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Don't make resolutions, but stick with goals for 2012

As yet another year comes to a close (and it goes by faster every time), our standard protocol is to pause and reflect on what is or isn't, what was or wasn't, what we did or didn't do to make our personal lives better, stronger, wiser, less stressful, more fulfilling.

Despite the issues that are only relevant to our individual lives, there perpetually remains the big "Top 10" New Year's resolutions that seem to be the standard, with smaller, more specialized concentrations added on a more personal level.

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You know the list… surely you've checked off enough of the basics enough to recite them in your sleep: spend more quality time with family and/or friends; get in shape; quite smoking/drinking/cursing; read more/watch TV less; learn a new hobby; get organized; volunteer more; etc. Yes, the road to success is paved with good intentions… or something like that.

We begin with gusto, have good days and bad, stumble and fall, and, sometimes, never quite get back up. Until next New Year! And everyone knows that changes take an insurmountable commitment of time, effort and and honest-to-goodness emotional attachment in order to work.

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First and foremost, a "resolution" in name alone has failure written all over it. It's always better to simply have "goals." Then, you don't beat yourself up just because your goal gets shifted. A resolution means the quintessential clock is ticking. After all, you only have this year to prove it can happen. Choose a primary mission, one for each of the next five years (trust me, it'll fly). Make it a "project" just like when you were in school… designate the subject, conduct some research, create a rough draft, view and review, and then fine-tune the master product.

Taking on the process incrementally makes a positive outcome much more achievable and less daunting. So, here's wishing you make the best personal choice for your 2012 goal, and may success ooze happily from your efforts. If you end up with an "OK, Let's try this again," well, that simply means you're human. And that's OK, too. There's always next year.

Speaking of New Year's resolutions, here are some of the great Elkridge Senior Center events to add to your calendar for January.

A "Matter of Balance" will be held from Jan. 18-Mar. 7; cost is $23 per person. This is a dynamic class offered by the Howard County Office on Aging and is designed to keep you safe on your feet, avoid falls and stay active.

The "New Year/New You" program is the perfect way to begin the year by offering resources for taking a good personal inventory.

What would make you happier and healthier? Share your thoughts and help yourself and others become all they can be! This enlightening day will be held Jan. 9 and costs $2 per person for participation. Light refreshments will be served. It is suggested that you contact the center at 410-313-5192 to register.

And, of course, back on that "learn a new hobby" concept, a brand new year is a great time to start. Stimulate your mind with the exciting world of computers at the Elkridge Senior Center's introductory computer classes Jan. 9-10 and 17-18. These classes are offered at $40 per session, and you must register to participate by calling 410-313-5192.

I'm sure there are many more things going on in Elkridge, but I believe everyone was on holiday overload (or still at the mall) as of this writing. Please be in touch with me as much as you can about what's going on in your backyard.

Elkridge is, no doubt, growing by leaps and bounds, some of it positive, other aspects not so great. But the key element here is to keep one another informed, keep the small town spirit of Elkridge alive and well, despite the growing pains.

We're all in this together… most of us share the same dreams for ourselves and our children; we have the same hit list when it comes to those resolutions (I mean goals); and, I believe, we all strive to achieve the quintessential "American Dream."

Elkridge is a place like no other and, whether you've lived here for five months, five years, or 55 years, you know what that means. So, be that change you wish to see in the world as Mahatma Ghandi once said. Set those personal and professional goals and do whatever you can to make them a reality.

Look out for one another and make those "everything I need to know, I learned in kindergarten" rules the standard protocol for each and every day. Happy New Year, Everyone. May your blessings and dreams be abundant and thrive in 2012.

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