Don't go down the bitter highway. Release all of your baggage from the previous year by blogging or journaling. If you're dear to the old school like I am, grab a decorative notebook and write your thoughts freestyle every day. Don't worry about grammar or spelling. This journal is for you. For the tech kings, create a personal blog.
2. No More Drama
Must gay and drama go hand-in-hand? This New Year, gays around the world are making a pact to eliminate the nasty rumors, lost friendships and petty arguments that spice up our everyday lives. Try a new approach for the New Year: forgiveness. A more peaceful life can lead to better health by releasing any internalized anger and resentment. Give others room to make mistakes and trust in the positive aspects of your relationships.
3. Mentor LGBT Youth
Why let your life lessons go to waste when you can help guide a young LGBT adult? There are more out pop culture figures than ever, but nothing beats an in-person role model. Career guidance to life coaching, there are many ways you can help LGBT youth. Start by volunteering for a youth group at your local gay community center.
4. Fight for Gay Rights
Even if you're not the flag waving type, there is still an opportunity to help further gay equality. Here are 10 ways you can support gay rights.
5. Get Tested
The anxiety of getting an HIV test and the fear of a life-changing result is overwhelming, but the freedom that comes along with knowing your status is worth the tension. Why leave your health up to chance? Understand HIV/AIDS and read the top reasons to get an HIV test.
6. Come Out to Yourself
Coming out is a process that unfolds at your own pace. This may be the year for you to be free! The first step to understanding your sexuality is self-reflection. Don't skip this important step on your way out of the closet. Get to know yourself this New Year and create the life you desire. Follow these steps to coming out.
7. Shed Bad Influences
Bad influences come in many forms: drug and alcohol addiction, sex addiction or even that cute guy who tells you he can't have sex while wearing a condom. You don't have to be a victim. Besides, doing drugs and barebacking is so last year! Create a brand new you in a brand new year by kicking an old habit and knowing your boundaries. Recognize your own addictions and test your safe sex practices.
8. Actually Workout at the Gym
While some vow they will finally get a gym membership this upcoming year, other veteran gym bunnies resolve that they will actually work out at the gym instead of cruising boys and talking to their friends. Lift a bar bell or two and work on that V. Just make sure you do it for you and not because you want to join the parade of shirtless guys at the club. Also, read about gay men and Body Dysmorphic Disorder.
9. Volunteer
Volunteering is not only fun; it's an opportunity for you to give back to something greater than yourself. You can also meet other gay people with similar interests. There are many gay organizations that need your help.
You don't need a special talent to volunteer, just your dedication. Call your local gay community center and offer your assistance with some of their programs. Or choose a gay organization that best fits your interests.
10. Stop Smoking
Do you know, back in my smoking days I couldn't even dance without a cigarette in hand? Somehow I thought the weight of the stick was essential to certain moves. This silly excuse is one of many smokers give to justify their drag addiction (cigarette drag, that is). But, did you know gay men are at higher risk for lung cancer? This year, break the habit, reduce your smoky laundry bill and try that dance spin without a fag (cigarette, that is).
Some of these I am already doing, some I need to do, and some I want to do more of. The fact is, the number one thing on my list of New Year's Resolutions is to finish my dissertation, defend it, and graduate with my PhD. I swear this will be the year.
Great resolutions. Wish you all the best for this new year.
ReplyDeleteThanks for writing out my resolutions for me...you've freed up quite a bit of time for me this weekend. ;)
ReplyDeleteGREAT!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks again, JoeBlow...Have fun in New Orleans...
Joe: Finishing up your PhD in 2012 should be your priority -- you can do it. The rest of your resolutions will be easy by comparison.
ReplyDeleteCoop -- Give the cigars to someone else, or throw them in the garbage. They are poison. Perhaps not as bad as cigarettes, but still noxious.
ReplyDeleteI bought my present home 20 years ago. All of my immediate neighbors (except for one) were smokers. Average age about 47. They are ALL DEAD now of cancer, emphysema or heart disease, except for the one who quit smoking 15 years ago, and the one who never smoked.