At the beginning of each year, everyone makes themselves a promise that they vow to follow, which is called a “resolution.” Webster’s Dictionary defines a resolution as, “A course of action determined or decided on.” I define a resolution as something that is promised on January 1 – and usually broken on or before January 10.

I am proud to say that in past years, I have actually kept most of my resolutions. For 2006, I have made several resolutions, both professional and personal – and this year, I plan to stick to them more than ever before.

On the personal front, I have vowed to stop smoking, which I feel is the easiest of the resolutions I have made, considering I only started a few months ago. If anyone else that is reading this is a smoker, I wholeheartedly encourage you to join me in this very healthy endeavor. Smoking is nothing but a way to poison your body. Whatever the reason was that you started, your reason to stop should be the same as mine – to improve your health and extend your life. So, are you with me?

Another personal resolution I have made for 2006 is to eat healthier and lose some weight. I plan to change my diet from fast food to good food, and from Big Macs to small salads. That alteration, along with exercise, will reduce the basketball that I have been carrying around in my stomach. I am not saying that I want to become the next Mr. America, but I also do not want to be the next Pillsbury Doughboy.

Professionally, I plan to continue to do what I have been doing since October 10 of last year when I walked into the Herald’s offices for the first time – make this paper all it can be, meet as many people in the Five Towns and Atlantic Beach as possible, attend as many meetings and events as I can, and give all of you something to look forward every week when you pick up your copy of the Herald.

Whatever your New Year’s resolutions are, I hope that you keep them. Sometimes, keeping a resolution is easy, and sometimes – it takes a lot of inner strength. If you are having trouble keeping yours, here’s a tip: look to someone who has either kept the same resolution in the past, or is trying to keep it now, and turn to them for support. For example, if anyone reading this is trying to quit smoking, or would like to quit with me, contact me and I will do whatever I can to help.

If you do not have a New Year’s resolution yet, it is not too late. Might I suggest something that will improve your life in some way. Anything people can do to make themselves or their journey through life better is something I recommend. But whatever it is that you choose, make sure it is something you are willing to keep – because the worst New Year’s resolutions are the ones that cannot be followed through.

Good luck, and Happy New Year.