Suggested New Year's Resolutions for the Disability Community

New Year's Resolutions are an age-old tradition related to the New Year holiday around the world. Long ago, that is very, very long ago, around 2000 BC, when the new year began in spring, the Babylonians' most popular resolution was to return borrowed farm equipment. Now, that makes sense because the farmers needed their equipment to begin their farm chores in the spring.

I didn't borrow anything, but I like to make lists and check off the items so I'll give New Year's Resolutions a try again this year.

What should I resolve? Resolutions are often life-changing goals; otherwise, they are simply wishes. In the disability community, resolutions may have a twist, and it may be more than just a twisted ankle, but we have to be sure they are attainable. Often they are more practical than wishful. There are always the popular resolutions -- everyone wants to reduce stress and eat right -- but those may not be right for me.

With that in mind, we realize that today's popular resolutions are often centered around the resolver -- lose weight, quit smoking, exercise more, volunteer to help others. But, of course, if you borrowed a tractor last year (or maybe a lawn mower), now is a good time to return it. Here are a few possible resolutions that work even with disabilities.

Ask for help

"The healthy and strong individual is the one who asks for help when he needs it. Whether he’s got an abscess on his knee or in his soul." ~  Rona Barrett

As babies, we are totally dependent on others to take care of our every need. As we grow, we want to do everything ourselves. We become independent, but disability often puts us back into dependency. Still, it is difficult to ask for help. I have seen this sentiment from many people, disabled and not disabled. Maybe this is simply resentment that we need help; maybe it's pride; maybe we just don't want to give up, but it is difficult asking for help. Anyway, we should try to give ourselves a break and recognize there are times we need to say, "I need help, please," and that's okay.

Smile

"Pain is inevitable. Misery is a choice." ~ Christopher Reeves

No matter what is happening, it feels better with a smile. Okay, okay, nobody can smile all of the time, but smiling does make you feel better, and it makes everyone around you feel better, too. Make a conscious effort to smile.

Don't give up - Make Today a Great Day

"Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I’ll try again tomorrow." ~ Mary Anne Radmacher

Maybe the best one -- the one we can all do -- is to resolve to make each day the best day possible. This is very personal, whether it means to try to get a step closer to achieving a special goal, to add a smile to someone else's day (and thereby smiling ourselves), or simply just making it through the day. Every day has the potential for being a great day. We have to approach it with the right attitude and be delighted even with small accomplishments.

That's a good beginning for this 2008.

Will I keep my resolutions? This is the hard part. Studies have determined that 63% of resolvers keep their resolutions for at least two months, but only 15% keep them for over a year. Another study reminds us it takes 21 days to make something a habit and six weeks to actually make it part of our personality.

If you slip, try again tomorrow. One slip doesn't mean it's over. Here are 10 tips to help keep your resolutions. And more helpful tips are offered here through ehow.com. Give your resolutions a chance, after all, you made the resolution. If it's just impossible, remember January 17 is Ditch New Year's Resolutions Day.