Guest Author - Jessica Steinmetz

Welcome to the year 2007! It’s hard to believe that another year has begun. I hope it is going to be a wonderful year for all of us. With a New Year also comes the writing of your New Year resolutions. Many times, we forget about the resolutions we make, but at least we take the time to think about our life. It’s that time to reflect on what worked and what didn’t in your life. Don’t think that because you have a disability that you don’t need to reflect on your life. Everyone has something that they can improve.

Here are a few New Year resolution suggestions. You can use these or maybe they will inspire some of your own.

- Make a Plan. - Decide where you want to go in the world and what kind of person you wish to be in life. Instead of hoping and wishing about the way, you want to live; become it.

- Become an Active Person. - Go out places in your community. You can volunteer, join organizations, join a church, take a local course, and more. You can also be a member of an online community like our forum.

- Be Positive. - It’s easy to take on a negative attitude when you have tough challenges and are faced with discrimination. However, a negative attitude won’t get you far in life. With everything, learn from it and don’t let it stop you from your goals.

- Make Your Own Choices. - When you have a disability, it’s easy to allow others to make your choices for you. You’re in charge of yourself. We only get one shot at life so you had better make the most of it.

- Exercise. - Regardless of your disability, there are ways to exercise. Exercising twice a week can help you feel better inside and out.


- Smile – Don’t forget to smile at others. Smiling can go along way and is important to keep in mind. A smile is a welcoming sign.

- Friendships – Contact a friend that you didn’t see or talk to in awhile. Seek new friendships. Remember a key to friendship is to be trustworthy and being friendly.

Whatever you decide, I hope you have a great year. Please come and discuss your resolutions on the forum.