Aimee's Health Resolutions for 2009

by Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger

29 Dec 2008 02:36 PM

Looking back at 2008, I did manage to keep a few of my resolutions (and failed on some others). I haven't been using the free gym at my complex, but I did discover that the hot tub is open all year. I have been walking more (with and without the dogs), and even got out on my bike a few times. I have lost twelve pounds over the last year, thanks to my work at the cats-only boarding facility. All that bending, lifting, and general running around has whittled me down a little without it seeming like "exercise" or "hard work".

Looking ahead to 2009, I want to try to be more specific with my resolutions. I used to do Weight Watchers, and I liked that they set and rewarded a lot of little goals on your way to the one big goal. So I'm going to try that for this year's resolutions.

1. Use the exercise room at least once per week. In fact, I may even make a rule for myself that if I want to use the hot tub, I have to use the workout stuff first. (I have to trick myself into being good sometimes.)
2. Be more diligent about dusting and vacuuming. Dust is one of my major allergy triggers, but dusting is one of my least favorite chores. So I'm going to actually keep a chore calendar with specific days to dust and vacuum. This idea is inspired by the daily chore lists at work.
3. Make time for my fiction writing. Making up stories was my first great love. But when life gets hectic, creative writing time is the first thing to go. So I want to spend at least a half hour writing stories at least five nights per week. That's a total of two and a half hours each week -- more than manageable. I waste at least that much time playing solitaire!
4. Be kinder to myself. I tend to be very hard on myself -- I have very high expectations sometimes. So I'm going to forgive myself when I don't meet them, and try not to feel guilty or worthless.

Rewards work really well for me, so I'm going to think up some little presents I can give myself when I stick with the plan. The reward for going to the exercise room can be a dip in the hot tub. I've already got a prize in mind for when I finish writing a novel -- an hour-long massage. Maybe I'll reward a month of chores with a trip to the coffee shop with the laptop for an afternoon of chai tea and writing (there's something I love about writing at a coffee house).

Any other ideas for rewards? What's worked for you and your New Year's resolutions?

Learn more about Aimee Amodio

Aimee is a fiction writer... dog lover... music lover...

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