IMG_7905-new-year's-resolution-copy.jpgI really don’t like making New Year’s resolutions. I seem to always set myself up for failure by setting the bar too high. As a matter of fact, I can’t remember any new year’s resolutions I’ve stuck to, can you?
So this year, I’m setting goals that are attainable, not too lofty. Sure, it’s going to take some work, but mostly introspection and perseverance… Like learning to meditate, mixing up my workouts to keep them interesting, looking for family volunteering opportunities, getting more conversant on Facebook, and trying to love yoga. We don’t have any specific new year traditions that aren’t bubbly, but I’ll share two of my dad’s favorite sayings: “Enjoy life, this is not a dress-rehearsal” and “Life is too short to drink cheap wine!”
We wondered what the Montclair official-folk might have on their to-do list in 2010, and got a few responses.
Gray Russel, Environmental Coordinator writes “my personal New Year’s Resolution is to lower my carbon footprint by eating less meat! My professional New Year’s Resolution is to win more grants for Montclair and to use that money to implement energy efficiency projects that save the town money!” Outgoing town manager Joe Hartnett, while reconfiguring his career, will also try to reconfigure his figure, “mine is just the mundane “lose weight” resolution. I’m hoping to shed 20 pounds,” says Hartnett.
Councilor Cary Africk’s well-intentioned list is very ambitious:

I have all sorts of resolutions!
1. Lose fifty pounds in the next year
2. Go to gym at least 4 times per week
3. More gardening!
4. Work on establishing personal business opportunities
5. Go to more courses and seminars!
6. Improve the flow of financial information to the Council, and to the public. Introduce PLANNING. Work with the new manager to establish performance objectives and financial goals.
7. Work on delivering to the public the promise of the internet. A better town website, much more information on-line.
8. Spend more time in one on one meetings with community leaders in business, development, and the non-profit sector.
9. Build an email data base and communicate more information, via “newsletters,” to “the public.”
10. Spend time with the “quiet” of folks in town. The ones that don’t read the Watercooler or Baristanet or attend Council meetings and find out what THEY want!

Let’s think positively; 2010 will be a lot better than 2009, right? Now tell us how you’re going to embrace the new year, or decade!

5 replies on “A New Year…Resolutions Revisited?”

  2. I am going to pay more attention to listening and not be judgmental. When I wake up in the morning I will look in the mirror and resolve not to make any judgments. I want to experience life in the moment.

  3. You mention learning to meditate – easily the best thing I did in 2009. If you are still trying to find the proper format/style, Google meditationshift. They have a great program that got me into the habit, and they also have good info on their blog about the benefits. Best of luck in 2010.
    Cheers,
    Robert

  4. You mention learning to meditate – easily the best thing I did in 2009. If you are still trying to find the proper format/style, Google meditationshift. They have a great program that got me into the habit, and they also have good info on their blog about the benefits. Best of luck in 2010.
    Cheers,
    Robert

  5. I just signed up for an 8-week yoga class at the Bloomfield Presbyterian Church starting this Saturday. I sent in the check before I had time to have second thoughts!

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