Resolution 2010

Below is a list of resolutions and sample actions to hoep you begin your journey towards an even healthier and meaningful life. but first let’s quickly review the word resolution. in my last blog about Precious, The Film, I briefly discussed the root word 'resolute' and defined it as resolving to do something, for a greater good or personal advancement. Remember the scene in the social worker’s office, towards the end of the film where Precious grabs her two children and vows to never see her mother again? This is an example of being resolute. Now let’s begin….
1. End toxic relationships. Sample action: increase time with new friends or establish a new network of support. 
2. Stop eating chips and soda for breakfast. Sample action: eat fruit salad or a piece of whole fruit i.e., pear, orange, tangerine, melon; and/or bowl of hot cereal.
3. Increase test scores. Sample action: ask a classmate who is doing well in my class or stay after school with my teacher or tutor.
4. Increase focus. Sample action: go to bed earlier; create a quiet, beautiful spot in my room/apartment to focus on my breathing for a few minutes each day and evening before bedtime.
5. Arrive to school on time. Sample action: rise about a half-hour earlier or leave my home about a half-hour earlier.
6. Spend more time with my little brother or sister. Sample action: help my brother or sister with their homework.
7.Talk to my parents (or guardian) more. Sample action: ask my parents how their day was, or ask them to share a story about their favorite relative or family tree.
8. Conquer boredom. Sample action: Volunteer or intern for 2 hours a week or more at my neighborhood church, community center, library, school, hospital, radio/tv station, museum. bookstore, recordshop, toy store.
9. Start planning for college. Sample action: set up regular meetings with my guidance counselor or mentor regarding exam prep, college tours, help with applications.
10. Stop texting while driving (walking, climbing/descending stairs, etc.)!  Sample action: I will wait until I pull over or in a safe spot to text. Stop talking on my cell before crossing the street or while driving. Remember – “Don’t tempt fate. That text or talk can wait” (Oprah, Oprah Winfrey Show, 1/18/10)

Next on Q’s B-Spot: The Idol Affect: Q-Tips For Your Audition or Interview
Teen Task: 1. Give yourself a chance. 2. Choose one or more resolutions from the list above (you can also create your own) and add 2 more actions you can do NOW for each resolution. Write your resolution and action plan in your journal or notebook. Remember, you resolve to do something for a healthier and meaningful life. 3. Discuss this blog with your parents or with people you feel safe sharing your thoughts.

Fun Fact: Youth 14 years of age or over are not required to have employment certificates to work as caddies, babysitters or to engage in casual employment such as yard work and household chores in and about a residence or on the premises of a non-profit, non-commercial organization, not involving the use of power driven machinery. Click here for more information! http://schools.nyc.gov/StudentSupport/StudentAttendance/WorkingPapers/default.htm
Thank you for reading. Don't forget to visit us at www.beyondlabelz.com     ~ Quelyn


Copyright©2010 Quelyn Purdie