1. Every day – question why nicotine gum is a required part of my life. Tie it to how I quit alcohol. Quit Nicorette.
2. Every day – reflect on willingness to sit alone in quiet for 10 minutes. Something similar to meditation.
3. Every day – Remember that exercise may be the most important thing to do in life today.
4. Every day – Consciously forbid self criticism. I try hard enough. It’s okay to fall short. I’m OK.
5. Every day – Understand everybody is doing his best so when I am around everybody, be happy that they are all doing their best.
6. My meetings, all meetings – be fully present and contribute consciously.
7. Every day – reflect on my willingness to remove mess from my life.
8. E very day – When I am most fresh, be willing to write my ideas down. Be willing to look up and forget modern society.
9. Every day – Actively do things that are not part of wasting the precious moments of life.
stillfugue 
#1 by sweetopiagirl on December 31, 2011 - 12:00 pm
Reblogged this on Inspiredweightloss.
#2 by Carl D'Agostino on December 31, 2011 - 12:24 pm
Sounds like great things. Several bloggers I follow have chosen not to write resolutions but to work based on more positive outlooks and attitudes. Actually that is what you have done here too. It is bound to give a different twist to your poetry. On the other hand I fully doubt #5 will ever be. In Miami you can’t even get people to work at their best level of incompetence.
#3 by Carl on January 1, 2012 - 12:21 pm
Does it have to change my poetry? That would be really living the deal! If I don’t write it down and share with at least one person, it’s not real. These things are very real, but it’s pretty stupid for a blog post, now that I think about it.
#4 by Carl D'Agostino on January 20, 2012 - 6:32 am
None of your stuff is stupid. You presented a great game plan here to be free of despair. Proactive mental health strategies. Also your poetry is from the soul and there are no restrictions, requirements or guidelines for that kind of expression.
#5 by pattisj on December 31, 2011 - 1:24 pm
This is a well-thought-out list, Carl. I don’t need #1, but the rest would help me to be more focused, which is my goal for 2012. Happy New Year, my friend.
#6 by Carl on January 1, 2012 - 12:22 pm
Thank you, Patti! Thank you for being so kind and supportive!
#7 by claudia on December 31, 2011 - 1:57 pm
smiles.. forbid self criticism…i like – and i used to take masses of nicorette when i quit smoking…think i wouldn’t have managed without them.. happy new year to you carl!
#8 by Carl on January 1, 2012 - 12:23 pm
How DID you then quit Nicorette???
I have always thought beating myself up was the best way to improve, but I am not sure that’s right…
#9 by Pamanner on January 1, 2012 - 4:56 pm
I especially like your title, Carl. I like lists. . .what that says about me I’m not sure but I’m you could infer something I guess :-).
You did forget something. . .the all important #10.
10. Every day-question why hockey is not the #1 recognized sport in the world and contemplate all of the thrills we get from watching it.
Here’s to a new year, friend.
#10 by Carl on January 2, 2012 - 9:17 am
Oh, I love #10! Every day, make room for hockey!
Happy New Year! It is better already!
#11 by Pamanner on January 11, 2012 - 7:30 pm
So who are you rooting for tonight? My dad’s Pens are looking rather sad. I guess, out of sympathy, I’m hoping for a win for them :-). Fingers crossed my Cats can keep it together. . .
#12 by Carl on January 19, 2012 - 9:54 pm
I’ve been in the cubicle coal mines so I am sorry I missed this comment. Who won? It was so long ago!
#13 by Robin Hawke on January 2, 2012 - 12:25 pm
I’ll try to remember what you wrote — every day.
#14 by Carl on January 6, 2012 - 11:29 pm
I’m flattered by your comment. So far, I’m getting a C-, but in light of #4, I’m not going to get too down about that.
#15 by Val on January 7, 2012 - 9:59 am
#10 If you fail at any of the first nine, forgive yourself.
I hope you have a good year, Carl. Sorry I’ve not been around much, have had stuff on my own plate, really.
By the way, in case you didn’t get my email, I have deleted Absurd Old Bird blog (so you may way to remove it from your blogroll in case people go there and see the ‘blog deleted’ notice instead). I can’t remember if you like my artwork but I’m now blogging in my art blog instead. (At the URL linked to my name and Gravatar now).
#16 by Carl on January 19, 2012 - 9:55 pm
Val, Thank you for dropping by. I did get your email. I have not been around much at all as you can tell, but I hope things are going well for you.