Notes on a self improvement project

When I was developing my goals, one of the things I tried to do was set goals that I felt I could actually accomplish AND keep doing so I really will be able to live a healthier and happier life, not only for today but for the rest of my life.  The first goal I set for myself was to help me start on a healthier lifestyle: to walk 20-30 minutes five days a week every week.   I believe this will help me become healthier now and will help me maintain a more active lifestyle as I get older.  Also, I believe walking will help me be more aware of my neighborhood and my neighbors, and more appreciative of my surroundings, and where I live now, nature. Thus far, I would have to say, I have been doing well with this goal.  I have two dogs who love to walk and sort of demand that we do this, and that helps.  If anyone ever follows this blog and has a similar goal, I would definitely advise adopting a dog or two and getting into a routine that includes a walk; they wil...

I don't think I'm a bad person.  In fact, I think I'm a fairly decent person.  I think I'm basically honest and responsible, kind and fair, smart and sometimes, even funny.  But I do think that there is always room for improvement.  There are ways to live a little healthier, to be more aware of others, to be a better friend.  As we get older, especially when you hit those landmark birthdays or you experience really life changing events, we become more aware of this.  At least, I  did.  Hence, my current self-improvement project. This isn't a radical experiment in which I try to change everything about myself, like what you might see in a movie or something.  I am fundamentally who I am, and trying to change that would be impossible.   Also, I basically like who I am.  So instead, I created a series of small goals, small adjustments that I think I can actually do.  Ultimately, taking these small steps will help me li...