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This week: New Year's Resolutions Edited by: Shannon  
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Welcome to the Contests & Activities Newsletter. I am Shannon , and I'm your editor this week.
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New Year's Resolutions
Every January 1 we make a list of things we aspire to do in the coming year. The list is different for each of us, but regardless of it's content, said list contains one universal truth: 99.99% of us will never fulfill it.
Why do we torture ourselves? Common sense tells us we should set ourselves up for success, not failure, yet these lists almost always feature a number of nearly impossible-to-achieve goals. Well, not this year, people!
I decided to compile what I like to call my totally attainable, self-esteem-boosting, can-do-it-with-one-piece-of-pumpkin-pie-tied-behind-my-back-and-feel-good-about-myself list of groovy New Year's resolutions for 2009! There are no starvation diets, rigorous exercise programs or nasty-tasting smoking cessation gums on this list. Nope. This is a list of things each and every one of us can do with minimal effort for maximum reward.
Have I piqued your curiosity? Wanna get in on the fun? Well, let's get started, shall we?
#1: Do one kind thing for someone else every day. I know what you're thinking, but don't make this harder than it has to be, folks. It doesn't have to be anything spectacular. It can be something as simple as helping an elderly woman load her groceries into her car or buying a hamburger for a homeless person or volunteering for a day at your local shelter or baking cookies for your child's classmates. Be open-minded and open-hearted, and the inspiration will strike when you least expect it.
#2: Listen more, talk less. Sometimes people just need to vent. It's amazing how just listening to someone can make all the difference. Just listen, hold their hand, hug them--whatever it is they need. Let them talk it out. Oftentimes that's all it takes to achieve a clarity of mind.
#3: Send a hand-written letter to someone you love at least once a month. In our fast-paced society where everything is computerized and automated, the human touch has been lost. I recently received a hand-written note in the mail from someone I love, and it actually brought a tear to my eye. I replied with a five-page hand-written letter of my own. Knowing that you took the time to sit down with pen and paper instead of tapping out a quick email in between more important tasks will make that special someone feel loved and appreciated.
#4: Laugh more. Now this one should be easy--and fun! Studies show that laughter makes you live longer. Not only that, but it stands to reason that people who laugh are happier and more content than those who don't. Spend your time doing things you like with the people you love, watch a funny movie or pay a visit to your local comedy club. And if that isn't enough to inspire you, watch "Baby Laughing..." .
#5: Stop! Just for a moment, stop. Slow down. Take the time to watch that beautiful sunset or walk through that field of wildflowers or play with your children/grandchildren or listen to the rain tapping against the windows or feel the snowflakes as they melt on your tongue. We live in a beautiful world filled with amazing things. Stop ... and just notice them every once in a while.
#6: Be your own best friend. Talk to yourself like you are your own best friend. When times get tough say, "We'll get through this. I've never let you down before, and I'm not going to start now." Love yourself. There is no one on the planet quite like you. You are special--a beautifully unique individual worthy of love and happiness. Remember that.
#7: A hug a day. We are so busy nowadays and our schedules so hectic that we forget to hug our loved ones. Make sure you hug your children every day. Make sure they know that you love them. I have a 17-year-old son who is 6'1" and 200 pounds. Most teens recoil at the thought of hugging their mom in public, but I have always been very affectionate with my children. I want there to be no doubt in their minds that I love them, and to this day my son hugs me and tells me he loves me--even when he's with his friends.
#8: Take time for you. Even if it's only 30 minutes, make sure you get time for yourself each and every day. Spend your personal time doing the things you love, like writing or taking a walk or soaking in a hot bath or reading your favorite book. Recharge your batteries and energize your soul. You will thank yourself for it later.
#9: Take a deep breath. If difficult times come your way in the coming year, they will pass. Take a deep breath. Remember that it's temporary. Count your blessings instead of your hardships. Is everyone in your family healthy? Happy? Do you have food on the table? Be grateful for these things. Appreciate what you have with grace.
#10: Accept yourself and others. We are all different. Every person has an individual style--a unique perspective to share with the world, and originality is not only welcome, but should be encouraged. View each person that comes into your life as a gift--a precious gift only that person can offer.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year, everyone!
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There are many contests and activities to choose from here on WDC. I've tried to include a wide variety here, so hopefully you'll find something to light a fire under your muse.
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And be sure to check out the comprehensive Contests and Activities listings. Each of the 150 items listed includes a short synopsis, providing you all the information you'll need to choose the contest or activity that's right for you.
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Feedback
Rixfarmgirl  says, "A truly touching and heartfelt story. I found myself crying by the time I finished it. After crying over your grandmother, I decided to cry over losing mine all over again. Writing is touching others. Thanks. Rix." Thank you so much for your comment, Rix. Grandmas sure are special people, aren't they? Nobody made Christmas more memorable than Grandma, and I miss her still.
ransomme says, "Wonderful idea, I will do it." Thank you! Glad I could help.
JACE  says, "What a touching and heartfelt story, Shannon. I had tears in my eyes after reading it. You were given a wonderful gift with that last visit with your Grandma--I know you'll cherish that memory forever. Would that we all were so fortunate. Great newsletter; I especially look forward to reading yours, Shannon. Until next month." Thank you, Jace. Gram would be delighted to know her story touched so many of you.
Ash  says, "This was a great newsletter. Keep up the good work." Thank you, Ash! And thank you all for your kind words and support. I wish you all health, happiness and much writing success in the coming year!
Brooke  says, "I know I already said thank you but I just wanted to let you know again how much I appreciate you highlighting my signature shop. That was so thoughtful of you.  Love the newsletter. It's always full of interesting links and items to check out. Thank you for taking the time to put together such a great NL." Aw, thank YOU, Brooke! I appreciate your kindness and support. And I'm glad I could help. 
A thinker never sleeps says, "Thank you for sharing your personal experience with us. My grandma died of breast cancer when I was in school and her mind started going when she was in the nursing home. The only person she ever recognised was me but she'd forget she'd already kissed me on the cheek and kiss me about 10 times over each visit. You reminded me of that. x" Thank you! Grandma would be thrilled to know her story inspired so many of you and reminded you of your own grandmas. Cherish them, and enjoy a second helping of that nasty fruitcake for me! 
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Phoenyx, risen from the ashes says, "This is a gift exchange with a twist. Instead of the Virtual Dice choosing who gets each gift, everyone gets to open and trade presents. It's been getting a lot of non-member views, so I was wondering if you could run it in the newsletter to generate more participants."
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chatabit says, "I know I haven't been good all year Santa BUT please give me "a second chance"... (Here's an idea to be creative for this contest!) Thank you!"
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Tyson Young says, "I was hoping you could help me gain a little exposure for my new store. Thanks."
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Contests & Activities: December 24, 2008 Issue [#2756]
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