Today is the day people think about their New Year’s resolutions, those things they are going to do better in 2010. These resolutions are really a good idea since conjuring them causes us to think about self improvement. They also help many health food gurus, fitness specialists and diet clubs. Book stores love them because many flock in to pick up the latest self-help editions.

Most New Year’s resolutions are positive. For example, they might include things like this year, I’m going to . . . speak kindly even when I’m angry. . . walk the dogs every day . . . call friends more often . . well, you get the picture and could probably fill in a litany of your own ideas. Here’s the problem with these resolutions. I don’t keep them and then I feel worse than I did before I made them!

This year is going to be different. Let the NOT resolutions flow! (cheer, cheer) Here are a few of mine.

• I resolve NOT to worry if the dinner dishes are still on the kitchen counter at bedtime. Eating is more important than cleaning.
• I resolve NOT to feel bad when new lines appear on my aging face and new bulges appear . . . you know where. Some things in life are inevitable.
• I resolve NOT to fret when friends and customers find my house in a mess. I’m helping them feel better about their own places.
• I resolve NOT to try to keep my studio neat and tidy. Creativity does often arise out of chaos . . . if you can stand the chaos.
• I resolve NOT to iron my mother’s clothes when she tells me I let them get too wrinkled. I’ll just run them through the laundry again.
• I resolve NOT to feel bad when we run out of bread. Someone else could have gone to the store, too.

These NOT resolutions could go on, but you’re probably getting the idea. Why don’t you try a few of your own. Go ahead. Take a little pressure off. It could make for a happier 2010!