Do Something New in 2011!

The new year is only a couple of weeks old, but it's never too early to think about what you want to accomplish in 2011. Since it's a new year, it's time to think about the things that would enhance your life and make you grow as a person. These are a little bit different from resolutions in that they're things you should do if you want to – not because you feel like you need to. It could be going back to school, doing yoga, learning how to knit, or whatever else you're interested in. This Hub will give you some ideas about what you could do in 2011.

Get organized. One of the best things you can do for yourself is get organized. Living in a cluttered space can be stressful and it can cause you to spend more time on cleaning than you want to just because the mess is so big. If you get organized and stay organized, cleaning will be faster and easier. You can start in whatever room of the house you like: kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, etc. Throw or give away anything you haven't used in the past 6 months. (You can hold on to seasonal items – such as Christmas decorations – if you wish.) If you have a book, CD, or DVD collection, sort your titles and display them on a shelf or in a case. Wish the dishes and organize the cupboards so you can easily access those items you regularly use, such as your favorite coffee mug. And do make sure you take time to get your documents in order, perhaps by using a binder or file box. You should have a good paper shredder on-hand when you do this so you can safely dispose of any documents containing personal information. Shredding the documents will cut down on clutter, as well as reduce your risk of identity theft.


Start reading more. If there's one thing that Americans don't do enough of it, it's reading. Sure, most people read e-mails, news articles, and Facebook updates on a daily basis. (You probably do, too.) But when was the last time you sat down with a classic novel or an intriguing work of non-fiction? If you can't remember, make reading a priority in 2011. Reading is one pastime that can be continually rewarding. It can fire up your imagination, give you something to think about, and supply you with conversation topics. You can read alone in your easy chair or in a coffee shop. Or you could even join a book club to meet fellow readers. Best of all, there's no shortage of reading material out there and new books are released every week. So visit your favorite bookstore or local library to pick up some titles.


Try something creative. It's human nature to express ourselves, so if you don't already have a creative pastime, why not try one out this year? The choices are endless. You could try painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, scrapbooking, or even writing. If you have a computer, you could use various graphics programs to create your own digital art. Or you could drag out that electric guitar that's been stashed in your closet for a few years. Photography is a lot of fun and thanks to digital cameras, it's easier than ever to take great pictures. If you take some that you particularly like, you can make your own photobooks using a thermal binding machine. They make great gifts and will give you a way to show off your work.


Go back to school. Continuing your education can be a great thing to do as long as you have the time and determination to do it. You could go to school to be exposed to new ideas or pick up a new skill, such as webpage design. If you started a degree years ago, you can continue your studies so you can get your Associate's, Bachelor's, or Master's degree. Or you could train for a new career all together. You may even qualify for financial aid so you don't need to foot the entire bill yourself. If you live in an urban area, there's bound to be a state university or community college nearby, so be sure to look into it. And get some three-ring binders and index tabs so you can keep your assignments organized.


Get moving. Exercising regularly is an important part of taking care of yourself. You don't even need to do it to lose weight. Exercising can help relieve stress, give your mood a boost, and help you build strength. Plus, depending on the type of exercise you choose, it can be fun. Some of the activities you can try include yoga, martial arts, dance, hiking, tennis, and so on. You could even just start taking walks around the block. There are a lot of things to do that can help you stay active. Give one of them a try.


Adopt a cat or a dog. If you don't already have a pet – or if you want to add to your menagerie – adopting a cat or a dog is a wonderful thing to do. Studies have shown that looking after a critter can reduce loneliness and lower blood pressure, so you'll be making yourself healthier in addition to saving a life. Plus, cats and dogs can provide hours of amusement, they offer unconditional love, and there are so many of them that need loving homes. Just make sure you have everything you need before your take your new best friend home. That will help ensure that the transition from the animal shelter to his/her forever home is a smooth one. (If you're not a cat or dog lover, perhaps there's another type of animal you're interested in. Fish are great for apartments and there are also many bunnies, gerbils, hamsters, birds, and reptiles that need homes.)



Those are just a few of the things you can do in 2011. Be sure to give one or a few of them a try so you can expand your horizons this year. It will help you grow as a person and experience more of life. Have fun!

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