8 Magnanimous Moves to Make Before 2007

Before the new year swoops upon us, it would be serviceable to your own peace of mind, to check off 11th hour action items you've been meaning to attend to. Maybe you'd like to clear your heart and conscious by exploring a few possibilities you hadn't considered.

Everyone appears to want to start fresh in the new year, but it should be an equal priority (or even more of one) to close out the year with a sparkling finish. There's nothing like a grand finale.

With this in mind, I've constructed an idling list of ideas to ponder over heavily spirited eggnog and though it's just a simple list of suggestions, it may lend to your definitive progress in 2006, all the way to its freezing and war torn end.

1. Give away something you love.

By no means am I suggesting that you tearfully sacrifice cherished antique heirlooms. Not at all. As we are all in need of de-cluttering, especially to make room for all of the flashy new doo-dads we just received for Christmas; we will breathe a lot easier parting with some of our older, much loved but less needed processions, if we are assured that they will land in the hands of someone who will genuinely appreciate them. Make that happen.

2. Go to a part of your city you've never been before.

Drive down an unfamiliar street you've never explored. Dine at an eatery you've yet to set foot in. If by chance this is not possible because you've managed to scour every nook and cranny in the city you reside, then try exploring a neighboring city. Surly you'll be able to find something or someplace new there.

3. Call someone you haven't spoken to in a while.

In order to make this conscious dive a pleasant experience for you, be sure you choose someone who doesn't grate your nerves too much. It is important that you call someone who won't mind talking to you either. Remember that the conversation doesn't need to be a marathon. In fact, it could be as brief as 10 minutes. Keep in mind, though, that leaving a message in someone's voicemail doesn't count. Neither does email. It will make someone feel a flash of warmth because a thought of them danced around your mind, however briefly. Most likely, you'll be satisfied with yourself that you took the initiative.

4. Forgive someone.

This will be more challenging, needless to say. It actually may require a few days of deep reflection of your hurt self, your current situation and the accused party you want to forgive. You may or may not need to talk it out with a third party, but whether it's talk therapy or some other equally effective therapeutic outlet available, there's no need to feel rushed. Even if this road to forgiveness stretches a smidgen into the new year, what is most important, is that you're on that road, and as long as you're on it, you're certain to reach your destination.

5. Clean your bedroom until it gleams.

Get down on the floor on your hands and knees and look under your bed. Do you see all of that forgotten, little used, and dusty stuff under there? Collect all of that - every last piece - and put it somewhere else. Somewhere more appropriate. Put away all of your clothes. Clear off your dresser and nightstand; change your sheets; make up your bed; wash your windows; and dust your windowsill. You'll feel so much lighter and happier afterwards, that it might become contagious for the other rooms in the house.

6. Write out your top 10 goals for 2007.

This list making effort is a wonderful habit you might consider picking up for every year from here on out. Eventually, you'll want to take each item on your list and make another list of the things you'll need to do to accomplish each goal. Regardless of how much you've managed or haven't managed to accomplish in 2006, jotting down your most desired top 10 is an easy, visual and energetic way of closing the gap between your longing self and that which you long for.

7. Tell your parents and siblings you love them.

This action might be the easiest thing I've listed. Without having to consider how difficult any of them are, all that needs to come out of your mouth, are three little words. These words can be left on voice mail or email, but they are much more powerful when said and heard in real time. You may even be surprised at their results.

8. Visit or send a card to someone who is sick.

We all know there are no guarantees that we will see the ones we love from one day to the next, least known from one year to the next. Besides, it just womps to be sick during the holidays. Sojourn with someone who is ill and let them know that your heart and prayers for healing are with them. You would want someone to do this for you.

Putting the finishing touches on a long year is both endearing and priceless. It is more than that last minute tax break you're trying to squeeze in, or gaining an extra 20 pounds in December and your resolve to loose 40 starting in January. It's about the forward movement you've taken in 2006 to make it memorable and special to you. Every year is precious, and every part of it, even it's closing, should be treated as such.