New Year?s Resolution ? Why Not Resolve To Take Back Your Life?

It's time once again for the dreaded New Year's Resolutions. Most of us make them; few of us keep them for more than a few months. New Year's resolutions range anywhere from loosing weight to being more organized to finishing your education and the list goes on. But, have you ever thought about resolving to get your life back? "What does this mean?" you ask.

Getting your life back means taking control of your life-Making deliberate choices about how you spend your time, so that you can have a balanced lifestyle. If you often feel stressed or hurried, this may be a good sign that you need some help with managing your lifestyle. A balanced lifestyle means having the time to choose doing the things you enjoy, rather than the things that you have to do! You may want your family and friends time to come before the errands and the cooking and the business project and the driving, but you just don't know how to balance it all. If so, here are some tips that are easy to stick to and will help you get your life back.

  • Learn to say No! One of your problems may be the inability to say "No" to projects or things asked of you. Before you say "Yes" to any added task, say that you will need some time to think about it. This will allow you to make a list of pros and cons and see if you really have the time for the task. If the list of cons outweighs the pros, give your "nay" assertively. You will free up your invaluable time and the person asking will be grateful that you gave the task consideration.

  • Learn to delegate! Delegation of things to those living in your household is always an option. After all, they live there too! If things like errands or cleaning take up your valuable time, there are plenty of services out there that can help. For a small fee you can get the convenience of getting time back by delegating the grocery shopping and the post office runs. Hire a Personal Assistant! Twin Cities Errands is one of those errands services that can help you with the tasks that take your time away. They service the Minneapolis ? St. Paul Area. Their website is www.twincitieserrands.com or they can be reached at 612-207-3135. Errands services can also refer you to handypersons and cleaners!

  • Cut out what is not important! Make a list of your schedule and put your tasks into two columns: essential tasks and non-essential tasks. Make the resolution to take away all non-essential tasks so that you can spend that time on other things.

  • Make time for you! You say, "I have no time for me". Well, do whatever possible to change that. Spend one hour a week doing some sort of stress relief activity like reading, having a quite time of reflection or doing your hobby, even if it means waking up an hour early. It is worth it for your peace-of-mind and stress reduction is healthy. You will notice that adding this enjoyment to your life will change your mood and outlook.

  • Get organized and clean! So many of us spend so much time cleaning because we let it pile up before our eyes. Instead, do damage control. Take 30 minutes each day to clean as much as you can, or organize as much as you can. Set a timer to help you out. You will notice that being consistent in this will free up your time and make you feel better about your surroundings.

    Take these tips and figure out how to take back your life. Fight for a balanced lifestyle! Take the time to enjoy and do what matters most to you! It's a New Year's Resolution that you CAN keep.

    About The Author

    Melissa J.A. Carey is owner of Twin Cities Errands, a service that gives people back their time. She also has corporate training experience on stress reduction. She is married and dedicates her time to her husband, family and friends as well as helps others in lifestyle management. For more information on Melissa J.A. Carey or Twin Cities Errands, go to www.twincitieserrands.com or call 612-207-3135.

    twincitieserrands@yahoo.com

    In The News:

    Yahoo! News: Top Stories

    In this Dec. 19, 2008 file photo, Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich addresses reporters during a news conference in Chicago.  The Illinois House should impeach Gov. Rod Blagojevich for abusing his power, mismanaging Illinois government and committing possible criminal acts, a special committee concluded Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009.  (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)AP - A key panel unanimously recommended Thursday that Gov. Rod Blagojevich be impeached for abusing his power, mismanaging Illinois government and committing possible criminal acts.



    Vice President Dick Cheney responds to a question during an interview with the Associated Press at the White House in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009.  (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)AP - Vice President Dick Cheney said Thursday that he sees no reason for President George W. Bush to pre-emptively pardon anyone at the CIA involved in harsh interrogations of suspected terrorists. "I don't have any reason to believe that anybody in the agency did anything illegal," he said.



    President-elect Barack Obama speaks about the economy, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)AP - President-elect Barack Obama's proposed tax cuts ran into opposition Thursday from senators in his own party who said they wouldn't do much to stimulate the economy or create jobs. Senators from both parties agreed that Congress should do something to stimulate the economy. But Democratic senators emerging from a private meeting of the Senate Finance Committee criticized business and individual tax cuts in Obama's stimulus plan.



    Palestinian demonstrators use sling-shots to hurl stones at Israeli soldiers during a demonstration against Israel's military operation in Gaza, in the West Bank village of Bilin, near Ramallah,Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009. Israel resumed its Gaza offensive Wednesday after a three-hour lull to allow delivery of humanitarian aid, bombing heavily around suspected smuggling tunnels near the border with Egypt. Despite the heavy fighting, strides appeared to be being made on the diplomatic front with the U.S. throwing its weight behind a deal being brokered by France and Egypt. (AP Photo/Muhammed Muheisen)AP - The U.N. suspended food deliveries to Gaza and the Red Cross accused Israel of blocking medical assistance after forces fired on aid workers, killing two, as the threat of a wider conflict emerged with Lebanon.



    President-elect Barack Obama makes remarks on the nations economy, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va. (AP Photo/Lawrence Jackson)AP - President-elect Barack Obama implored Congress on Thursday to "act boldly and act now" to fix an economy growing perilously weaker. Leading lawmakers set an informal goal of mid-February for enacting tax cuts and government spending that could cost as much as $1 trillion.



    In this Jan. 5, 2009 file photo, disgraced financier Bernard Madoff leaves U.S. District Court in Manhattan after a bail hearing in New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens, File)AP - The many Bernard Madoff investors who withdrew money from their accounts over the years are now wrestling with an ethical and legal quandary.



    Directors of the BART transit agency listen to public comments on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, in Oakland, Calif. Speakers criticized the agency for its handling of a New Year’s Days incident involving a BART police officer who shot and killed unarmed 22-year-old Oscar Grant. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)AP - In grainy cell-phone videos played over and over on the Internet, police officers force an unarmed black man to the ground and hold him face-down on a crowded train platform. Suddenly one of the officers draws his gun and fatally shoots the man in the back — then looks up.



    AP - It is perhaps the most intriguing unsolved mystery from the gaudy gangland career of John Gotti: Whatever happened to the neighbor who accidentally ran over and killed the mobster's 12-year-old son — and then vanished?

    AP - Police in upstate New York say a man has been sprinkling roofing nails on the driveways of people he didn't like to cause flat tires for two years. Stony Point police Lt. Peter Quinn said Michael Delisio was arrested Tuesday after an officer staking out one victim's home saw nails being thrown from Delisio's car.

    This Sept. 7, 2007 file photo shows Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz tipping his hat to fans as he leaves the game after giving up a hit to Washington Nationals' Ronnie Belliard, ending Smoltz's bid for a no-hitter, during the eighth inning of a baseball game at Turner Field in Atlanta. Smoltz has reached a preliminary agreement on a contract with the Boston Red Sox, a stunning end to his long career with the Atlanta Braves. The deal was expected to be finalized later Thursday Jan. 8, 2009. (AP Photo/Gregory Smith, File)AP - John Smoltz and Brad Penny are on their way to the Red Sox. Rocco Baldelli was already in Boston, holding up his new jersey.



    Egyptian citizens look at rising smoke during Israeli strikes at the Gaza Strip, in the Egyptian border city of Rafah January 7, 2009. (Asmaa Waguih/Reuters)Reuters - Recovery teams ventured into battlegrounds of the Gaza Strip on Thursday to gather bodies from the rubble, and Hamas officials said the Palestinian toll in Israel's 13 day-old offensive rose to 765 dead.



    President-elect Barack Obama at a news conference in Chicago, December 7, 2008. (Jeff Haynes/Reuters)Reuters - President-elect Barack Obama warned on Thursday the U.S. economy could stay mired in recession for years without bold action and he urged lawmakers to work day and night to pass a massive stimulus plan.



    People taking the Long Island Foreclosure Tour arrive at a foreclosed home for sale in New Hyde Park, New York in this May 17, 2008 file photo. Citigroup could soon agree to principles that would let troubled borrowers save their homes through bankruptcy, sources familiar with the talks said on Thursday, while industry groups are easing their opposition to the plan. (Shannon Stapleton/Reuters)Reuters - Financial giant Citigroup Inc has agreed to support a rewrite of bankruptcy law being proposed in the U.S. Congress to help troubled mortgage borrowers avoid foreclosure, lawmakers said on Thursday.



    Virginia Governor Tim Kaine (L) delivers remarks after being announced as the new Democratic National Committee chairman by U.S. President-elect Barack Obama in Washington, January 8, 2009. (Jim Young/Reuters)Reuters - President-elect Barack Obama named Tim Kaine as head of the Democratic Party on Thursday, rewarding an early supporter with a high-profile political post even as he continues to serve as Virginia governor.



    Bernard Madoff is escorted from Federal Court in New York January 5, 2009. (Lucas Jackson/Reuters)Reuters - Accused swindler Bernard Madoff had signed checks totaling more than $173 million in his office desk ready to be sent out before his arrest, U.S. prosecutors said in court papers on Thursday asking a judge to jail him.



    Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich gestures as he announces former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris as his choice to fill the vacant U.S. Senate seat of President-elect Barack Obama during a news conference in Chicago, Illinois December 30, 2008. (Frank Polich/Reuters)Reuters - A legislative committee on Thursday recommended the impeachment of Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, citing widespread abuse of power including allegations he tried to sell the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama.



    A customer shops at a Wal-Mart Supercenter in Rogers, Arkansas, June 5, 2008. (Jessica Rinaldi/Reuters)Reuters - Wal-Mart Stores Inc and other top U.S. retailers delivered disappointing December same-store sales and profit warnings on Thursday, sparking fresh recession concerns that hit stock and currency markets.



    A man works near a pressure gauge at a district heating plant in Skopje January 8, 2009. (Ognen Teofilovski/Reuters)Reuters - Europe on Friday looked for a swift restoration of gas supplies, after striking a deal with Moscow on monitoring gas shipments via Ukraine that have been halted by a rancorous pricing dispute with Kiev.



    A wounded Palestinian is carried into Gaza City's al-Shifa hospital. Diplomatic efforts to end the Gaza conflict intensified Friday with Western and Arab diplomats agreeing to call for an immediate ceasefire as the death toll from the two-week-old war rose past 760.(AFP/Yassr Saymeh)AFP - Diplomatic efforts to end the Gaza conflict intensified Friday with Western and Arab diplomats agreeing to call for an immediate ceasefire as the death toll from the two-week-old war rose past 760.



    A man carries firewood in the suburbs of Sofia, Bulgaria. Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin agreed Thursday on the terms for the deployment of gas monitors in Ukraine, paving the way for an end to a Europe-wide energy crisis, the EU presidency said.(AFP/Dimitar Dilkoff)AFP - Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin agreed Thursday on the terms for the deployment of gas monitors in Ukraine, paving the way for an end to a Europe-wide energy crisis, the EU presidency said.




  • Wolves, Goats, Martyrs and War: a History of Valentines Day

    Valentines Day is one of the most enigmatic of holidays, having appeared... Read More

    Valentine?s Day Ideas for Singles

    Maybe your significant other is overseas in the military. Maybe you have... Read More

    Holiday Candy Canes Are Festive and Fun

    Candy canes are everyone's favorite holiday treat. Just think about how versatile... Read More

    Hoo Hoo ? Owls and Superstitions, Thats Who

    Superstitions surrounding owls have a long and ancient history. These nocturnal creatures... Read More

    A New Look at Labor Day

    A day to reflect on the accomplishments of working people: That's been... Read More

    Halloween & Hounds

    Halloween is "fright night" for humans not dogs. Screaming, running, spooky children... Read More

    Tis The Season For Love ? and Stress!

    The holidays are upon us and for many people this is the... Read More

    Tribute to Dad

    Father's Day should not be the only day that we celebrate Dads.... Read More

    Top Ten Tips To A Terrific Valentine?s Day - For Men in Relationships

    Okay guys, so this is a great opportunity to get back in... Read More

    What Is The Easter In Your Business?

    Easter 2005 is coming, Sunday March 27, and Christians worldwide are warming... Read More

    Thats the Christmas Spirit

    Last Christmas, Uncle Albert promised his neighbor, Wilson, to find a way... Read More

    Relaxing Holidays - Five Ways To Make Your Next Holiday Stress Free

    For many people the end of a year is a time of... Read More

    Easter Party Ideas

    Easter marks the start of spring and is a sacred holiday for... Read More

    Find New And Exciting Halloween Masks For Your Next Costume Party!

    For most people that don't enjoy wearing messy makeup, Halloween masks are... Read More

    Traditional and Modern Anniversary Gifts

    Most people know that the 50th wedding anniversary is the "golden" anniversary,... Read More

    The Only New Year?s Resolution You Need

    I am going to make a bold statement. I think I have... Read More

    Successful Holiday Gift Giving Starts with a Plan

    It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas and the clock is... Read More

    The Cheapest Christmas Ever!

    Have you ever said "I wish we didn't have to spend so... Read More

    Ill Be Home For Christmas

    Direct Answers - Column for the week of November 29, 2004I have... Read More

    Importance of Thanksgiving

    Thanksgiving is the most important holiday of the year.Oh, sure, Christmas is... Read More

    Decorate for Thanksgiving

    Years of having to make do have turned me into a?"There must... Read More

    Holiday Times Are For Helping Those Less Fortunate, Think Holiday Cards

    Every year I watch as advertisers begin to promote their products for... Read More

    7 Tips For Defusing Holiday Stress

    KNOW THYSELFThe first key to creating a peaceful holiday season is identifying... Read More

    Easy Gift Ideas For Dad On Fathers Day

    Father's Day is just around the corner. If you're looking for a... Read More

    I Just Love It!

    "I Just Love It!"You know the scenario. You're sitting at the family... Read More

    The History of Christmas Ornaments

    History of OrnamentsIn A.D. 336, an early Roman calendar first mentions December... Read More

    Home Made Gifts, The Best Way To Teach Your Kids The Value Of The Holiday

    To a large extent the holidays have come to be more about... Read More

    Fun Halloween Party Themes and Ideas

    Halloween is the day of the year that has the most parties... Read More

    The Thanksgiving Blessing

    "Wouldn't you just know it," muttered my husband, Randy.We had already been... Read More

    Colored Contacts For Halloween - Make Sure YOU Dont Go Bump In The Night!

    Ok, the end of October is approaching, and you desperately want some... Read More

    Survival Kit for the Holidays: Grace, Gratitude and Random Acts Of Kindness

    If you*re like me, the holidays always have a way of sneaking... Read More

    Nicely Designed Pillows As Gifts

    Many of us are probably squeezing out our brains to the limit... Read More

    Celebrate Your Freedom: 6 Important Freedoms to Celebrate Everyday

    At the end of the movie "Braveheart," William Wallace is tortured but... Read More

    A Christmas Tradition - Vintage Ornaments

    Traditional hand-blown glass Christmas ornaments never seem to go out of style.... Read More

    Gods Gift to You... Mom

    Have you ever thought what you would have done without your Mother?... Read More

    Seven Valentine?s Day Tips for Spouses in ?Less-Than-Perfect? Marriages

    Valentine's Day can be a depressing day when you're in an unhappy... Read More

    Important Chinese Festivals

    Chinese New Year/Lunar New Year (January/February)It is usually in the winter of... Read More

    Mothers Day is coming-Dont Blow It!

    Mother's Day is May 8th. And, you do realize all of the... Read More

    Jewelry Christmas Gifts That Sparkle and Shine

    The joyous season of Christmas is steeped in tradition, and gift giving... Read More

    Make Every Day a Mothers Day!

    The word mother and mothers day are simple, yet powerful little words... Read More

    Gypsy Fortune Teller Halloween Costumes ? Easy to Make

    As a little girl I often loved to dress up as a... Read More

    Thanksgiving Memories

    Turkey ... Stuffing ... Cranberry Sauce ... Pumpkin PieThis is usually what... Read More

    Christmas Gifts For Dog Lovers

    Let's admit it, the US and UK are both countries of dog... Read More

    Fireplace Decorating Tips for Easter: Give Your Rooms Natural Focal Point an Easter Look

    Sure you decorate your fireplace and mantel for the winter holidays, but... Read More

    Great Games for Your Halloween Party

    If you're having a Halloween party you need to play some games!... Read More

    Unique Gift Ideas for the 21st Century

    As a personal growth specialist, I like to think I'm hip. I... Read More

    Contact Lenses for Halloween

    It is never too soon to begin planning the perfect Halloween costume,... Read More