By Donna Ralph

This is the time of year when I take a moment or two to reflect on the past year and try to assess whether or not I've achieved my New Year's resolutions from a year ago. Again, I'm disappointed by the fact that the answer is pretty much "NO." I realize my resolutions haven't changed much in the past 15 years. I didn't lose the weight, go back to school, change careers, take a vacation, save money, or visit old friends. Where did the time go?

This question of time is something I'm acutely aware of as I get older. In the day-to-day hustle and bustle of work, more work, family stuff, house stuff, and more work stuff, I realize the time is just slipping away, and I need to make a concentrated effort to MAKE the time for those things I want to do.

I also realize that some of those resolutions aren't going to happen and maybe I should become a little more realistic in my goals. Maybe I should try to make a difference in somebody's life? Maybe there is something I can do to make the world just a teeny-tiny bit better for my having been here, rather than just taking up space?

I think this year I will make a different list of New Year's resolutions. Rather than focus on how I can improve ME, I will focus on one or two little things I can do to contribute something to my community and this planet I share it with. I've come up with a few ideas:

• I will plant a tree.
• I will recycle.
• I will volunteer my time helping others.
• I will enjoy the beautiful weather we have, and the awesome beauty that surrounds me, here where I live.
• I will listen more instead of talking so much.
• I will take some time to truly appreciate what I have, instead of dwell on what I don't have.
• I will make the time to spend time with the people that matter so much to me.

And how are you going to change the world in 2007?