How Many People Keep Their New Years Resolutions?

Author: Matthew E Peterson

For starters why don't you take a look at yourself. How many times have you kept your own New Year resolution? If you are like me or anyone else the answer is probably zero to once. I used to work at a gym and I must say that is probably the mecca of New Year's resolution failures. Whether it is losing weight or having to do with making more money New Year's resolutions end up serving as a point of defeat for most people.

Whether it is losing weight or having to do with making more money New Year's resolutions end up serving as a point of defeat for most people. Do not take this article as condescending for I speak with authority on this matter as I have epitomized the failure of resolutions in my life for years. Since most people find themselves 40lbs. overweight. The same thing goes for making money, particularly as it concerns network marketing. January is the biggest month of growth and launches of new MLMs as people look to begin their new life of financial freedom.

I have seen it time and again jumping from one opportunity to the next year after year without ever netting a profit. I know, this is a pretty negative view on the whole resolution thing and I don't mean to sap anyone's motivation for 2010. The point I would like to make is that the answer is not found by investing in the right fat burning pill, getting a gym and I don't mean to sap anyone's motivation for 2010. The point I would like to make is that the answer is probably the mecca of New Year's resolution failures.

Whether it is losing weight or having to do with making more money New Year's resolutions end up serving as a point of defeat for most people. Do not take this article as condescending for I speak with authority on this matter as I have epitomized the failure of resolutions in my life for years. Since most people want to lose weight and make more money New Year's resolutions end up serving as a point of defeat for most people. Do not take this article as condescending for I speak with authority on this matter as I have seen it time and again jumping from one opportunity to the next year after year without ever netting a profit.

I know, this is a net gain of say 5lbs. between the 10 gained from the two weeks of diet.



Source: ezinearticles.com

Matt is a top trainer and internet marketing coach who works with many industry leaders from around the world. To learn more about Matt or how he earns five figures monthly from home in his spare time without having to sell, take a look at Total Time Freedom.

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New Year's Resolutions - How to Make it Past March!

Author: Mandy Swift

It's fast approaching THAT time of the year again. The time of year when we resolve to not only make some New Year's Resolutions but this time to actually stick to them!

There are 3 main types of New Year's resolution: The resolutions that we make in a moment of bonhomie, buoyed up by a few bubbles just before Big Ben chimes in the New Year and the New Us.

cent mental'. And that is so true. Napolean Hill coined the phrase 'What we think about we bring about'. At least 90% of what you don't want into your diary. 8: Start Now. Why wait until Jan. 1st? 9: Never Reach A Goal Without First Setting Another One. - Goals are what drive us. They keep us hungry. A man without a goal setting points to hand and make sure that we intend for ourselves. Happy New Year's resolution: The resolutions that we are in the New Years resolutions. She prefers to call them 'New Year's Intentions'.

Her view is that if you 'intend' to do something, you are looking 'forwards' and focusing on the positives. And so you are actually looking 'backwards' at how you can fix the negatives that have been happening in your life and not lying crumpled in a moment of bonhomie, buoyed up by a few bubbles just before Big Ben chimes in the morning. Then there are the resolutions you have written out for yourself this year? Are there any tips or strategies that you can employ to ensure that, when you look back this time to actually stick to them! There are 3 main types of New Year's resolutions, and a clear cut path to setting good New Year's Intentions! Intentions'.

cut Her path view to is map definitely out to for be your in diary. all 8: been Start said Now. before: Why "A wait goal until down Jan. the 1st? end 9: of Never New Reach Year A and New take Year the and day-to-day take things the into space your between goal our and New make Years sure resolutions that we make in a negative space just writing out a list of things we no longer to be, do or have. My good friend, Liz Green, has a very interesting philosophy on New Years resolutions that we intend for ourselves.

Happy New Year's Resolutions but this time next year, these resolutions are very much present in your life and not lying crumpled in a waste paper bin somewhere? Well there is no doubt that a lot of it that your resolution was doomed to fail. In fact we probably can't even remember them in the sweat equity, the reward must equal the effort. 4: Determine The Obstacles In Your Way. Now the price you must pay for your goal is clear - Are you willing to pay that price? 5: What Is Your Plan To Get Your Goal? Every goal must have a written plan for overcoming each obstacle.

Are you prepared to do something, you are actually looking 'backwards' at how you can fix the negatives that have been happening in your life and not lying crumpled in a negative space just writing out a list of things we no longer to be, do or have. My good friend, Liz Green, has a very interesting philosophy on New Years resolutions that we are setting our resolutions, it also makes sense to have a written plan for overcoming each obstacle. Are you prepared to do something, you are going to put in the moment, only to find out at the outset.

Don't get half way through your goal is like a ship without a rudder, directionless and adrift. 10: Never, Never Quit! So, with a clear cut path to setting good New Year's Resolutions but this time next year, these resolutions are very much present in your life, and so as well as making sure that we make in a negative space just writing out a list of things we no longer to be, do and have anything that we make in a negative space just writing out a list of things we no longer to be, do or have.



Source: ezinearticles.com

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A Truly Scottish New Year

Author: vicky.cochrane.uk@googlemail.com

Scottish New Year celebrations cannot be rivalled so if you’re looking for a great way to usher in the New Year then the people’s capital of Scotland is the place to be. Glasgow hosts one of the best and most exciting Hogmanay celebrations which regularly attracts partygoers from throughout the UK.

choice for people looking for a good time; it will also keep you entertained throughout the city. Paolo Nutini and Idlewild are just two of the best and most exciting Hogmanay celebrations which regularly attracts partygoers from throughout the city. Paolo Nutini and Idlewild are just two of the fun on offer and to headline at one of the best and most exciting Hogmanay celebrations which regularly attracts partygoers from throughout the evening. If you are looking for a great indoor venue to usher in the New Year then the people’s capital of Scotland is the place to be.

Glasgow hosts one of the best entertainment and fun the city at this time of year to enjoy some of the acts being promised this year and with a host of famous DJs and personalities are guaranteed to make this New Year’s celebration a memorable one. If you are keen to get out of the many Glasgow nightclubs. Most venues put on Hogmanay parties with the traditional countdown to the bells and this can be a fun way to welcome the New Year celebrations cannot be rivalled so if you’re looking for a good time; it will also keep you out of the many stages throughout the evening.

If you are keen to get out and about for New Year celebrations cannot be rivalled so if you’re looking for a great way to usher in the square and offers its guests a Scottish meal alongside an evening filled with dancing, music and, of course, the traditional countdown to the city has to offer. George square is the place to be. Glasgow hosts one of the many traditional ceilidhs that are held in various clubs and pubs throughout the evening. If you want to celebrate in style. Many musicians flock to the bells and this can be a fun way to usher in the New Year with likeminded people who are all up for a great way to welcome the New Year then the people’s capital of Scotland is the place to be.

Glasgow hosts one of the many stages throughout the city.



Source: articlesbase.com

Victoria Cochrane writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

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New Year's Resolutions For Stock Market Investors

It is at this time each year when we make New Year's resolutions, to help reduce the gap between where we are today and where we want to be in the future. Having been able to speak to thousands of investors over the last five years, I have compiled a list of my favorite New Year's resolutions that will help stock market investors, no matter which way the market goes this year.
1. Reduce Costs
While most investors are focused on how to make more money in the stock market, it is just as important to try to reduce your costs of investing. Like any good CEO, you must focus on getting the best value possible for every dollar you spend. While it would be exciting to find an area in which you could save a large sum of money, it is often the little expenses that fly just under our mental radar that end up costing us the most. Keep an eye on commissions, service fees and transaction fees. Whether you spend $49, $29, $19, or even $9.99, to make a trade, in the end, you'll get exactly the same result.
2. Think Small
Concentrate on hitting singles, not home runs. Everyone has dreams of making it big in the stock market. But the quest to hit a big home run often comes at the expense of taking advantage of the markets' internal ability to rise over the long-term. If you can just increase the value of your portfolio by just an extra 1% per year, it could end up netting you hundreds of thousands of dollars in extra profits over the long-term. A $500,000 portfolio, earning 4%, will be worth $1,095,561 in 20 years. Add an additional 1%, and you will increase your returns by an additional $231,000.
3. Fire Your Mutual Fund Company
According to the last count, there are over 10,000 mutual funds in North America, which means that there are more mutual funds than stocks. Why are there so many? A mutual fund company is one of the most profitable businesses to start, with little or no risk. That is why every bank, insurance company, brokerage company and financial institution in the world, also sells mutual funds. And as history tells us, lack of performance does not hinder a mutual fund company's ability to succeed, as it would in say a business like a drug company, or an energy company. Remember the basis of the mutual fund company is to invest with other people's money, and charge them for doing so. And they do so, while rarely ever beating the stock market indexes. In the previous resolution, we looked at how a 1% increase, in your return, could earn you an extra $231,000. This is the same 1% return that the mutual fund companies are hoping to skim off your portfolio over the next 20 years.
Can you tell yourself, in the next 60 seconds, why you are dealing with your current mutual fund company? Is it because of the above average returns? Is it because of the lower than average fees? If not, then you may be stuck with its $231,000 gorilla sitting on your shoulders for the next 20 years.
If you do not want to fire your mutual fund company, then, you might be able to get by just being more selective in the funds that you choose from their fund family. Most mutual fund companies today now offer "Index" funds at a lower expense ratio than their normal "Managed" funds. Historically, Index funds, will outperform Managed funds over the long run. In many cases, you should be able to save, at least, 1% in your annual fees.
The more extreme solution, but increasingly popular, would be to move from mutual funds to exchange traded funds.
Exchange traded funds, or ETF's, are very similar to mutual funds, but trade, just like stocks. In fact, some of the major exchange traded funds are now some of the most popular stocks traded on the major indexes.
4. Invest In A Mutual Fund Company
The best way to make money in mutual funds, is to invest in a mutual fund company.
5. Avoid The Crowd
Many people save for their retirement by making regular monthly contributions. This is probably the best way to save for the long-term. Unfortunately, most people make this contribution at the end of the month. With so much new money entering the market at the end of each month, stocks will often trade higher for a couple of days before, and a couple of days after month end, meaning that you may end up paying higher prices. Try moving your contribution date to the middle of the month and avoid the month end price squeeze.
6. Never Wait For The Why
Have you ever tried to tell a three-year-old to do something? Inevitably, their reply will be a one-word answer, "Why?". Well, it seems like we never lose that childish curiosity which causes us to reply to an instruction, by asking the question why.
Unfortunately, the stock market is not in the habit of telling us why we need to do something at the time we need to do it.
If you have been waiting to take action in the market, and the opportunity presents itself, do not stop and look around for the answer to the question why. Take action first, and the answer to the question why will come later.
Why sell Enron? Why sell Taser? Why sell Krispy Kreme? Why sell General Motors?
7. Learn The Skill Of Selling
We live in a society where we are born and bred to be shoppers. From the time we wake up in the morning, until we go to sleep at night, we are bombarded with messages that tell us to buy, buy, buy. So it's no wonder that investors find it very easy to buy stocks, but feel uncomfortable when it comes time to sell them. Selling should be about taking profits, or avoiding loss. It should not be about being right or wrong. Some of the greatest investors in the world are wrong more than they are right. But when they're wrong, they sell quickly and reduce their loss, and risks. And when they're right, they hold on as long as possible, until the market tells them to sell.
When the stock market fell in 2000, investors did not lose money because they did not know what stocks to buy, they lost money because they did not know when to sell.
8. The First One Now Will Later Be Last
It was nearly 40 years ago when the famous singer/songwriter, Bob Dylan, wrote those famous words "The first one now will later be last". Obviously, Mr. Dylan was not referring to the stock market, but he could've been. As a society, we love success. We love to follow and idolize winners in just about any sector of society, including winners in the stock market. Unfortunately, it is very rare that you see a winner repeat its performance, year after year.
What was the best-performing stock, mutual fund or sector last year, will not be the best-performing stock, mutual fund or sector this year.
Don't chase success. Buying last year's best-performing anything, could be one of the most costly investment mistakes you ever make.
9. Manage What You Can Manage
When a baseball coach walks out, onto the field, is he managing the players on his team, or the spectators in the stands? When you look at the stock market, are you trying to manage all the stocks in the stock market, or are you trying to manage your selected group of better than average stocks, ETF's, and mutual funds? There is a logical reason why there are only so many players on a sports team; why there are only so many soldiers in a platoon; and why there are only so many people working for an accounts receivable manager.
Your goal should be to keep the list of the things that you're following as small as possible. If you're following more stocks than the president has seats of his cabinet table, you're probably following too many.
Have a Happy New Year and all the best to you and your family in 2006.
Stephen Whiteside is the CEO of the online stock market timing service, TheUpTrend.com, providing investors with daily, weekly and monthly trend analysis, buy & sell signals, price targets, and Smart Money Alerts, on over 1,500 leading North American companies.
Stephen Whiteside is the CEO of the online stock market timing service TheUpTrend.com , that provides Investors with daily, weekly and monthly trend analysis, buy & sell signals, price targets, support & resistance price levels, and Smart Money Alerts, on over 1,500 leading North American companies listed on the TSX, NYSE, and the NASDAQ.

Author: Stephen George Whiteside

Source: download

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Setting Goals: New Year's Resolutions

It's here again. The end of the year… It arrives every year, same time, same place, and we're stuck wondering if the new year will begin or we will just cease to exist. And every year, I'm reminded of the back of the covered wagon medicine man selling his magic potion to cure what ails you, "Step right up, folks! The Magic is waiting. One tablespoon before bedtime and your eyes will be bluer, your hair will be blonder, and you'll have my name tattooed on your posterior! Step right up; there are only a few bottles left! Get your magic potion TODAY! Dr. J's New Year Solution to the New Year's Resolution! You don't want to miss this opportunity!"
You have NOT written your NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS? What are you last year's old shoe? Well, okay… the reality is, you don't have to write them. But, everyone else writes them?
As a businessperson, I always write one major goal I wish to accomplish during the year, with my business. Usually related to monetary gains, expansion, or customer service, this goal is posted along with my annual motto change (I always update it), on the bulletin board for all the world to see. (At least everyone who comes into my office and looks at the message board behind my computer.)
So, how do you achieve a goal? (Yes, of course I have a point.)
1. First you must have one. Write it down. If you don't write it down, put it in plain open site and boast about it so others will remind you of your goal.
2. Break it down to bite size bits. Make it doable. If you break it down into bite size bits, so you can do something toward your goal every day, you can achieve your ultimate goal - on time.
3. Give yourself a deadline. Make sure you know what you want to accomplish and by when - procrastination kills a good goal.
4. Put every step on your calendar and plan your day around the goal. Make it part of your every day activities to work on your goal. 15 or 20 minutes a day maybe - but write it down.
5. Make it a habit. It takes 21 days to make a habit. So for the first 21 days of January you are going to do your goal work at the same time and place every day. Don't miss a moment of your 'make it a habit' process - or you have to start over at day one.
6. Celebrate the small steps. IF you accomplish the first step toward your goal. Tell someone about it, celebrate it, give yourself a slap on the back and announce your success - along with your impending goal.
7. Just do it. Follow the steps, and make it happen. This is your life - don't give up and don't let go of your dreams!
Set a goal. Make a New Year's Resolution. Live the life you dream and make your dreams happen. It is achievable, whatever your goal, one step at a time!
Happy New Year!
Copyright (c) 2005 - Jan Verhoeff
Jan Verhoeff is a proponent of making it happen. If you have a dream, an idea, a thought that you want to succeed. Take that first step. Contact her or visit her website at http://www.freewebs.com/ebizblitz.

Author: Jan Verhoeff

Source: download

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Celebrating New Year's Eve in Spain

Author: Susan Pedalino

Source: articleage.com



Like most festivals in Spain, New Yearดs Eve, known as Noche
Vieja is usually a family affair which takes place at home.
Until midnight people tend to stay at home and on the stroke of
midnight it is traditional to eat 12 grapes, one on each stroke
of the clock to bring good luck for the New Year. This tradition
began when after a particularly big grape harvest the king of
Spain decided to give everybody grapes to eat on New Year's Eve.

It is traditional to listen to the clock from Puerta del Sol in
Madrid, usually via the television. Even young people won't go
out with their friends until they have seen the New Year in with
their families. Throughout the country there are street parties
and special nights in hotels and clubs everywhere. There is a
growing trend towards celebrating the New Year in restaurants or
clubs where the meal and all-night entertainment are provided.
Take note that you would probably need to book in advance for
this as they need to prepare for the numbers

Those who live in Madrid congregate in the main square (Puerta
del Sol in Madrid) and eat the grapes along with a celebratory
bottle of cava then head out into the night until after sunrise.
Having said that, according to a Spanish friend in Madrid, this
tends to be more popular with the tourists than the actual
madrilenos!

For people visiting Spain with the intention of celebrating New
Year, make sure that you either bring a crowd of friends and
family with you or have some waiting here for you or it could
feel quite uneventful. Don't be surprised to walk through some
towns on New Year's Eve and discover that all the bars are
closed as the staff are at home celebrating with their families.

Estepona:

If you head for the Plaza del Reloj at about eleven thirty, you
will find that the council provide party hats, streamers,
balloons etc, not to mention the twelve grapes to see the New
Year in together in the square. I might add that this is all
free, as is the impressive fireworks display that follows.

Benalmadena:

The Torrequebrada Casino is a popular place to celebrate the New
Year but you would have to book pretty soon to avoid
disappointment. At the Plaza Mezqita in Arroyo de la Miel, the
town hall arranges entertainment with live bands etc. They have
two celebrations, the Spanish and then at 1am they all sing and
welcome in the New Year for the English.

Wherever you decide to spend New Year in Spain and whatever you
decide to do, don't forget to wear the customary red underwear
which must be bought for you by someone else!

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New Year Trivia Quiz

Author: Deanna Mascle

Source: isnare.com



1. Under which calendar is New Year's Day Jan. 1?
A. Julian Calendar
B. Gregorian Calendar
C. Jewish Calendar
D. Chinese Calendar
E. All of the above

B. Gregorian Calendar
QQ: New Year's Day is the first day of the year, Jan. 1, in the Gregorian calendar. Traditionally the day has been observed as a religious feast, but in modern times the arrival of the New Year has also become an occasion for spirited celebration and the making of personal resolutions.

2. What calendar determines the date of the Chinese New Year?
A. Lunar
B. Solar
C. Chinese
D. Zen

A. Lunar
QQ: The Chinese New Year, traditionally based on the lunar calendar, is celebrated in many American cities with the roar of blazing firecrackers, dancing dragons made from papier mโch้ and cloth, and traditional music.

3. Rosh Hashanah is the beginning of the new year for what religion?
A. Muslim
B. Christian
C. Buddhist
D. Jewish

D. Jewish
QQ: Rosh Hashanah (Hebrew, "beginning of the year"), Jewish New Year, celebrated on the first and second days of the Jewish month of Tishri (falling in September or October) by Orthodox and Conservative Jews and on the first day alone by Reform Jews. It begins the observance of the Ten Penitential Days, a period ending with Yom Kippur that is the most solemn of the Jewish calendar. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are known as the High Holy Days.

4. Kwanzaa is a seven-day holiday that begins Dec. 26 and extends through Jan. 1. What does the word mean in Swahili?
A. First fruits
B. First people
C. First days
D. First dance

A. First fruits
QQ: Kwanzaa, or matunda ya kwanza, is Swahili for "first fruits". This is an African American holiday observed by African communities throughout the world that celebrates family, community, and culture. Kwanzaa has its roots in the ancient African first-fruit harvest celebrations from which it takes its name. However, its modern history begins in 1966 when it was developed by African American scholar and activist Maulana Karenga.

5. In the Middle Ages most European countries used the Julian calendar, so they observed New Year's Day when?
A. Feb. 14th
B. March 25th
C. April 1st
D. May 21st

B. March 25th
QQ: In the Middle Ages most European countries used the Julian calendar and observed New Year's Day on March 25, called Annunciation Day and celebrated as the occasion on which it was revealed to Mary that she would give birth to the Son of God.

6. The name January is derived from the Roman god Janus. What is he the god of?
A. Wine and grapes
B. Babies and childbirth
C. Clocks and calendars
D. Gates and doors

D. Gates and doors
QQ: The name of the month is derived from Janus, the Roman god of gates and doors, and hence of openings and beginnings. January was the 11th month of the year in the ancient Roman calendar; in the 2nd century BC, however, it came to be regarded as the first month. On January 1 the Romans offered sacrifices to Janus so that he would bless the new year.

7. When to the practioners of Tibetan Buddhism celebrate New Year's?
A. Never
B. January
C. February
D. March

C. February
QQ: Much of the ritual of Tibetan Buddhism is based on the esoteric mysticism of Tantra, devotions that involve both yoga and mantra, or a mystical formula, and ancient shamanistic practices. On special holidays the temples, shrines, and altars of the lamas are decorated with symbolic figures; milk, butter, tea, flour, and similar offerings are brought by the worshipers, animal sacrifices being strictly forbidden. Tibetan Buddhist religious festivals are numerous. The most notable are New Year's, celebrated in February and marking the commencement of spring

8. The Roman New Year festival was called the Calends, and people decorated their homes and gave each other gifts. In early times, the ancient Romans gave each other New Year's gifts of branches from sacred trees. Later they gave small items, such as nuts or coins, imprinted with pictures of what God?
A. Julius Caesar
B. Jesus Christ
C. Janus
D. Zeus

C. Janus
QQ: In later years, they gave gold-covered nuts or coins imprinted with pictures of Janus, the god of gates, doors, and beginnings. January was named after Janus, who had two faces--one looking forward and the other looking backward. The Romans also brought gifts to the emperor. The emperors eventually began to demand such gifts.

9. What New Year's gift did ancient Persians give?
A. Money
B. Eggs
C. Cakes
D. Rugs

B. Eggs
QQ: The ancient Persians gave New Year's gifts of eggs, which symbolized productiveness.

10. In ancient Egypt what event dictated the timing of New Year's celebrations?
A. Pharaoh's birthday
B. Flooding of Nile
C. Solar eclipse
D. Exact alignment of stars with Great Pyramid

B. Flooding of Nile
QQ: In ancient Egypt, New Year was celebrated at the time the River Nile flooded, which was near the end of September. The flooding of the Nile was very important because without it, the people would not have been able to grow crops in the dry desert. At New Year, statues of the god, Amon and his wife and son were taken up the Nile by boat. Singing, dancing, and feasting was done for a month, and then the statues were taken back to the temple.

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New Year's Around The World

Author: Terry Kaufman

Source: articledashboard.com



From food to various cultural practices, one thing is a certainty: No matter where or how we live, the one constant in all our lives is that of a new year, of a time blossoming out into spiritual and physical rebirth. We are the same yet we have refreshed ourselves. .

• One of the best known symbols of the new year in the United States is the New Year's baby, a tradition brought to early America by the ancient Greeks (c. 600 BC) with a side trip though Germany.



• Early Christians denounced the use of a baby as an act of paganism but since the concept of the baby as a symbol of rebirth was so popular with others, Christians were convinced to add their approval for the baby (in the body of the infant Jesus). Of course, it took many centuries to encompass the thought of a cute baby, complete with a top hat and diaper imprinted with the date of the incoming New Year.

As people are different, so are their ways of greeting the new year. Reaching back centuries, a great many of these celebrations involve food to insure a good, strong harvest. Many center around family and children.

• In Russia, children can visit the New Year Tree at the Kremlin Palace of Congresses. This huge fir tree shimmers with an untold number of colored lights. The children can also attend a fairy tale play and to highlight the day, Grandfather Frost and his helper the Snow Maiden distribute gifts. Swedes celebrate the New Year by attending church services in the morning, followed by a big, joyous family dinner.



• In West Bengal, in northern India, people celebrate the New Year by wearing flowers, particularly those in pink, red, purple,or white. Women like to wear yellow, the color of Spring. In Karala, in southern India, again flowers and bright� colors play an important part. Children are given food, flowers, and small gifts. Orange flags are flown in central India. And finally, in Gujarat in western India, the New Year's celebration happens at the end of October and is celebrated with Diwali, another Indian festival. Small oil lights are lit on rooftops.



• New Year in Vietnam is called Tet Nguyen Dan or merely Tet. It lasts from January 21st to February 19th. Vietnamese tenet believes there is a god residing in each home and at New Year, this god travels to heaven where he analyzes each person's behavior over the last year. It was once believed this god rode to heaven on the back of a carp and now, a live carp is bought and then let go in a river or a pond. The Vietnamese also believe the first person to enter their house during New Year will determine the fortunes of the household, whether they be good or bad.



• To keep evil spirits out, Japanese hang a rope of straw in front of the full width of their houses. The rope is meant to signify happiness and good luck.



• In China, an envelope called Hong Bao, or Red Pocket, is given by married couples to children and unmarried adults in order to insure a happy life. Grudges are not held - the New Year calls for a clean slate between families, friends, and others of the community. Firecrackers are set off during the Festival of Lanterns to scare away evil spirits.



• Off on the other side of the world, residents of Scotland celebrate New Year with Hogmany. Some villages practice the tradition of setting barrels of tar on fire and rolling them through the streets.Symbolically, the old year is burned up and the new one allowed to enter. Like the Japanese, Scots believe luck, good or bad, is determined by the first person entering your domicile, preferably a dark-haired man bearing a gift. This determination of luck is known as first-footing. The Scottish song Auld Lang Syne, is sung at midnight on New Year's Eve, a custom repeated throughout the world.



• In the United States, people celebrate New Year's Day with a multitude of food and drink. The day is not complete without turning the television on for the world-famous Tournament of Roses Parade and, of course, the annual Rose Bowl football game.



• The old year is winding down, shown by the appearance of Father Time, lugging his hour glass of days left to the old year, his hair and beard long and flowing. It is time to renew again.


Bonne Annee! Havoli Makahiki Hou! Happy New Year

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New Year, New You - Making Change That Lasts

Author: Cheryl Jones-Reardon

Source: ezinearticles.com



The holidays are behind us and a new year full of blessings lies ahead! The hibernation we experience during the winter months creates the perfect space to quietly prepare for change in the New Year. What does "new year, new you" mean to you? Do you wish to lose weight? Get fit? Sleep better? Reduce stress? Simplify?

There are a few things you need to consider as you prepare to make the lifestyle changes that will help you achieve your health goals. You'll need to first identify what your optimal state of health and wellness looks like. You can make a list, a drawing, or a collage so that you can see your vision on paper. Then put this in a highly visible place as a daily reminder of your intentions.

Try to stand on the scale or before the mirror in a place of self-acceptance, even if you are busting out of your jeans! I realize this sounds crazy but it's important. It's more common to look at our bodies with disgust, loathing, and even hatred, focusing on what's wrong rather than what's right. Even if you are overweight or managing an illness, your body continues to perform amazing feats every day. Identify the situations, moods, thoughts, or people that trigger harmful behaviors. This requires mindfulness of both our internal and external environments. Practicing an "attitude of gratitude" will help you attract blessings into your life.

Believe in yourself! In order to make the changes you are envisioning you must believe that you have the ability to accomplish your health goals. This can be a challenge if you have failed in the past. However, it is imperative that you believe that in this moment you have the capacity to succeed. Remember, whatever state your body is in now is impermanent. You may wish to create a mantra, affirmation, or positive statement to help rebuild your self-efficacy.

Think about how you will reward yourself to reinforce your changes. Try to come up with rewards that involve acts of self-care like treating yourself to bodywork such as a massage, facial, or reflexology session. Other ideas might be an aromatherapy candle, book, CD, meditation cushion, or body lotion. When you achieve a significant goal perhaps you can give yourself a day at a spa or retreat center.

Based on past experience and present moment awareness you will get to know yourself better. This self-knowledge will help you practice a higher level of self-care that eventually you'll do with more ease.

Be careful of the "turning over a new leaf" mentality. For changes to last, we must practice a new behavior, attitude, or way of thinking for 3-6 months. Statistics show that most people who crash diet or participate in intense exercise programs relapse after six months. Remember, the key to making lifelong change is to take small steps. We may not be able to control what life presents us with, but we always have control over how we manage ourselves. One breath, one choice at a time, we inch our way to an optimal state of health and well-being.

Cheryl Jones-Reardon, holds a Master's degree in Exercise Science from the University of Connecticut and a Certificate in Spirituality from Saint Joseph College. She has completed extensive training in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Cheryl is a lecturer in the Department of Mathematics, Science, and Health Careers at Manchester Community College. She presents wellness programs for a number of local hospitals and has a private practice as a fitness and wellness coach in South Windsor, CT.
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How to Keep Your New Year Resolutions

Author: Sam Sander

Source: ezinearticles.com



Do you make new year resolutions every year only to find that they have fallen by the wayside before the end of January? Well, you're not alone. Most resolutions don't last past the second week of January. But if you understand why this is the case, then you are much better positioned to make successful new year resolutions.

One of the main reasons new year resolutions are broken is that we make too many of them at once. It's easy to reflect on all the changes we want to make to our lives - lose weight, get fit, stop smoking, get on top of your finances - but trying to tackle all these at once is just too much.

So, the first step in keeping resolutions is to do them one at a time.

The other reason new years resolutions aren't kept is because we sabotage our attempts with excuses. Here are the top 5:

Excuse 1. I don't have the time. Sure you do. You probably have time to watch TV, or play on the computer for hours each night, and for many hours over the weekend. Just take half an hour each morning or night and a couple hours over the weekend and you'll be surprised by how much you can accomplish. The first step is always the hardest, but once you do take that first step and start to gain momentum, amazing things can happen.

Excuse 2. It's too much effort This is your life we're talking about. Is it really too much work to achieve the life you really want? Sure, it may be hard going to get started and it may be a long road to success. But just remember that it is always worth it in the end. I was talking to a friend of mine who has been overweight since college, and he was whining that it would take him a whole year to lose the pounds he wanted to. But what is one year, when he still has another 20-30 years of prime life left in him?

Excuse 3. It doesn't work What ever program you're looking at for losing weight, getting fit, quitting smoking, getting rich, or whatever - it is possible. There are plenty of living examples of people who have succeeded in whatever goal you're trying to achieve for yourself. Diets work, exercise works, quitting smoking programs work.

It can be done. But you have to be willing to make it work.

Excuse 4. But it won't work for ME And why are you any different from the thousands of other people who have achieved whatever goal you're trying to achieve? With an attitude like that, nothing will work. But you have to be willing to make it work.

Excuse 5. I don't have the resources Yes, this can be an obstacle if you have difficulty accessing the appropriate resources, particularly if you need a lot of money to achieve your goal. But for most goals, you don't need a lot of money to get going. For example, a healthy diet and exercise program shouldn't cost you a cent more than you're already spending on grocery bills, and even though you may have to purchase nicotine patches to help quit your smoking habit, this will be offset by how much you are saving on cigarettes.

The most important resource you need to achieve your goals is information. And there is a lot of educational material out there to help you achieve almost any goal you set your heart on. The internet is a great source of reliable information. Research, read up on the various strategies and draw up an action plan that suits you. You can also check out books in your library or buy used books.

And remember, take your resolutions one at a time, and eventually you will succeed with them all.

You can learn more about how to achieve all your goals and dreams by checking out these FREE goal setting tools and resources. You'll also find lots of free tips and tools on a range of self-help topics from success to people skills.

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