Forward thinking

"7 Resolutions, with a green twist": http://earth911.com/news/2009/12/28/7-resolutions-with-a-green-twist/

For the final Advent posting, I was thinking about what could I say that I haven't yet said that would still be relevant to us as we enjoy this season of anticipation and preparation. Seemingly, this pause in the flurry of the year is nearing an end, yet...it's doesn't have to be. If we accept the idea of advent into our minds as well as our hearts, then our general outlook on life can become one of expectation and preparation, and truly, this joyous season can burgeon into a calendar full of adventian happenings. With that in mind, I came to the website listed above, and I particularly appreciate the sheer simplicity of it. "Resolutions" can be such a loaded word, one that is full of expectations of failure and forced unpleasantness. Does it have to be? Or, can we approach the coming of the new year resolved to usher in an updated perspective on the way that we live our lives and interact with others. Indeed, resolutions can be the advent of this evolving mindset.

#1: More family time. There's a reason this is #1, no? NO ONE equates "more family time" with any electronic or disparate activity as our lives are ever more becoming centered around. Indeed, "more family time" often becomes synonymous with "get off of your rump and do something cool with someone cool outside, which is just cool." Or something like that.

#2: Resurrect the workout. The site brings up an interesting point: what an incredible amount of energy consumption that is used just to power a gym. That's an interesting take on this tried and true resolution standard. But we live in a cold winter climate, so what is one to do? I don't know that I have a steadfast answer for this one, but I do know that exercise does not have to look like exercise. Feel free to volunteer to play with my 2-year old sometime for a few hours and see how much of a workout you get; she loves to race. Maybe, just maybe, this resolution really relates more to #1 rather than buy-a-new-membership-at-the-nearest-gym-for-$40-a-month.

#3: Kick the nic. Check out this section in particular. We hear ad naseum about the harmful or polluting chemicals that are released by just one cigarette, but what about the environmental impact of that same cigarette before it is ever lit? According to the site which cites www.treehugger.com, 1 tree is wasted just to create every 300 cigarettes, and tobacco is a pesticide-intensive crop. And the trash--those butts add up.

#4: Balance your budget. 8 ways to go green and save hundreds (good reminders): http://earth911.com/news/2008/11/03/8-ways-to-go-green-and-save-hundreds/

#5: Up your volunteering efforts. Helping others in the community in which you live can have some serious upsides beyond just the actual service that you provide. You have a voice and a message and lifestyle that you can share. Vocally or by example, people watch you and will notice. You never know when the chance arises to start a conversation.

#6: Take a load off! Eco-tourism is actually real and a growing trend towards more environmentally conscious means of travel, destinations and activities. Its starts with something as simple as being aware of how you pack (think weight of luggage and reusable containers) but can also influence the mode of transportation and hotel choice. Regardless, take a load off--mentally and physically. Free your mind and your body to possibilities and simplicity.

#7: Train your brain. I love this one. It encourages you to simply READ. Educate yourself as you are interested. An educated mind simply cannot be an ignorant mind. It's good to know validate the why of the green movement, and information is readily available to any who are willing to inquire.