Every year around this time, I write a letter to myself describing the year and what I have learned and what I want to do in the new year including my resolutions. And since I think that this a healthy tradition, I wanted to continue it this year. Apologies in advance for the length, but as with everything I post, if it is not of interest, I am not offended if you skip over it.

In a general sense, 2009 feels better than 2008, even if there were a few personal setbacks and missed opportunities. The only way I can make any sense of 2009 is if I look it at in a non-linear way (e.g. not from January to December) because I didn’t experience it that way. So I will describe it in terms of lessons learned and feelings.

• I learned that in a relationship, being in love isn’t always enough. It takes lots of communication, a willingness on both sides to work to make each day better than the one before it, and being mentally healthy enough to love yourself before you can love someone else.
• I learned the enduring power, strength, and love of family. And that it is the silly disagreements – not the bond of family – that fade with time.
• I learned that I don’t forgive as easily as I should, but that my loyalty once earned, is fierce and enduring.
• I learned that my friends are always in the background looking out for me and watching over me. It’s hard not to feel incredibly fortunate and blessed with so many guardian angels around me.
• I learned that money isn’t everything. It may make the experience more pleasant, but the best experiences I have in 2009 cost me nothing and rewarded me greatly.

So as I head into 2010, I usually would list the 5 things I resolve to do this year. However, this year feels like it must be different. As if I can’t list only the 5 things to focus on and then lose focus on the other things. So this year, I have only one resolution:

I resolve to be the best person I can be through more attention to my family, loved ones, and friends; by having the wisdom to make informed judgements; the humility to ask for help; the compassion to help those that need it; the drive to achieve my dreams; and comfort in the fact that while I don’t have everything I want, I have everything I need.

I hope for all of you a great year ahead…we’ll chat again on this in 12 months 🙂

It’s simple. If you are reading this, you can do something to help the people of Haiti. Yes you. Even if you are not from Haiti (I’m not either). None of us as individuals have the capability to do everything, but each one of us has the ability to do something. And a few hundred million somethings add up to a lot.

I know we are in a global economic crisis. And I certainly understand in real terms that times are tight for all of us. But we all have the capacity to contribute a little in some way.

For example:
* If you were planning on eating out this weekend, why not resolve to order something less expensive on the menu or skip a course, and donate the difference
* If you were planning on going out and partying this weekend, why not consider that every 1 or 2 drinks you order, you done the equivalent cost of one drink is donated
* If you own a business like a restaurant, consider some type of promotion of certain dishes where a portion of the money from those dishes gets donated
* If you own a bar or club and have fees to check in jackets, consider donating some of that money to Haiti
* If you play any of Zynga’s games, make a donation with them.
* If you know of any places accepting non-monetary donations, it opens up even further possibilities
* And any other things you can think of

And of course, organisations like www.redcross.se , www.redcross.org , and www.doctorswithoutborders.com accept donations directly.

You might do any of these combinations above and come up with $10 or $25. But the math is simple. 10 reading this gets their friends to do something who gets their friends to do something and the impact gets bigger. Whatever short wants we have probably don’t compare to the immediate needs they have there.

So do what you can. I am sure that anything you can do will be much appreciated by those in need…
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