New Year's Resolutions

OK, so this is my tracking mechanism for me to make some changes to my life. This will maybe provide some accountability, as anyone I know thinks I'm crazy for many of these decisions (or at least not living in the current world).

Usually, my New Year's Resolutions revolve around weight loss (diet and fitness). That might be a side benefit of this year's, but not the actual goal. I'd like to start paring down unessential and unimportant parts of my life and concentrate on those things that are truly important (firstly, my daughter, then the rest of my family, then making the world a better place). Those things that do not fit in those pursuits, I'd like to strip from my life.

So, here is my listing of goals (though they may change and morph through this journey).

Personal Consumption:

1) Buy nothing new unless it is made of a sustainable material and I do not have the option of buying it used. This includes things for myself and my daughter.

2) Buy foods that are sustainably and humanely raised. Local and organic when I can. This means cutting out most outside eating, because most restaurants do not provide this.

3) Not buying foods that do not contribute to my nutritional needs, due to the waste this causes.

4) Not consuming more calories than I need, not for weigh loss reasons, but rather for lowering my resource usage.

5) Support only local businesses when I can.

6) Research and use, if possible, public transportation.

7) As little trash as possible. If an item cannot be recycled, composted, or repurposed it shouldn't be purchased.

Lifestyle choices:

1) Cut out most television, unless it is a learning tool, art, or a family event.

2) Organize my house/work/life to make it efficient to allow more time for things that benefit family or humanity.

3) Do activities that I would want Arya to do because of learning, fun, or affect on society.

4) Go outside!

Work Choices:

1) Expect from others what I expect from myself. If this does not happen, be strong enough to let them go.

2) Efficiency, so that I am not keeping myself or Arya at work longer than necessary. This will allow time to accomplish my other goals.

3) Things that do not benefit my business or my family hurts them. Let them go.

Here is my list, let's see what becomes of them. The key is really to not let life pass me by, but rather to be an active participate in it. This year fixing myself, next year perhaps I can look forward to the community and the world.