New Years' resolutions are a waste of time in my opinion. I'm not going to set myself up for failure yet again by making false promises that I know at some point in time I won't keep. So why bother? Instead, I think it's better to focus on the positives in life.

There are many discussions on positive affirmations. While I'm no expert on the subject, I've finally realized that my way of enforcing positive affirmations is to take a long look at myself and then say, "What do I like about myself?" I know the list is long when it comes to what I don't like, so I'm going to turn my focus on what I do like.

I'm an intelligent woman that loves to cook. While unemployed for 18 months (became employed in December, even if it is part time, I'll take it ), and I had sooo much time on my hands, I watched every cooking show I could. I decided to explore my "inner chef" and lo and behold, there I am a chef. Right now I was about to write, "I'm not of the caliber of a Bobby Flay or Rachael Ray" and I stopped myself and said, "What are you doing?" I am the caliber of chef that I want to be. And, I've finally accepted the fact that, hey, I'm a darn good cook. People would tell me so, but I would simply say, "No, I'm not"....not anymore!

It's funny, sometimes hubby gives me cause to question my intelligence. You have to understand that hubby's very analytical (and you know what the first four letters of analytical spells ). Need I say more? Now when hubby questions or challenges something I say, I pause before reacting. Yes, I am smart! It drives hubby crazy, especially when I have an idea that, more often than not, is way better and more efficient than his. I'm convinced that some (not all) men are missing the "I really should listen to my wife more often" gene. But, alas, what can we do? I remind myself that I'm not some loon that doesn't know what she's talking about, so there!

I'm also a good listener (or sounding board as some call it). When asked for advice, I try to put a new perspective on the subject, instead of simply taking the easy way out by telling a person what they think they want to hear. I give a great deal of thought to what I think would be sage advice. And, I don't get insulted if the advice isn't taken, that's not my goal. My goal is to give "food for thought" (no pun intended ) to the person I'm listening to. Nothing more, nothing less.

So I will spend my efforts in 2011 remembering the good things about myself and building those strengths. This will be my New Year For Positive Affirmations.