As the New Year begins, thoughts turn to the traditional pledging of "New Year's Resolutions", those changes in our lives that we would like to make - or that our friends and family think we should make :-).   Read on for five ideas for resolutions that are not that hard to keep and that will pay large dividends in your life.  

  

Number 1.  Speaking of dividends: Pay yourself $3 dollars every time you pass up a sugar-laden dessert or high calorie snack.  The psychological reward will begin to grow the more you do this and soon will be as "sweet" as the edible treat itself.   Put actual cash in a jar or keep a careful record.  Even if you only do this once a week, you will have over $150.00 at the end of the year and may lose a few pounds along the way.
Number 2. Learn 24 new vocabulary words - 2 a month for the 12 months of 2014.  Choose your own words from a dictionary or click on the following link for 24 words that may be new to you.  (Even if you already know the meaning, endeavor to use the word that month.)  Click here for the vocabulary list.  
Number 3. Buy a packet of pretty post cards and send a monthly postcard to a faraway friend. Your monthly message can be a poem, a joke, a quote or just a remembrance of a time shared together. 

Number 4. Give one of the most precious things you can give - time. Volunteer, just once a month if your life is already full with family and a job. Check out your local humane society, your church, a nursing home or favorite charity for opportunities.   

Number 5. Do at least one thing in 2014 that you have been thinking about doing, but have been afraid to try. Decide to absolutely do it in 2014. 

Happy New Year!