paper towel. The packaging in the photo says, "Reusable Washable Bleachable." BLEACHABLE? Earth-friendly? No Chemicals? Hmmmm.
   3. Sorry, but why would someone who is choosing to use this product; to be earth friendly, with sustainable, organic products want to or choose to use bleach on this natural, organic, sustainable product?
   4. Bleach is a toxic, harmful chemical, and if you introduce it to your natural, organic, sustainable, bamboo towel, then you're missing the point. I have a better product for you anyway...talk to me {cough, Norwex, cough}
5. Check Your Sources. OK, I am going to expand on this one in another post, but this issue warrants a quick mention here too.
   1. Please check the accuracy and the source of the information you post, Like and share on social media sites. I have noticed an increase in false information and misattributed, made up quotes zipping around on Facebook lately. It's a good rule of thumb to do a quick search to ensure that you are passing good and true information, before you click it out to your hundreds of friends and/or fans.
6. Loose Lips Sink Ships. And along those same lines, not every conversation or thought or situation should be retold or discussed or mentioned on social media sites.
   1. Some things should be left to the imagination; some things should remain confidential; and sometimes "it just wouldn't be prudent" to post every last detail.
   2. So, let your gut instinct be your gauge, but if your gut tells you everything is fair game; then, let's say,
      1. if it's about someone else, especially if you are in any way related or work together;
      2. if it's not nice or puts that person in a bad light;
      3. if there is a contract of any kind involved;
      4. if it sounds like it could be from a red neck reality show
   3. don't post it at all. Instead, call your mom, your spouse, your sibling or best friend and get it off your chest by sharing it with one person rather the 348 of your closest FB friends.

Over and out....

Anna

 

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God is with Us {Always and Everywhere}

#GF {Gluten Free}: Ditching the Gluten and Opting to Feel Good

New Year/New Eating Habits

After denying the signs for a while and toying with the idea for a while longer, I finally made the jump to gluten free. I won't bore you with the detailed description of why this became a necessary choice; and frankly, it's none of your business anyway.

I welcomed the change though. I was beginning to feel stuck in a lazy rut, food-wise. I love good, fresh food; I even love to prepare it and create new dishes and combinations, but for too long my focus had not been on our meals; and this seemed like the appropriate segue.

The Meal Plan

For me to make this work, I needed a plan. It couldn't be haphazard grocery shopping and half-hearted meal planning.

I did some research and found some sites that made me feel like this was something I could do without much stress or confusion. Then, I picked up the Park Nicollet Health Newsletter I'd gotten in the mail and found Beth Dooley's {I love Beth Dooley's recipes} super easy, super soothing and soul warming ideas for roasting a chicken each week. And this gave my plan life.

I started by going aisle by aisle through Trader Joe's, Whole Foods and Target taking stock of what choices I had available to me in a gluten free version, or perhaps was naturally gluten free. I gathered flours, crackers, mixes, breads, chips, veggies, fruits, pastas, rice, cereals, nuts and seeds, polenta, corn tortillas and cheese and two big roasting chickens.

I made a meal plan for the first week, each one incorporating chicken in a different way; chicken, veggie, rice soup, soft corn tortilla tacos with chicken, guacamole and cheese, spinach salad with peppers, pears, apples, cranberries, sunflower seeds with a balsamic vinaigrette, chicken salad with cashews, cranberries, mayo and lemon juice in lettuce wraps, nachos with falafel chips, chicken, black beans, salsa, guacamole and cheese.

We roasted the chicken with herbs and garlic in chicken broth with potatoes, carrots, onions and mushrooms on Saturday, then ate them in these meals through the week. It made the transition extremely simple. This week it's not all chicken, as we find our footing in this new way of eating.

Taking it Bite by Bite

It's been just a little over a week, and I already feel a difference. For one thing, I am really thinking about what we're eating. No more stopping for a quick snack at a favorite patisserie; no more running through the drive through; and no more having sandwiches or pizza delivered.

I have found that I no longer crave food, as I always have before. I feel lighter in my gut, and Will and I have both lost pounds; an added bonus.

I have discovered that it's not really about giving up things; it's about trying new options and adapting. Even the kids have accepted this new idea...for the most part. Darling 1 is more excited about it and seems to have gotten a grasp of what it means; Darling 2 is not quite willing to accept all that he is giving up...yet.

And while the whole family has ditched gluten for now; it may not be necessary for all of us to remain gluten free. But it's worth the test to see how we feel and act after several months of eating in this way. So far, it's been easy and tasty; another added bonus.

The Scoop

Have you ever changed your diet in a major way? What was easy? What was hard? Are you gluten free? What's your favorite gluten free blog and/or cookbook?

Right now I'm shooting from the hip and reading lots of labels, but I have come across some great recipes, including chocolate mousse and polenta crust pizzas, and one of my all-time favorite easy meals is gluten free: rotisserie or roasted chicken in a warm corn tortilla with avocado slices/guacamole and shredded cheddar cheese; so simple and so delicious. Over and out..

Anna

 

 

5 Things You Should Know {Fresh Starts}

I don't usually take abrupt changes well, but I am the queen of fresh starts. When life starts getting stagnant I have to shake things up. It's too easy to get stuck in a rut. And once stuck, one is not easily unstuck.

So, I have devised ways of keeping things fresh and new and inspiring. Want to know my secret? Well, here are 5 Things You Should Know about Keeping it Fresh:

It all comes down to Change...

1. Change your address; move down the street, out of town, out of state or out of the country;
2. Change your surroundings; re-arrange, re-paint, re-do;
3. Change your perspective; read something, pray something, do something;
4. Change your habits; exercise more or less, eat more or less (and better), sleep more or less and laugh more, always more; and
5. Change your aim; be sure your passions and goals are aligned; be true to your heart; and set your mind to accomplishing those goals.

Pretty simple, really. But sometimes it's the simple things that are the hardest to see. If you need unsticking, give these things a shot. What have you got to lose?

Here's to Keeping it Fresh in 2013! Over and out...

Anna

Sticky Messes: Good Guys v. Bad Guys {Biggest Gun Wins}

Cleaning up Messes

My kids are really good at making huge messes. They don't mean to; they're just busy playing, creating some playscape or making confetti or trying to help by pouring their own juice or milk.

The result is something sticky covering the floor, splattered on the counter and cabinets and inevitably on the boys themselves, bits of paper everywhere, pillows, blankets and stuffed animals scattered throughout the house, draping over this or that, pulling down lamps and picture frames.

I know I should make them clean up these disaster zones, but I know from experience generally their version of cleaning up a mess only results in bigger messes that make me a steaming, angry, stressed out mom; which is another type of mess altogether.

So, I banish them from the desecrated area, and I clean up the mess. They do have to clean up toys scattered about; it's just these sticky, dirty, destructive messes that I take over.

Yes, I know. You're shaking your head and thinking. "That's the way to spoil them and make them think they can get away with anything."

Perhaps, but it keeps me sane, and avoids the chance of a headline like this, "Mom loses mind, runs screaming from home, never to be heard from again after sons attempt to clean up spilled apple juice with down comforter, only to rip seam and allow all the feathers to float through house, adhering to all sticky surfaces covered in apple juice, including the boys and a giant dog."

Sometimes it's just better to step in and take control of a smaller, still fixable mess before it becomes a giant, sticky, slippery slope heading straight down the tubes.

Guns in Schools

A few days before Christmas I happened to see a newspaper headline, "NRA leader urges armed guards in every U.S. school." Surely not.

I read more. "The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun," says NRA executive vice president, Wayne LaPierre. Hmmmm.

While I agree that gunmen on rampages who seem to all too often end up in schools of some level is a definite problem, I don't agree that throwing more guns into the mix is the answer.

The NRA's current plan is like standing to the side and watching my sons spill a gallon of apple juice all over the counter, the floor, the cabinets and themselves as they attempt to pour a small amount into a child-sized cup, then letting them clean it up with the socks on their feet and whatever else they can find to sop of the sticky liquid, leaving the residue behind to collect hair and dust and dirt, turning the whole thing into a filthy mess.

That doesn't solve or teach anything.

I realize that there are a number of schools in large cities that already have trained armed guards/off-duty police officers patrolling the halls, approximately one-third of public schools or 23,000 schools to be precise. I acknowledge this is necessary to keep the students in those schools safe, but I do not find this statistic to be an acceptable standard for schools.

Good Guys v. Bad Guys

This figure alone speaks volumes about the state of our country and the culture we live in. It saddens me to no end. But this proposed "solution" from the NRA enrages my faculties, breaks my heart and frightens me.

More guns, especially guns of the caliber and capacity that match those that the "bad guys" have access to do not belong in our schools. What lesson does this teach? The "bad guys" have big guns; well, the "good guys" will just get bigger guns.

Where does it end? Why stop at schools? How about movie theaters, churches, all government buildings, federal, state and city, malls, parks, the grocery store, libraries, parking garages, and every other public building? Perhaps it should be mandatory that every household owns an assault rifle. That ought to stop the "bad guys."

Of course, if we're all running around with guns all the time, that might make it difficult to tell the "bad guys" from the "good guys." Then what would the NRA propose?

Better Laws

I don't have all the answers, but I feel certain that adding more high powered weapons to our warped society is NOT the answer.

I am not advocating for all guns to be ripped from lawful gun owners' tight grasp. But I do support bans on assault rifles and high-capacity ammunition clips; weapons that belong only on a battlefield, if anywhere at all; weapons that can wipe out a great number of people in a few short seconds; weapons capable of ripping gaping holes in bodies and exploding through flesh and vital organs.

Weapons of this nature go far beyond hunting and "protecting" your home and family. If you oppose this type of ban, please explain to me the need for such devastating weapons.

Of course, bans are not the only aspects to be considered. Historically, horrible killing sprees that have taken place in schools, malls, churches, offices and theaters are carried out by people who have a mental illness of some sort. Therefore, mental illnesses, detection and treatment are also issues to be considered.

The Scoop

Call me naïve, but I don't want to live in a world where "the only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun." And I just don't think we have to live in such a world...if we wake up and proactively start dealing with this issue.

The current gun laws are not adequate. We don't necessarily need more laws, but better laws. I challenge our lawmakers to disregard the powerful, $12-billion-dollar-a-year gun industry and its puppet, the NRA and find a way that protects our citizens' safety and rights. Over and out...

Anna

Motherly Advice {The Gift of Love and Warmth and a Fleece Blanket}

Where we love is home – home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts.

~Oliver Wendell Holmes

If you ask my kids which Christmas gift was their favorite, I'm not sure what they would tell you. But I know which gift of theirs was my favorite.

This year I made each of my boys a fleece blanket. I wanted them to have something to cozy with whenever they feel the need for a warm, soft blanket.

Oh, it didn't take much skill or planning, and it wasn't as if I made a quilt, cutting, and pinning and sewing or whatever all goes into quilting. I don't have much skill when it comes to handmade crafts, but I figured I could handle a fleece blanket.

Darling 2 helped me pick out the pieces of fabric for each blanket; there are a surprising number of patterns of fleece to choose from. I decided to make them extra large in hopes that my big boys will still use these blankets when are extra tall. They were so excited to see the finished products.

The night before Christmas Eve, after everyone except one curious kitten had gone to bed, I spread the big pieces of fleece on the floor and went to work. I cut and tied and straightened and cut and tied and straightened for several hours, and voila I had two super soft blankets. And I was proud of what I'd done.

I spread the blankets over their new owners as they slept. And when they awoke and found them, the boys were elated. Unlike many of the gifts they received this season, they have used them just about every night {and a few movie watching days too} since they received them.

Of course, I left out all my scrap pieces for them to use in whatever creative and inspired way they came up with. And this was my favorite part of Christmas. Christmas Eve morning was full of making belts, karate kid style head bands, a parachute and more with the various pieces of fleece. Their creative juices were flowing, and they were having fun performing in their inspired outfits.

What I do know is that there are some gifts that last for years, sometimes even a lifetime; gifts that warm the soul and body; gifts that hold memories of home and mom. That gift for me was a blanket when I was 12. I still have it and still use it.

My hope is that the boys will feel the love and warmth from my heart and hands that went into making these blankets and carry that with them always. And yes, that is Hello Kitty on one side; Darling 2 was hell bent on choosing that for one of his sides, and if you have a problem with that, You
can read
this post.  Over and out...

Anna

Getting a Handle on Health “Care” {Fighting the Flu and the System}

Urgent Care

I dragged my achy, feverish, hacking body out of bed, put a hat on my head and headed to a HealthPartners urgent care on Sunday evening. It was Day 6 of a losing battle with the flu. I was concerned that it might be turning to pneumonia and wanted a suggestion on how to get this horrendous cough to stop long enough for me to sleep and not wake up choking and gasping.

What I got was tired, used up, rude and rushed. I was the only patient in the waiting room, but I waited 45 minutes, which didn't ruffle my feathers at all. I was in a peaceful, quiet waiting room; I can't complain about that. My family had left me and walked up the block to eat dinner in a café.

When I was called back, it was just past closing time; something I had already noted. The nurse was friendly and compassionate, despite my awful cough and rasping, grating, whispering, squeaking, gravelly voice.

Lack of Care

Then, the nurse practitioner came in. She looked tired, but smiled. I was still hopeful.

But as I began to try to explain my chief complaints and concerns, she said, "I can't really hear you. Can I just get on with the exam? I was here late last night and it's been a long day."

To which I said, "I understand, I waited 45 minutes." To which she retorted, "45 minutes? Wow! That's an excellent wait time for this weekend."

To which I fixed my cold gray eyes on her and smiled and nodded. I now knew where we stood.

She did a quick exam and then sat down at the computer with her back to me, going through a checklist. She got to a line about my ears and said, "Well, your ears looked good." To which I said in a very firm whisper, "You didn't look at my ears."

At this point, she realized she was messing up. She tried to laugh it off with statements like "oh, I've just seen so many people this weekend;" "So sorry about that;" "Can I get you a bottle of water?"

Too late; I had already made a mental note to stop at the front desk and get the manager's name and number; and once I have a voice to be "heard" I will be calling to file a complaint.

In the beginning of the exam before even listening to my lungs, she asked me if I'd like a lung X-ray. I told I have no idea if I need one. Then, as I was leaving she said, "Well, I hope you don't have pneumonia." Really? Well, me too. That's why I came here!

Service with a Smile

Too harsh? I don't think so. I have high expectations of any customer facing profession. I have worked in customer facing positions at various points and in various capacities since I was 16. I have always had high expectations for myself in these roles too.

No matter whether the customer/patient/client you are seeing is #3 or #23 of the day, you better treat that person like he or she is the only person you are seeing that day. Tired? Feet hurt? Head hurt? Grin and bear it! Nothing less than what I have done myself. That's your job.

Where's the Love?

Unfortunately, this is not the only time I have received such poor health "care." Some months ago, I found myself feeling wretched a few days before I had to head out of town for work. I decided the quickest solution was to run to Target's "Minute" Clinic after dropping Darling 2 at preschool. I was the 5^th patient to be seen that morning, waited 45 minutes to see a doctor, only to be rushed through the exam because she had lots of people to see that morning. She even told me that she would ask the questions and all I needed to do was answer her. I flat out told her I'd never be coming back.

There are other ridiculous scenarios over the many of years of my life. And maybe it's just me; I somehow find all the quacks out there when I am at my sickest; or so it seems.

Fighting {For/Against} Reform

But here's my point; if this is the face of health care in our country why are so many fighting so hard against a reform?

If you honestly believe there is no room for improvement in care, both from the medical staff and the approach that is taken; you don't think that anyone and everyone in this country should have access to health care; including those with pre-existing conditions, young children and the working poor like the guy delivering you pizza on that cold, snowy night that you don't want to venture out in; and you see no room for improvement in our current insurance/medicare/medical care systems, then please leave a comment here explaining your point. I'm truly curious.

The Scoop

This issue is not about whether you fall in the red or blue category or whether you support our President. This is an issue about people, and the right way to treat each other!

And don't worry, Health Partners, I'll be talking to you soon, but I'm still trying to get over this flu...Day 10. Over and out...

Anna

Lighting the Way: A Year of Hope and Courage

The Ornament

As I removed the ornaments from our tree, I looked at each one, handling it with care. I was moving more slowly than I normally do since I was recovering from the flu. My four year-old son helped with this task, asking questions about each one as he gathered the boxes for me.

As I was putting away one ornament, I found an ornament that had been left behind when the others had been placed on the tree; hidden under a bit of tissue paper. It was one of those Willow Tree Angels.

Each of these angel figurines/ornaments are assigned a particular sentiment; angel of love, peace, joy, motherhood, learning, etc. And each angel carries with her an object to represent her sentiment.

Family

Well, this one was given to me by my sister-in-law on the occasion of her wedding. She gave each of her bridesmaids one; each with a different sentiment. Now, at the time, I didn't think this future sister-in-law even liked me; and to be fair I should say that we barely knew each other at all.

I received the Angel of Hope. So, in my snarky, sassy head, I thought, "yeah, she hopes she likes me someday."

Well, I can't speak for her, but after 9 years of being together in the "Berend Clan", I certainly do like her. She's steadfast, always knows when to hold her tongue and always does the right thing; things that I am not always very good at; and it turns out she's witty and funny too. I am glad to count her as a sister and a friend.

Hope and Courage

As I looked at this Angel of Hope ornament with her hand outstretched, carrying a lantern, I thought of these things and then I read the little tag still attached to the ornament string; "Sharing the light of hope and courage."

And I realized that this is what I endeavor to accomplish through this blog.

I wish to spread hope for a new day, even if the past or present have proved to be dark. The sun will always rise; and we must each keep moving forward.

I wish to inspire courage in my readers; courage to speak, to do, to represent, to build, to take down, to explore. My intent is to convey to my readers that they must never underestimate themselves; they must never feel powerless in a powerful world.

It's my hope that by arming my readers with information; being straight forward with my words and feelings, even when they are not neat or pretty or perfect; and standing up for what I believe in through my written words, that I will encourage others to do the same.

The Scoop

When I created this blog, almost 3 years ago, I wanted merely to inform. I was ignorant about what it would mean to me and I hope what it has meant to others. With each year, I continue to flesh out the being that this blog is becoming, adding more depth and character with each passing year; at least that is my hope.

So, it is with great enthusiasm {despite having just spent the 1^st 7 days of the new year under the influence of a nasty flu} that I choose my words to live by this year. They shall be hope and courage. Coming up soon: health care issues, gun issues and booster seats. Over and out...

Anna    

5 Things You Should Know: Setting Goals {New Year’s Resolutions for 2013}

Making new promises and reaffirming commitments at the start of the new year goes back to the Babylonians. The tradition continues for many. Is it one of yours?

Well, if it is, you probably already know that most New Year's Resolutions don't even make it out of the gate, much less all year through. {Check out this fun infographic from The Week on New Year's Resolutions}

It's one thing to make a long list of things to accomplish, change, try, lose or gain in the new year; it's quite another to actually follow through with these resolutions.

But wait, don't give up yet. I have some tips that will help you make great strides towards those ambitions.

5 Ways to Accomplish a Goal

1. Write It Down. There's more commitment to a goal put in ink;
2. Look at It. Place the written out goal in a spot that you will see it on a daily basis;
3. Keep It Simple. Reasonable and reachable makes it more likely you'll succeed;
4. Baby Steps. Break your goals down into mini goals that will lead right to the finish line; and
5. Believe It. If you believe it and envision it, you can achieve it!

So, put pen to paper and start your realistic list of resolutions for 2013. Good luck and Happy New Year! Over and out...

Anna