Confessions of a Grandma

I am not so big on resolutions because they always tend to bring out my inner "should" lady (not because I'm perfect already). You know, as in:       You really should be nicer to others.      You should get more exercise.      You should lose ten pounds.             and on and on and on... That inner lady really bugs me sometimes. Still, it is that time of year and old habits die hard. My intentions are good; my resolution, my on-going determination , often falters. So this year, 2012, I am making only one resolution and that is to be kinder and gentler to others AND to myself.   This morning, I went to the small gym at the club house and worked out for 30 minutes.  It felt good and I intend to make regular use of the workout equipment because it makes me feel stronger and healthier.  And sometimes I won't feel like exercising and that judgmental inner "should" lady will nag at me,...

"Can you see the holiness in those things you take for granted--a paved road or a washing machine? If you concentrate on finding what is good in every situation, you will discover that your life will suddenly be filled with gratitude, a feeling that nurtures the soul."  Rabbi Harold Kushner The year of 2010 is the year I became a convert to a belief in New Year's Resolutions.  I resolved to make one simple change toward a healthier diet--eating more fruits and vegetables.  Specifically, I resolved to eat at least one fruit or vegetable at every meal.  By April or May, I found that I had been actually sticking to that plan more often than not and I resolved to work a vegetarian day into every week.  As a result, I lost over ten pounds and lowered my cholesterol by my physical in late October.  The best part was, I never said to myself I was on a diet, and I didn't tell myself I was suffering and so "deserved" an entire bag of chips as a rew...