Resolved: 2011

In the spirit of setting resolutions but not overburdening oneself with too-tightly laid plans, i've drafted a short list of resolutions for the new year. Ponder and enjoy; perhaps a few might make it onto your list as well!

• throw off the expectations you have unduly placed upon yourself and live the life you were meant to live
• be willing to take risks, make mistakes, leap into the unknown
• embrace your true self; true friends will love you for it and perhaps you'll discover new ones along the less trodden path
• cherish the moments of simple delight
• tell the people you care about that you love them
• willingly drop the daily hum drum to create something at least once a week, whether it is a new recipe, a work of art, or a written piece
• become a more avid listener, i.e. don't listen to more things, but listen more closely to a select few
• simplify: get rid of the clutter that is taking up more time or space than it is worth
• the perfect mold is your own false creation, learn to love the roughened contours
• travel, take weekend excursions, spend more time exploring culture and landscape
• remember that everything will not be resolved today but that the painting remains in progress