Launch new resolutions on Memorial Day

Launch new resolutions on Memorial Day

I know it's technically after the start of the new year and I'm a little late, but who says you can't make resolutions any time you feel moved to declare your new state of mind? Let's make life a little more interesting by choosing not to follow all the rules. With Memorial Day weekend just around the start of beach season and summer fun, I thought I would create some new beginnings for myself.

Here they are. They are short, simple and to the point.

One. Cook more.

Two. Go green.

Three. Be reliable.

Yes that's it. You might ask why?

To add a little color to these "resolutions" I've created for myself in this new year and for what it's worth, a new decade, I thought it would be succinct. Make them attainable. And don't make them about health, money or career. After all, there's more to life than that, right?

Cook.It's about my aspiration to be more than I already am. Be a provider. Create. To learn and share. I want to be good in the kitchen. For now, for me. But for later, for others. I think about it often. Be a good wife and be a good mother. I am neither in my current state, but one day I hope to be both. For me, cooking is a way to learn, experiment, socialize, relax, meditate and create. So far I have found it to be one of the most rewarding and enjoyable additions to my life this year. So there. I want to cook. More.

Go green.Kind of a cliché in this mundane state. But I admit, I think about it a lot. About the little things I can do to make a difference. Even if they are small, I want to do good. To make this world a better place. I don't practice medicine, I don't teach, and I definitely don't love nearly as much as I should, but the only thing I can do is drink my daily coffee from a glass mug and avoid paper and plastic. We all have our places in life and for me that's easy. I vowed to never use plastic at work again. I eat my oatmeal from a glass bowl, fill my glass mug with coffee or tea, and use my reusable plastic cup to drink water. This is my definition of going green. I'll think of even more meaningful ways to do better things over time. But for today, this is my simple attempt to be a better person.

Depend.It's something we all wish we could do to our friends, family, and loved ones. I firmly believe that living in New York automatically makes us less reliable. We are the queens and kings of canceling plans and always looking for a better option to go along with. So for my new year I want to be one thing for all people. Whether it is a colleague, friend, lover or family member. I want everyone who knows me to know that they can count on me. Doesn't matter. What. The goal here is simple. Under-promise and over-deliver. You H. I can do this. Being reliable is one of the strongest qualities that I believe any person can possess in our world today and that is what I strive to be…. reliable. Note to self: If you say you're going to do something, do it. If you promise to bring something, bring it. When you tell someone something you mean, you mean it. If you borrow something, give it back. If you don't know how to do it, ask. If you know better than someone else, help.If you tell someone you will be there, be on time.

Sign off to be a better person,

– Renee

Renee Woodruff blogs about travel, food, and living life to the fullest at Shape.com. Follow her on Twitter.