JULIE, personal trainer and former athlete and coach: People ask what my New Year's resolution is. I tell them, my resolution is to not make any. In my brief time on the planet I can't count on one hand those people I know who have kept any. I don't mean to sound like a pessimist, but why do resolutions have to take place at the beginning of the year? Why not all year long?

The minute we tell ourselves we can't have something anymore, the worse we want it. No matter how we try and justify our reasons for change people will ultimately do what they want to do. Perhaps MODERATION is more the way to go rather than denying ourselves that dessert or that extra Heineken.

When I hear the word resolution instantly I think of food or drink or diet or more exercise. Why can't it be, compassion or consideration, how about volunteerism. These things don't pop into most psyches during the year; why would they in the New Year?

I have found if I don't make any resolutions I WILL make changes no matter what they may be in due time, when I am ready. And that is okay with me. If I wish each year that I can become a wiser more gentler and compassionate individual, this would be a good thing. Posted January 07, 2003 02:26 PM