Slower & Simpler - Simpler New Year's Resolutions

Yes, I know this list is from 2013. Just pretend it says 2014 - it's a great list that I found on http://www.simpletruth.com/community/blog/101-easy-to-follow-new-yeare28099s-resolutions/. No, no - I'm not encouraging doing absolutely everything on the list!  But there are some great ideas that I want to try to incorporate into my life in 2014. It's just a great compendium for living a better, simpler, truer life, and I thought it worth sharing.

101 Easy-to-Follow New Year’s Resolutions

It’s 2013. How are you going to make this year the best yet? Sticking to a New Year’s resolution takes work; make sure to choose something worth working for! Here are 101 ideas for simple resolutions that can make a big difference.

1. Take the stairs instead of elevators and escalators to get daily exercise.
2. Walk or ride your bike more often instead of driving.
3. Schedule “me” time to turn off your cell phone, computer and other electronic devices.
4. Don’t use your cell phone during work meetings, social events or dinner.
5. Don’t text and drive (as a matter of fact, don’t use your phone at all while driving).
6. Cook at home more often—you will learn new cooking skills and save money.
7. Be more than punctual—try to be early to every meeting you attend.
8. Make more personal phone calls instead of sending emails and texts.
9. Write one handwritten letter a month to someone special.
10. Do something out of your comfort zone.
11. Bring more to the table at every meeting—speak up and voice your opinion.
12. Be more willing to talk to others and learn something about strangers.
13. Sign up for a dance or art class.
14. Start running a little further each time you run.
15. Enjoy the seclusion and solitude of eating a meal alone.
16. Read one new book each month.
17. Turn off the Internet and television and read a book before falling asleep.
18. Make more eye contact during conversations.
19. Use your credit cards for emergencies only by removing them from your purse or wallet. Only spend with whatever cash you bring with you.
20. Refrain from gossiping and listening to gossip. You’ll be a more trustworthy person and will engage in more productive conversations.
21. You know it’s the most important meal of the day, so why skip it? Give yourself an extra 15 minutes in the morning to prepare and eat a good breakfast, like organic cage-free eggs, oatmeal or a green smoothie.
22. Participate in “Meatless Monday” by forgoing meat once a week. It’s budget-friendly and helps improve your health and the environment.
23.  Make healthy swaps when you can. Substitute soy or almond milk for dairy and try using coconut or olive oil instead of butter and margarine.
24. Choose organic when possible and spare your body the harmful pesticides.
25. Try portion control when eating meals. Put leftovers in the refrigerator immediately to prevent eating a second helping.
26. Use products that are eco-friendly and don’t contain harsh chemicals.
27. Be more open and communicative with others. You’ll likely gain more respect and cooperation from them.
28. Get more vitamin D by taking some time to spend outside. Don’t forget the sunscreen!
29. Stop late-night snacking: your body will take the calories and store them as fat.
30. Floss your teeth more often.
31. Try cutting fat from your diet. Fat is not a good energy source and causes major reductions in your physical endurance.
32. Do more of what you enjoy doing.
33. Spend a few hours a week enjoying time with your family. Don’t allow any external distractions.
34. Start recycling by having a designated bin available and educate yourself about what items are recyclable.
35. Grow a simple garden: start with herbs that are easy to grow and maintain.
36. Don’t litter.
37. Spend time once a quarter to de-clutter your home. Get rid of anything you don’t use or haven’t worn in a year.
38. Learn something new every day.
39. Start saving for a family vacation today.
40. Invest in your retirement.
41. Incorporate more vegetables in your meals.
42. Substitute red meat for turkey, chicken or even pork.
43. Buy fresh vegetables instead of canned, which often don’t have as many vitamins and minerals.
44. Designate a family dinner night that everyone must attend.
45. Walk your dog every evening after dinner.
46. Keep in touch with loved ones – update address books, email addresses and phone numbers.
47. Pick up a new hobby.
48. Make a spa day once every few months – whether it’s pampering at home or booking at a salon.
49. Help others by volunteering.
50. Build a community garden.
51. Donate furniture and clothes that you no longer use to those in need.
52. Get organized.
53. Do a safe walk of your house – replace smoke alarm batteries, check locks on windows and doors.
54. Save energy this year – replace appliances and light bulbs.
55. Use more of your kitchen appliances – pull out the slow-cooker, stand mixer, bread maker and juicer.
56. Plan birthday and holiday gifts ahead of time to save with sales and deals.
57. Pay off your credit cards.
58. For everything negative you say, say two things that are positive.
59. Eat more high quality dark chocolate - it’s loaded with antioxidants.
60. Listen to more of your favorite type of music. Music boosts spirits and helps reduce depression.
61. Boost your energy and health by adding fresh juices or green smoothies into your everyday diet.
62. Revise comfort foods by adding a healthy twist.
63. Invite more friends and families over for a monthly gathering.
64. Buy local.
65. Cut out processed, prepackaged foods.
66. Eat food that is free from artificial colors, flavors, ingredients and preservatives.
67. Have more fruit available throughout the day to refuel your energy.
68. Schedule your day to be productive and plan to get the majority of important business completed in the morning when you’re alert and energized.
69. Drink water or green tea instead of coffee to reduce caffeine intake and keep you hydrated.
70. Get on a solid sleep schedule. Listen to your natural sleeping patterns and adjust accordingly. Aim for seven hours of sleep each night.
71. Prepare ahead of time with travel snacks. Pack a variety of snacks from dried fruit, nuts, energy bars and fruit to help make healthy choices while on the go.
72. Add more whole grains to your diet. Whole grains have been linked to the battles against heart disease, diabetes and obesity.
73. Replace sugar with natural sweeteners like agave, honey and Stevia.
74. Eat with the seasons. You’ll be eating fresh, high-quality ingredients that are packed with the nutrients your body needs.
75. Bring your lunch from home more often. Whether you’re packing for yourself or for the entire family, creating money-saving lunches is a simple way to add variety to your lunch without breaking the bank.
76. Cut down your sodium intake by using spices and herbs to flavor your dishes instead of salt.
77. Use a designated date to complete the majority of your meal shopping and prepare any of your week’s meals in advance to help cut down on cooking time.
78. Invest in a few kitchen utensils that save you time.
79. Preserve seasonal fruits and vegetables by learning how to can them. Bulk up on produce that is in season and on sale.
80. Take preventive measures to minimize the risk of getting sick by washing your hands frequently, eating more fruits and leafy greens, taking a multivitamin and staying active.
81. Identify the things that make you stressed during the day and take action. Create a list of things that are in your control and take small steps to change them.
82. Don’t let things out of your control overwhelm you. Realize there are certain obstacles to challenge us, but never defeat us.
83. Improve your quality of life by getting more involved in your community and connecting with nature.
84. Support local small businesses and keep your money where you live.
85. Help reduce your carbon footprint: go car-less one day a week by staying at home, walking, taking public transportation or riding your bike.
86. Eat five new foods this year. Have you tried kale, quinoa, coconut oil or almond butter yet?
87. Loosely track your goals. Don’t be too specific on deadlines or set yourself up for failure.
88. Keep a journal to jot down anything that comes to mind, like recipes, memories and ideas.
89. Listen more in conversations.
90. Learn others' resolutions and help them achieve their goals.
91. Give someone a compliment once a day, but really mean it.
92. Rearrange your furniture every once in a while to create a new living space.
93. Give your dishwasher and washing machine some love. Check for leaks, mold or clogged drains.
94. Bring some of the items that make you happy at home to your workspace, like photos of family or small trinkets.
95. Make your bed daily. This simple, three-minute chore is an easy way to positively impact your happiness.
96. Take the time to clean as you go and clear away any clutter that has accumulated over time.
97. Not everything is going to be easy or enjoyable, but try to appreciate the challenge and look on the brighter side.
98. Spend money on things that create memories.
99. Before you go to bed, take a step away from your daily struggles and contemplate something much larger than yourself.
100. Give yourself more credit. More than likely, there is no one who will master everything on their list. The fact is, you’re trying and nothing is better than that.
101. As always, keep it simple.

Will you be trying any of these goals for 2013? What’s your simple resolution?