FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK:
I don't do New Year's resolutions. There doesn't seem to be much readson to waste time "resolving" to lose weight this year or do a better job at my housekeeping, getting my first novel finished (which one will it be?), visiting shut-ins and family and making a decent income from writing. All of those things require effort, dedication, persistence and not just one year to complete.
As many other folks do, I prefer to make a flexible business plan designed for success, not failure. Something that makes me accountable and productive, but also allows time with my family, my hobbies and my travels.
What am I doing different?

1.) I'm focusing on staying focused. When I start something, I want to stay with it until it is finished. Only important interruptions are allowed. Sorry, "We're out of peanut butter" doesn't qualify as an important interruption. And if you need me to do something for you, I can add it to my list, but if you want it done today, you might want to take care of it yourself.

2.) Making a conscious effort to set a routine so that I am working at the same time every day, doing my household chores at the same time every day. Routine leads to accomplishment.

3.) Getting enough rest. Go to bed at the same time every night and get up eight hours later. (I said it's my goal. I didn't say I've achieved it yet.)

4.) Using a daily planner to maintain my schedule. I write everything in it so I will be less likely to overlook something. I've heard a lot of seniors kiddingly say, "I wrote a list so I wouldn't forget and I forgot my list!" There's a grain of truth in every bit of humor.

Looking for an accountability partner? Hop on over to the BellaOnline message boards and join us. You might find friends there with similar goals.

What else is up at Senior Living?

SENIORS MAKE GOOD MENTORS
Seniors have experienced a lot and gleaned wisdom. We can make a difference in our world.

GOT YOUR PASSPORT?
There are changes, even for travel between the U.S. and Canada or Mexico. Is your paperwork in order?

CELL PHONES HERE TO STAY (Coming Jan. 15, 2007)
I dragged my heels in the sand, for all the good it did me. I am now the owner of a cell phone. If I can be computer literate, I can become cell phone literate, too. How about you?

DO YOU REALLY WANT A PET? (Coming Jan. 22, 2007)
I didn't. But some people in my family don't listen very well. I don't have time to care for a pet. Do you? Here are some things to consider before you take that giant step.

Until next time, find peace within yourself, be happy with where you are and striving to do better, and smile a lot. People always will wonder why you are always smiling. They'll think you must be up to something.

Here's the latest article from the Senior Living site at BellaOnline.com.

Seniors make great mentors
Network for quality of life

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art48487.asp

Please visit seniorliving.bellaonline.com for even more great content about Senior Living. To participate in free, fun online discussions, this site has a community forum all about Senior Living located here -

http://forums.bellaonline.com/postlist.php?Cat=0&Board=53

I hope to hear from you sometime soon, either in the forum or in response to this email message. I thrive on your feedback!

Have fun passing this message along to family and friends, because we all love free knowledge!

Cathy Brownfield, Senior Living Editor
http://seniorliving.bellaonline.com

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