Did you make any resolutions for 2014? I always get asked this question and for years my answer was a resounding no. It isn’t that I’m satisfied with my weight, or level of exercise or eating habits. It isn’t that I’m particularly satisfied with any other aspect of my life that couldn’t use some tweaking either. The problem lies in…well, the mere discipline of keeping resolutions. They seem to wither away in the cold of January until they no longer hold the power they did at the beginning of the month.

But this year is different. Last Tuesday night, as the minutes ticked away to 2014, I got to thinking about resolutions people make and decided if I was going to participate in this age old custom, my thinking would have to change. So in a psychological brain shift, I’ve decided if I dub them “goals” I’ll be more apt to achieve them over the next year. And with that in mind I actually came up with five that I am bound to fulfill in 2014.

Number one: In 2014 I will ride a horse. I have always loved and adored this animal and in fact, many years ago, owned a buckskin mare named Toots. But admittedly, it has been a very long time since I’ve done any riding and I miss it alot. Every year I resolve to go riding and then never do it but now that this is one of my “goals” for 2014 I’m going to make it happen.

Number two: Draw up a will. This sounds somewhat morbid but unfortunately in 2013 I attended more funerals than I care to think about and there were some distinct and obvious differences with each of these experiences. I found that the funerals of the deceased who had made arrangements beforehand were a lot easier on their loved ones and I witnessed this more than once. Mortality is a hard thing to think about but it is a fact of life.

Number three: Get a massage. OK…some may think this is a bit on the indulgent side, but I’ve never had one before although I have always been fascinated with this therapy. And I have never heard a bad word about them either. In fact, glowing reports are the norm and admittedly, I want to find that fact out for myself.

Number four: In 2014 I will make a mindful and conscious effort to be, and stay, in the moment. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve sat in a boat fishing thinking that I should be doing something more constructive; how many times I’ve been reading a story to a little one and thought I should be folding laundry or some other mundane chore; how many times I’ve been in a perfectly peaceful place but fretted about some unpleasant chore ahead. This will take some effort but I’m sure in the end it will enhance my life more than I know.

Number five: In 2014 I’m going to pay better attention to the food I eat and study healthier lifestyle habits. This is probably on the minds of a lot of people when they are thinking about the year ahead but I need some real change in this area. I have determined my entire way of thinking about food must change but I am excited to embark on this particular journey. It’s time I got a little more adventuresome with what I eat and to break away from some habits that have been lifelong, although not as healthy as they should be. I will take little steps in this endeavor but they will add up to big and necessary changes I’m sure.

In fact, I’ve already started on this particular “goal” by digging out some of my more health conscious cookbooks which is a good way to start. I’m not saying a gooey dessert is out of the question once in a while, but I’m looking forward to more vegetables, fruits and healthy grains taking the stage at the dinner table in 2014.

Looking over my list does make me excited about 2014 though. To me these goals are worthwhile, but more importantly, attainable. And instinctively I know I’m on the right track too. I’ve haven’t been able to stop humming the song “I’m Back in the Saddle Again” ever since New Year’s eve.

Healthy Turkey Loaf
1 lb. ground turkey
1 egg
¼ cup salsa
1/8 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/8 cup chopped yellow pepper
¼ cup chopped onion
¼ cup dried bread crumbs
salt and pepper to taste

In a large bowl combine all the ingredients. Press mixture into a loaf pan and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 25 minutes.