At the end of each year, many people think of things that they would like to do in the coming year, the New Year. I too have done this. It is why I must tell you the truth. Most of the things that I have ever resolved to do fell by the wayside long before the second quarter of the incoming year. Why? Perhaps because the things I proposed to do were drastic, or unrealistic, for me. Maybe you too have experienced not fulfilling a goal. Tired of the feeling, one year I decided to resolve to do something that I could do, something that I would stick with. It is the reason that I will approach this New Year with a similar philosophy. I will resolve to live beautifully, and I implore you to join me.

In order to do so, we must attempt not to carry things into the New Year –if we can help it—that we will not want to end it with. Relationships that are unhealthy, let us resolve to let go of them. People that create unnecessary drama, we should resolve to let go of them as well. When things or situations which undermine our peace attempt to pull at us, let us remember that we have resolved to live beautifully. Then let go.

Adhering to our resolution let us remember, we are the caretakers of our health. The truth is: while we are of sound mind and body, no one can better maintain those things for us. Therefore, let us exercise our right to exercise. Let us eat better, even if it is just an extra serving of fruit or fiber. Sure, we pigged out for the holidays. For that we will not beat up on ourselves. As Ethnic Beauties, to enjoy ethnic cuisine is our prerogative. We simply should not do it every day of the New Year. We should also resolve to see our dentists, and doctors. We should get mammograms, if necessary, and yes we can go put our feet in the gynecologists' stirrups. We can resolve to do so, because to make an appointment is not hard. We must remember that living beautifully begins from the inside out.

Further sticking to our resolution let us diligently manage all that concerns us, including our financial matters. Let us check ourselves—to see what creditors see when they check us. Let us resolve to repair anything financial or otherwise that needs it. Then to truly showcase our beauty, let us remember others. Perhaps we can volunteer. Hospital Art is a novel way to do so. This charitable organization (they are on the web!) will allow us to paint for the hospital bound who need something inspiring to gaze at. Or we can donate
time, or items, it is our choice.

While doing one, some, or all of these things, let us recall that beauty is something that we all share. It does not belong to a select few. It truly is not something that we wear on our faces or forms. Beauty is mostly intangible, and if you’re human, you were born with it. Beauty resides within each and every one of us. The trick however, is to simply let it out, to allow it to shine. This coming year, let us coax it forth by resolving to live beautifully.