Best Laid Plans of Penguins and Man!

Of course it is time to set the plans in place for making us better penguins, I mean people this year. You know the "I will eat healtheir, exercise, be nice, get organized" babble that we all spew this time of year. I say forget it. Pick goals that make you happy. Not goals that make you think others will be happier with you.
For example, instead of saying "I'm going to be nicer to people" - be nicer to yourself. Instead of running yourself ragged trying to please everyone, stop and take a minute or 10 to enjoy the simple things around you. A blooming flower, kids laughing or that lovely smell of the food cooking in your kitchen.
Instead of saying "I'm going to eat healthier" - make sure you are enjoying what you eat. We live in a country where food is in abundance. We eat it without enjoying it most of the time. Instead of worrying about the calories, the fat and what not go for a smaller portion of what you really enjoy. You have taste buds -let them stretch their legs instead of boring the hell out of them with chicken breasts and plain salad.
Instead of "Getting Organized" which let's be realistic if you are over the age of 40, and you are not organized at this point -it just isn't going to happen. I say focus on having less stuff to organize. It is just stuff. Take a picture, chances are the picture will last longer, and give the stuff to someone who can and will use it.
Instead of starting that grueling exercise program all by yourself, find a fun way to move with a friend or family member. Seriously, exercising alone sucks. No one to challenge you, keep you honest about doing it and I know that laughing makes everything better. No one says you have to be rock hard muscle guy or gal this year, but taking a walk to visit a friend or parking far away from that favorite store is a small start.
A few weeks ago my son said if he had one wish he would wish for everyone to love each other because then there would be peace in the world. It is a big idea for a 6 year old, and one that had me thinking that love and peace can really just come from kindness. So for me all the resolutions that were set today, that will be broken in a day, a week or even 6 months are small compared to the simple idea of showing kindness. So this year take time for yourself, take a deep breath and then put a smile on your face and share that kind heart of yours with all those around you. And I bet you will feel healthier, more organized and all around just happier by doing so.
Happy New Year and Be Kind!