I don’t like to make New Year’s resolutions. I prefer to set goals that focus on the positive, like planning a trip to Paris, rather than vowing never to eat French fries again. I recently read an online article from the Huffington Post, mentioning fifty “healthy” resolutions. Some focused on the positive, some on the negative. I selected twenty-five to share with you and give my take on them:

1.  Sleep more. Commit to eight hours.

Are you kidding? I could commit from here to kingdom come, but it ain’t gonna happen.

2.  Start meditation.

Running is my mediation.

3. Take up crafting.

If I have time to click knitting needles or wield a crochet hook, then it should be spent reading, or better yet, writing.

4. Spend time alone.

I run (by myself) five mornings a week. This is my alone time. No cell phone, no laptop, no one there to distract me. I love it (see number 2).

5. Keep a journal.

I’m in my head enough. I don’t need to write about it.

6. Cut back on complaining and compliment someone every day.

A few years ago, I paid attention to how much I complained. I began to either keep my mouth shut or say something positive instead. After a while, I found it was more enjoyable to compliment than complain.

7. Go to therapy.

I already do. It’s called running (see number 4), and it’s free.

8. Drink more water.

I drink too much already. It’s one of the reasons I wake up several times in the middle of the night.

9. Say a mantra every day.

At first I thought this said, “Say martini every day.” When I realized it didn’t, I substituted it.

10. Cut back on alcohol.

See number 9.

11. Commit to a strength-training routine.

That’s me twice a week at the gym. I visualize Michelle Obama’s arms.

12. Talk to more strangers.

I used to avoid it, but I made an effort to change. Talking to strangers can be entertaining and relaxing. Jokes and compliments usually result. And I pick up ideas for my murder mysteries.

13. Cut back on material spending.

Now that I’m working, I actually spend more and enjoy it. I think of all those cobblers I’m helping to support.

14. Try team sports.

No. And never.

15. Learn a new language.

I’d love to, but my brain doesn’t operate that way.

16. Forgive someone.

I’m a Virgo and we’re naturally not good at this. Although I have no problem forgiving those I love. But some demon from the past or a stranger—can’t do it. I’m still ticked at a girl who used to bully me in elementary school; and that guy in a man-truck who swerved at me two years ago when I was running on the shoulder of a road. I do practice forgiveness a lot, though, because I know it’s good for my soul. That’s got to be worth something, right?

17. Make regular doctors’ appointments.

I try my best to stay out of the doctor office, especially now that I’m experiencing the Medicare nightmare.

18. Donate to an important cause.

This I do. I hope that all those birds, dogs, donkeys, horses, and cows are happy and healthy now.

19. Go outside more often.

To do this, I’d have to live in a tent.

20. Give up the snooze button.

Before I do this, I’ll have to sleep first.

21. Make your bed every day.

Got this. It’s the first accomplishment of the day.

22. Pick a theme for the year.

How about a theme for life? That’s right: forgiveness.

23. Sign up for a race.

Got this x4 (or 5).

24. Love yourself.

This is a tough one. I went to Catholic school for eight years. Things are different in Catholic schools nowadays, or so I’m told.

25. Practice self-acceptance.

Maybe the best way to practice self-acceptance is not to do anything on this list.