What is it about making New Year's resolutions? We decide to exercise more, eat better and weed the garden more often--knowing full well that these decisions will come and go like the weather.

So why do so many New Year's resolutions fizzle? Experts say change is possible, but to succeed, our desire for change must come from within, not from peer pressure. I'm sharing four simple steps to help you make--and keep--your New Year's resolutions. Even better, I've come up with a short list of 12 little resolutions that are not only do-able, they're lovely...

[Have a listen! You can also listen to this article, a 3-minute audio file recorded in my home office in Kodiak, Alaska. It begins with, "Welcome to the UpBeet Gardener, a time to nurture the gardens of body, mind and spirit. I’m Marion Owen." You can listen by subscribing to my podcast feed (so you can open the attachment below) or simply click here to hear it now.

Otherwise, keep reading...
 
First, be clear about what you want. Instead of saying, "I want grow all kinds of potatoes," you'll see better results with, "I'm going to grow six varieties this year, and follow with  12 kinds next year."

Second, set realistic goals. Otherwise you'll get overwhelmed and give up.

Third, make your goals positive. Ask yourself if they will lead to a better life for you as well as everyone around you.

Lastly, be patient, especially with yourself. As Dr. Wayne Dyer says, "Impatience breeds fear, stress, and discouragement. A few years ago, I visited a friend who was fielding questions at the Northwest Flower and Garden Show in Seattle. A well-dressed lady stepped forward. "I just bought a new house with an unfinished yard. What's the best way to landscape it?"

Over the next few minutes, my friend outlined the basic steps: Sketch a design, plant trees and shrubs first… The lady scribbled some notes, looked up and with a voice that could break Pyrex glass said, "This all takes too much time. I want a garden now!" And with that, she turned on her heel and stomped off into the crowd.

Ah, no patience there.

Okay, getting back to resolutions. Since realistic goals produce better results, here are the 12 suggestions I promised. You might want to email these to your friends because, as I said, they're not only do-able and lovely, they'll make you feel, well, closer to God. And is there anything in this world more important than that?

12 Little New Year's Resolutions
by Marion Owen

1) Don't check your email on Sundays.
2) When you see the first leaves of spring, give thanks.
3) Try a new kind of fruit or vegetable.
4) Don't use chemical fertilizers on your lawn.
5) Take a box of old magazines to the recycling center.
6) Drink a glass of water.
7) Give a bouquet of flowers to the most difficult person you know.
8) Visit your public library.
9) Plant an extra row of carrots to give to the local food bank.
10) Walk for 15 minutes in one direction, then turn around and walk back.
11) Take a picture of someone's hands.
12) Drink another glass of water.

While these resolutions might seem small, I promise they'll produce big results. Wishing you the best for 2007,

Marion