5 Easy Resolutions

It's resolution time. Resolutions are big business for gyms, diet programs, self-help books.

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Here's one resolution: don't waste your money.

For 2011, let's embrace some simple, achievable resolutions which may actually do some good.

1: STOP HITTING THE "REPLY ALL" BUTTON ON EMAIL

The rest of us don't care what you have to say. It's not relevant. It doesn't help. I know some of you are trying to be funny with a witty riposte to the whole group. It's not working.

2: GIVE IT AWAY ONCE A WEEK

The guy on the corner you see every day? Give him a buck. Better yet, give him a bottle of water or a sandwich. Or your coat. Would it kill you?

3: STEP AWAY FROM THE BLACKBERRY

Spend one meal a day with your mobile device in the other room. It's only for 20 minutes. You'll live. Why don't you try having what we used to call "a conversation"—talk about healthcare or the Real Housewives or what's wrong with New York sports teams . ?

4: CURTAIL THE RIGHT TO BARE ARMS

Ladies, cover up your upper arms if you're over 40. You're not Michelle Obama. What is this obsession we have with unusual body parts? We went from a decade-long fixation with the midriff, leading to a human muffin top crisis, to now a nation up in arms over upper arms. (Some of my friends also suggest that women over a certain age should not have "crayon claws"—boldly painted fingernails, or those painted black—you're old enough to be a grandmother, for goodness sakes).

What impossible-to-maintain body part will we move onto next? A knee fetish? Earlobes?

5: DON'T WORRY, BE HAPPY

This one isn't so easy. There is much to worry about. There is also much to be grateful for—a free and funny country , Angry Birds , cheap boots at Old Navy , the Salvation Army and Godiva chocolates.

Try to resolve in 2011 to look on the bright side.

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