Jumping into New Year 2011

For the last few weeks, I have not only been following the new Weight Watcher's PointsPlus Program, but I have been shopping online and in stores for clothes that come in the smallest sizes and most flattering styles that I can find as incentives to get healthier this 2011. I started at Walmart but recently have added Victoria Secret's website sexy clothes to encourage me to lose weight, get healthier and look good. I've actually found that Victoria Secret's is having great sales online that rival those of many other stores, including Walmart's.

I used to watch and maintain my weight simply by buying an article of clothing that flattered me, but now I try to buy something with the help of my hubby since he knows what flatters me even better than I do. I'll ask his opinion but I make the final decision.

It's even better for me when I spend time crocheting baby clothing articles which we donate and attend Retired Seniors Volunteer Program (RSVP) crochet/knit meetings weekly. I love choosing the yarn in different colors, especially ombres, which are very colorful and usually in pastel mixes of light pinks, blues, whites and or yellows. RSVP then donates the baby blankets, sweater, hats and baby booties to Good Samaritan Hospital or Nyack Hospital. It's lovely to attend the annual RSVP luncheon where many volunteers receive awards for outstanding service in different areas too.

Another great idea for getting more involved in 2011 is to take a college course online or even at a local college; many colleges offer free courses for seniors too! I know of a senior in my complex who takes computer and art courses for free at Rockland Community College. It's a great way to get involved in your community, and possibly learn how to give back some volunteer hours when you learn the new or improved skill.

You could also become a Big Brother or Big Sister to a child in your area. This is a great program for adults who either don't have their own children/grandchildren or just want to help out a child. When I was a military dependent and my children and I lived far away from their grandmother, I got involved in the Adopted Grandparents Program on base, by taking my children to visit the elderly in the program, and they said it really helped the elderly to become more involved in the community and to alleviate their loneliness. Programs such as these revolve more around socializing than just the meals, so it helps people not to eat our of boredom and lonliness too.

Getting involved in other groups, like the Parents Teacher's Association and different meetups in your area which you can find online at Meetups.com or even the Red Hat Society is great for getting involved, and, even though the Red Hat Society often does meet at restaurants, their red and purple hats and clothes and fun-filled meetings and travels are great fun for many people!

I hope I've helped people by encouraging them to get involved in their communities in 2011 and enjoy the New Year too! Whatever activites you choose to become involved in, know that there are many more listed in your local library's brochure, such as book reading groups, cooking groups, and writing groups too! Happy 2011 to you!