New Year's Resolution

It's that time of year again...resolution time. Oftentimes people make resolutions to lose weight or get out of debt or start a new business. All of which are great, but are external.

This year focus on the internal you...

• Determine to achieve emotional healing from a break-up or divorce.
• Re-establish who you are in your new single role.
• Make a commitment to re-build family relationships. It is therapeutic!
• Commit to replace negative feelings (bitterness, anger, strife) with positive feelings (peace, hope, love).
• Terminate toxic relationships. You know the kind that evoke pain at contact or leave you feeling empty and drained.
• If all else fails, don't be embarrassed to seek counseling. It works!

Sometimes resolutions are difficult to keep. Make sure they are S-M-A-R-T:

1. Specific - be very clear about what you hope to achieve.
2. Measurable - identify ways to measure your progress.
3. Achievable - don't try to boil the ocean. Even if your resolution is lofty, break it down into smaller, easily attainable chunks.
4. Relevant - setting resolutions for the sake of setting them is a waste of time. Commit to a resolution that is meaningful to you and makes you a better person.
5. Time-bound - don't commit to resolutions that will take you five years to achieve. It should be achievable in its totality during 2008.

Involve your close friends and/or relatives by sharing your resolution and asking them to hold you accountable. Make 2008 your year of emotional success!