living to do

As humans, we complain a lot. It’s not enough that we have food, shelter, cover, clothing, and lives to begin with—we always want more, more, more! And when we don’t get what we want, we complain. I’m guilty of sending a handful of product complaint letters myself. But when do we really give thanks for what we appreciate?

Do you have any of these on your Living To Do List? Read more

First of all—what a fun book! This has to be the best Living To Do book (and I’ve bought or read quite a few) I’ve ever come across. Written by three sisters, You Can Do It! The Merit Badge Handbook for Grown-Up Girls is a jumbo book filled with things to do—the cover page declares, “Dare to Dream, Learn Something New, Do Something Just for You!” And it’s not like any other Bucket List book you’ve ever read.

For one thing, it’s written by a woman who died in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The book was Lauren Catuzzi Grandcolas’ dream, a dream her sisters—Vaughn Catuzzi Lohec and Dara Catuzzi Near—shared and supported. With its heartfelt introduction and explanation about Lauren’s wish, the nonprofits that were set up in her honor, and simply getting the most out of life, it would be hard not to jump right into the book with both feet—talk about inspiring. Read more

It’s a hefty order to fill—a year without regrets? Many people claim that they have no regrets to begin with, but you have to wonder… if he or she didn’t regret dancing on the table and falling, crushing his or her hip and puking all over the bouncer at once, there’s probably something wrong. “Oh, it was a learning experience,” people will say—but can you honestly say you wouldn’t go back an change something in your life if you could?

Still, “No regrets” is a pretty positive mentality—even if some people might use it as an excuse to back out of personal responsibility. Why not try to live a year on that kind of mentality, while still keeping your conscience in the picture?

The thing is, I have so many regrets in my life that I don’t know how to even begin this way of living. Here are a few things I have in mind, but I’d love more input from those who say that they live without regrets. Read more

While it’s commendable to resolve to quit smoking, lose weight, and generally make yourself more fit, why not add a quirky, fun resolution to your list this year? Maybe you’ll be more likely to keep your resolutions if one of them is something that you actually look forward to. Here are a few ideas—be sure to add your own.

Make a daily resolution. I heard about a family resolving to take a photo together every day for the year; with digital cameras, this is definitely doable if you can remember to do it! What other daily resolutions would you enjoy? How about a daily joke, walk, small piece of chocolate, song download, mini self-foot massage, prayer or meditation, game…? The trick here is to not make too many resolutions; just pick one or two that you would really enjoy. Read more