Start the New Year with a promise or resolution that will foster a better 2010. Here are some LGBT New Years Resolution ideas that you might consider:

1. Journal/Blog

Don't go down the bitter highway. Release all of your baggage from the previous year by blogging or journaling. If you're dear to the old school like I am, grab a decorative notebook and write your thoughts freestyle every day. Don't worry about grammar or spelling. This journal is for you. For the tech kings, create a personal blog.

2. No More Drama

Must gay and drama go hand-in-hand? This New Year, LGBT people around the world are making a pact to eliminate the nasty rumors, lost friendships and petty arguments that spice up our everyday lives. Try a new approach for the New Year: forgiveness. A more peaceful life can lead to better health by releasing any internalized anger and resentment. Give others room to make mistakes and trust in the positive aspects of your relationships.

3. Mentor LGBT Youth

Why let your life lessons go to waste when you can help guide a young LGBT adult? There are more out pop culture figures than ever, but nothing beats an in-person role model. From career guidance to life coaching, there are many ways you can help LGBT youth. Start by volunteering for the OutCenter's ALIVE Gay-Straight Alliance.

4. Fight for Gay Rights

Even if you're not the flag waving type, there is still an opportunity to help further gay equality. Here are three of 10 ways you can support gay rights.

1. Register To Vote!

2. Write Your State Senator or Representative

3. Volunteer at the OUTCENTER

5. Get Tested

The anxiety of getting an HIV test and the fear of a life-changing result is overwhelming, but the freedom that comes along with knowing your status is worth the tension. Why leave your health up to chance?  CARES does free HIV Testing and Counseling in Benton Harbor. Walk-in hours are 10:00 a.m. to noon and 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday. You can also call to schedule an appointment: (269) 927-2437. Find out more about CARES at http://www.caresswm.org/

6. Come Out to Yourself

Coming out is a process that unfolds at your own pace. This may be the year for you to be free! The first step to understanding your sexuality is self-reflection. Don't skip this important step on your way out of the closet. Get to know yourself this New Year so that you can create the life you desire.

7. Shed Bad Influences

Bad influences come in many forms: drug and alcohol addiction, sex addiction or even that cute guy who tells you he can't have sex while wearing a condom. You don't have to be a victim. Besides, doing drugs and barebacking is so last year! Create a brand new you in the brand new year by kicking an old habit. Know your boundaries. Recognize your own addictions and test your safe sex practices.

8. Save! Save! Save!

Mind you, I realize that doling out this bit of advice is easier than actually doing it.

Given the economic environment these days, it would be optimal to establish an emergency fund of at least $2,500 and work toward saving up enough to cover 3 to 6 months of expenses. Practice paying yourself first by making deposits to build up savings. In addition, cutting out the use of credit cards would be a great New Year's financial resolution. This involves fostering habits that make it easier to not spend money: avoid unnecessary trips to stores and to malls, shop only with cash, leave your credit cards at home, and adopt a 24-hour pre-purchase cooling off period for big purchases.

9. Volunteer

Volunteering is not only fun; it's an opportunity for you to give back to something greater than yourself. Volunteer for the OutCenter or at a welcoming and affirming church, which will allow you to meet other LGBT people with similar interests.  You don't need a special talent to volunteer, just your dedication. Call the OutCenter and speak to Jen or Gretchen to see how you might help 269-925-8330.

10. Feed your soul

LGBT people often struggle to find a church home. Consequently, their spiritual needs go unmet. Maybe in 2010 you should consider really feeding your soul at a local welcoming and affirming church. You can start with the listing on the OutCenter's website: http://www.outcenter.org/rdreligious.htm

Make 2010 the year that you let your own lights shine. In so doing, you unconsciously give those around you permission to do the same.  May this year come with a sense of liberation and empowerment so that Berrien County becomes that fully integrated community in which lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons and their families are truly welcomed, respected, valued, understood, and afforded the same rights and responsibilities as everyone else.

...he said with an audible snap!