It's here - 2011! Time for resolutions meant to be kept

A new year has arrived as an opportunity, and I'm inspired by this new beginning to make resolutions I'll keep over the next 365 days and forever after. Most of us make resolutions each January and we know they won't be kept, but during this initial phase of the new year I'm determined to make some resolutions which will enlighten my life and make it better than it is today.

Here is a toast to getting in shape, keeping doctor's appointments, and oh, yeah, actually listening to what my physician has to say. That 10 pounds I've gained since my Dad passed away - it's about to be gone! It takes more than wishing it away and with these words I commit to more than wishes. I will do what it takes to improve my chances for being as healthy as as I can. Ageing isn't for wimps and it takes more time, energy and commitment to live a healthy lifestyle as the years rush by.

The fitness center is just a few miles away, and when I'm at work, it's only a few steps away. I can practically see the climbing wall from my office. It's a bit like Sarah Palin's international affairs expertise, however, as I've never actually been on the climbing wall, but I do walk by it daily. Zumba classes are what hold my interest, and over the last week I've gone to three. Every instructor teaches the class a little differently, but that doesn't matter because it's always an adventure in a Zumba class. I've moved parts of my body in ways they've never moved before. You call that "adding flavor" according to the instructors. Sometimes I look around at the other people in class and can't believe what we're doing. We probably look ridiculous to the people outside the workout room door, but hey, what the heck.

My resolutions this year go beyond getting into better shape physically. I'm going to work on being present in the moment, every moment, as Jon Kabat-Zinn would say. I resolve to strive for enlightenment, practicing awareness of each moment in time, and that said, not take myself too seriously at the same time. Here's another toast to making meditation practice part of my daily life.

What ever your plans and resolutions are for the new year, here's my toast to you:

Best wishes for a happy and healthy 2011!