Keeping Positive New Year's Resolution

The best gift we can give ourselves and others as we enter the New Year would be to stay positive despite the world around us going into a recession. Here are five ways I have found to stay positive and will be my New Year's Resolution for 2009.

1. Surround myself with art, music and that which is beautiful. Television is going digital in February of 2009 anyway, why not treat yourself to cable, high definition or that new wide-screen television you have always wanted. We probably will not have the money to travel or attend live concerts much and we can count on public television to provide high-quality concerts. The new year has not even begun yet and we had a preview to the Grammies concert not to mention all the wonderful holiday entertainment and performers. We have the ability to change what we fill our minds with each day, by going cable or choosing alternative forms of media like satellite radio we can choose to see and listen to only positive programs.

2. Fix what is broken and don't fix what ain't. Somethings may have to wait until after the holidays, but I have spent the last few months replacing all my old and terrible appliances that never did work properly. Many small electronics were over ten years old and I decided I was no longer going to fight the electric cord, antenna, door latch, lint filter or whatever else brought irritation into my otherwise calm existence. I also learned to live with that which was comfortable like an old pair of shoes, my favorite beat-up chair and limited pre-paid cell phone service.

3. Keep in the company of positive people. Discount stores are always brimming with happy, sale-saavy people. I have never seen an unhappy face that was out shopping early in the morning before the crowds arrive and the goods are gone. Church is always happy during off-hours, mid-week and when attended by desire and not obligation. Schools are happy places during sports events and bake sales and relatively inexpensive.

4. Be productive positively. It is very easy to get off track when a crises or problem arises that we feel must be addressed. By making a mission statement for your company or self you will be more apt to stay the course during any trial. For example picking products or producing work which is edifying to yourself and others only. Money is important, but we have all learned the hard way during the "pay later heyday" that a bird in the hand is better than two in the bush and that quality and sustainability are more important than quantity and risk.

5. Just say No to the negative. You have the right to change your mind. You have the right to say "I don't know" or "I don't want to." Over time I came to realize that there may be more than one way to solve a problem and to not let others' problems bring you down along with them. Give generously, but to causes you are passionate about with people you know and trust and have your best interests at heart who wish you well.

Realistically, I know that the New Year will not be problem free, but I can control my attitude about whatever comes my way. Staying positive is the best gift I could possibly give myself and others.