Prayer for America 01/01/06

God, as we start a new year, remind us of all we have to be proud of in America. We are proud of our cities, our farms, our schools, our hospitals, our government, our natural wonders, our monuments, our history, our discoveries, our knowledge, our creativity, and our vision. But mostly, we are proud of our people--individuals from all walks of life and from all ethnic traditions. Our people, more than anything else, define who we are. Help us to act and speak in ways that make us all proud to be Americans. Our strength in our people. Amen.




Five Steps to Successful Resolution

You've decided to embrace a new you this New Year's! Way to go! So how can you get from where you are now to where you want to be? Just follow these five steps:

1. Prepare a plan: Losing weight and getting fit don't just happen. Without a plan your New Year's Resolution is likely to evaporate into mere wishful thinking. My online version makes this step so easy!

2. Do it right away: Don't wait until next week or next month or when you have extra time to create your plan! Seize the day and get started right now! The more time that passes between your resolution and taking action, the less likely it is to happen.

3. Write it down: Print out your meal plan, shopping list, and exercise plan every week! Write down your goals, plans, and current weight and measurements in your journal. Writing your strategy down helps make it real!

4. Think Year-Round: Don't think of your resolution as an end — it's just the beginning. It will take many tiny steps to get where you want to be. Stick with it, and it will last for life!

5. Be flexible: Expect setbacks now and then, but promise yourself you'll keep going. Don't give up at the first sign of a challenge! Making changes takes time and repeated practice. You can do it!