I Resolve To® . . . Get Ready For The...

It is truly amazing that another year is almost at an end. The leaves are rapidly dropping from the trees and Halloween is just days away. Personally, October 31, officially marks the start of 'party season', a two-month period in which folks indulge in merry-making and festivities until the New Year rolls around the first day of January. I love the Holiday Season and all that it brings . . . good times with friends and family, great food, gift-giving, and special moments to show gratitude for all we have and all that we are. I have learned that I can avoid frustration and feelings of 'total overwhelm' by planning ahead: Budgeting and buying gifts in advance of the Holiday Season, doing a Fall Cleaning (much like Spring cleaning), setting boundaries for food and drink, stepping up my exercise routine (to avoid unwanted excess weight, relieve stress and promote a good mood) - and 'yes' brainstorming festive wardrobe combinations for parties and family gatherings.

I intend to 'Spruce Up My Wardrobe', for the holiday season, as part of my I Resolve To . . . Challenge: 365 Resolutions For Health & Happiness. Why not join me? The objective is very simple: Do at least one thing each and every day to promote health and happiness for 'YOU'. Banish the 'Someday, Someday, Someday Syndrome'. Instead, make every day New Year's Day. Make every day count with 'daily resolves'. The list of possibilities is infinite and can be tailored to your own dreams, resolutions and daily goals. If you need some help - a little nudge, a bit of inspiration, tips, advice, and news about the best ways to make resolutions a reality - please use IResolveTo.Com and the I Resolve To . . . Group at Gather as two of your resources. Resolve365 in 2009.

The upcoming Holiday Season doesn't have to create exhaustion and frustration. I try to reduce potential 'obstacles' to my good health and happiness by applying these simple, common sense strategies:

Plan, Plan, Plan: Sit down and make a list of all the things that you have to do for the Holiday Season in October and early November, then break the plan down into small tasks that can be tackled each day. Make a schedule and set some deadlines, but be flexible - as with most things in life the best-laid plans often fly out the window . . . improvise and roll with the punches!
Be Realistic: Don't try to be a 'Super-Human' holiday planner. Set realistic goals, give yourself time to tackle tasks, and everything will work out fine (and be lovely), but everything doesn't have to be 'perfect'. Do your best and take pride in a job well done.
Make Time For You: The Holiday Season, under the best of circumstances can be tiring, frustrating and overwhelming. Offset stresses with exercise, healthy food (I am going to substitute fresh fruit and vegetables for some of those holiday cookies!), adequate rest and relaxation, and by doing 'special' things for yourself, while you're doing all those 'special' things for others.

Now pull out your party duds and go on out and have a wonderful Holiday Season!

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

Kim Simpson, a former journalist, provides communications, fundraising services and strategic planning, for Members of Congress, non-profit organizations, corporations, and associations in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area. A self-employed entrepreneur, with more than 30 years of experience, she launched IResolveTo.Com in 2005 in an effort to help others to achieve their New Year Resolutions, Dreams and Goals. Get your daily dose of inspiration at: http://www.iresolveto.com - As added incentive, why not make and keep your New Year Resolution by wearing it? Drop by: http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Comments: 3

Kim Simpson Oct 25, 2009, 1:43pm EDT

What's your favorite part of the upcoming Holiday Season . . . How do you overcome the annual challenges like too much to do, too little time? All tips and strategies greatly appreciated! ;)