Last Minute Resolutions

Who says you can't wait till the last possible moment to make a resolution? Or for that matter, even wait a few days into the new year to figure out what you wish to change in the upcoming year. Well if the standard oldies have gotten you bored, here are some rather easy ideas for those who still want to make a resolution.

Write more Letters

Remember the days before we had e-mail and instant messengers? Yeah, those days seem long gone now where you would sit down and write these really neat, long letters to your friends and family far away. Why not strike up this old time tradition again. There's nothing wrong with "snail mail" in the least. In fact, I don't know a single soul on the planet that doesn't like to receive a letter and get that feeling that someone far away was thinking of them. Yes, writing takes a little longer to do than typing as we all know and the price of stamps seems constantly on the rise. However, letters can do things that e-mail can not. You can't 'smell' an email and actually get a hint of the wearers perfume and cologne. Remember those days? Girls would spritz a little of their favorite scent on their stationary and then write to someone far away. E-mail may be instant, however letters show that you think of someone even when you aren't online. Plus, don't even just send cards. You can send stickers, pictures of things you've taken or even a card for no reason. Writing letters keeps you in practice with being able to write clearly, something many of us don't do a lot of now with the introduction of the internet and all the marvelous tools. Besides, imagine the smile upon someones face when they open a letter and it is from you!

Call family more often

This can be interpreted two ways. Elderly family members love company and let's face it - they aren't going to be around forever. You never know when the last time you'll see someone alive will be and that can be mighty frightening. It is completely understandable that you may live hundreds of miles from these members, but when was the last time you called them? Sure you might not be like peas and carrots, but they are your family just the same. Pick up a phone and call, sure you may get frustrated at the likely chance of hearing loss on their end and you having to speak up, but any little bit of attention makes their day. If a family member lives within 50 miles swing up by once every few weeks, say hello. Bring something that they would like - flowers, some baked brownies or even pictures of other family members. School pictures and family portraits go far. This gives them the chance to see their families even when far away. Sit down and spend a few hours or even a weekend. Listen to them tell their stories and take into consideration how you would feel being left alone at their age. People can die of broken hearts and lonliness, but if you show you care, you can have them around for a long time, hopefully. So call or visit - besides, it's an incredible memory to be able to say someday, "I remember my great-grandparent.."

Smile more

People always talk about improving their body images - losing weight, quitting smoking. Things that can make a drastic improvement in their lives. However, one that is easy to do and not oten heard of is to smile more. Have you ever looked around in public? So many people seem to have this perma-scowl on their faces. It's really a sad sight. Who wants to look upon someone who appears to be grimacing at everything in the world? I always wonder why people look so angry. If they were smiling then I might think, "oh they are so happy, how wonderful." But instead you see these angry scowls and it makes people look grey. Smiling is insanely easy and there's always something to smile about. Yes, even in a bad mood. Smiling works muscles in your face -remember that whole muscle discovery and frowns versus smiles? It's true. Besides, smiling more makes others feel good and unless you're Scrooge, you want people to be generally happy. Even better - if you smile at people you tend to be treated better than if you scowl. Honest. Try it and give it a go.

These are just three of many easy last minute resolutions people can come up with. While it's not a crime to go with the standard favorites, coming up with unique, more personal approaches to things can always make your resolutions more worthwhile in persuing. No matter what you choose to resolve in the new year just stick to your guns and there is no doubt you will succeed.