Gotta Get It!

January’s Five Good Things to Do in 2011
by Marcia Horn

Made any resolutions for the upcoming year? It’s not too late to get started. Here are my top five recommendations for positive ways to enrich your life this year.

Hit the Trail ...

How Much: Only Your Time and Committment!
Buy it At: USA Today On Politics Blog

The campaign trail, that is! While there isn't a presidential election this year, it’s still the perfect time to find your inner politician. There are a lot of local and state elections to become involved. Nothing is better for society than educated young people, so start paying attention to the newspapers, find someone you like and back them. Decide what issues are important to you, and learn about them. Register on the candidate’s website to find out about events and special dates.

Try a Trend ...

How Much: $29.50
Buy it At: Macy's Best Women's Boots & Shoes

Comb your latest fashion magazine for an eye-catching new trend and try it out. Fedora hats, poncho-style sweaters, belted jackets, anything different from your norm. Take this NaNa "Holland" Flat, for example. It merges square toe with ballet flat and is decorated with a giant gem, some majorly stylish steppers.

Take the Stairs ...

How Much: $13.99
Buy it At: Shop diet & fitness at drugstore.com!

Any extra walking is always good for your health, and with all that holiday snacking behind you, now is the perfect time to get some more exercise. Park farther away from your destination so that you’re forced to walk, and choose to walk instead of drive every chance you get. Try using a pedometer - this will show just how much exercise you are (or aren’t) getting.

Give Some Time ...

How Much: Just Your Time and Energy
Buy it At: Volunteer Solutions, Volunteer Match or Network for Good

Volunteer at a local charity. This could be anything from a soup kitchen to an animal shelter-there are many good causes to dedicate yourself to (if you’re not hitting the campaign trail full speed).

Learn Something ...

How Much: $12.89
Buy it At: Overstock.com

Teach yourself something new, whether it’s a foreign language, how to repair things, build things, look better, be more articulate, find out more about yourself … You get the picture. Check out the self-help section of any bookstore to find a book that interests you. Educating yourself is always going to put you ahead, and think of the conversation starters— “I was reading a quote by the Dalai Lama yesterday when …” A great book to help you get started is Who Moved My Cheese? It’s all about dealing with life.

Do something positive and see how good it feels. Whether you take any of these suggestions or come up with something better, get started. You’ll have fun!