by B.J. Armstrong

A new year begins something new. It means starting all over. As we move into 2006... let this be a new beginning for Me, Myself, and I... as an individual. What do you want to change... your weight? ... another career?... a relationship?... your health?... Whatever?

Let 2006 be a new beginning. Decide what you wish to change and go for it. Do it! Even if you don't complete what you start out to accomplish, at least you can make a start. As the old saying goes - "A car won't go until you put it in drive." Also, never underestimate the power of "lists." If you study it... discuss it... share it... experience it... then making a list can change your life. You might be surprised at what happens.

To begin a new venture, a person has to get motivated. How do you do this? First of all, decide what you wish to change and focus on how to do it.

* Write it down
* Seek help if needed

* Reward yourself for each successful step
* Do all you can to reach accomplishment
* Pray about it

Also, use positive self-talk from morning until bedtime. Learn to stay relaxed and friendly no matter how much tension you're under. Look at problems as opportunities. This week, seek out someone that you admire. Talk to them

about different subjects. Ask them questions. Then,  thank them for sharing their thoughts with you.

Take a little time every day to think... not just about what you're doing but also why you're doing it. Try to stay 'upbeat' about life in general. Planning ahead can help us to pick up the pieces when things go wrong. Prepare yourself for a down-fall. Life doesn't always go to suit us and we must

be aware of this. When things go wrong, we have to pick up the pieces and move ahead. Someone once said "People who know the most know that they know so

little." Don't worry about having to make a right decision. Make it and then work to make it right.

People make resolutions at the beginning of every year. We resolve to change and do different. Most of these 'resolutions' are broken before the month or at best, the year is over. Remember, to change something, we first must decide that there is a need for change.

"Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence.
Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent.

Genius will not; un-rewarded genius is almost a proverb.

Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts.
Persistence and determination alone are important." --- Calvin Coolidge

Change is part of everyone's life. They occur everyday to everyone. Some changes are beyond our control. But, a decision to change something in our life is up to us. A healthy sense of humor about yourself and life in general will make you approachable and likable. Remembering that you aren't the only one who faces 'change' will help put issues into a broader perspective. Only YOU can make the decision to make a change in your own life and really it is up to YOU!

One tree can start a forest.
One smile begins a friendship.
One vote can change a nation.
One candle can wipe out darkness.
One word can start a prayer.
One touch can show you care.
One step must start each journey
One life can make the difference. --- Author Unknown

January has 31 days. That's  enough time to decide what you want to change in your life this year. That leaves 11 more months to make this decision come true. Remember... we're talking about beginning anew or making a change. It may be something as simple as forgiving someone who has hurt you. It may be something as major, such as changing a lifestyle. Whatever the change...

The biggest gap in the world is between "I should" and "I did." --- H. Jackson Brown Jr.

Happy New Year.
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