You don't have to look any further than those California state promotional TV commercials to understand that we're different. Los Angeles residents specifically, are perhaps more pronounced in marching to the beat of our own drummers. It stands to reason that even our New Years resolutions would be unique to our unusual car, sunshine, beach and celebrity culture. What follows are some truly Los Angeles New Years resolutions, to get your year started right.
- Opt against ‘rock star parking’: Try parking a few blocks from your destination. Walk whenever possible to stretch those legs and get some exercise. You might actually enjoy it.
- Take your dog on more walks: Dogs love fresh air and nature walks like this guided doggy trek through LA's East Side.
- Just say no to reckless driving: Lots of people in LA do it. But that doesn’t make road rage or texting and phoning while driving a good thing.
- Support independent local businesses: Mom n' pop operations like LA bookstores (which often have to do battle with the online giants) need your help.
- Explore the grandeur of LA: Get outside of your neighborhood more often. It’s easy to get stuck in your community with the excuse that you hate driving. How will you ever get to know LA if you don’t get out there?
- Appreciate LA's beaches and canyons: If you live by the beach or in the flats, explore some of the great hiking trails in hillside LA neighborhoods. If you live in the hills or the flats, don’t forget to take advantage of LA’s great beaches.
- Wash your car more often: Whether you do this at the car wash or by hand, this is a great weekend activity. You’ll feel better. Clean car; clean soul, so to speak.
- Coffee and conversation: So often, as busy LA folks, we’re in a rush to get to our next destination. Say 'hello' to someone the next time you're at your neighborhood coffee hub. Speeding off can make us miss opportunities to get to know our neighbors and some potential new friends.
- Eat healthy: This is a universal resolution, but in LA--with so many great salad spots and health food and vegan restaurants--there’s simply no excuse.
- Join a gym: In LA, the gym is more than just a place to work out. It’s a place to decompress and meet new people. Think of joining a health club for multiple reasons.
- Train for the LA Marathon: If you prefer wide open spaces to the gym, consider finally taking that plunge and training for the LA Marathon. It takes devotion, strength and a routine, but it's worth it, say die-hard marathon devotees.
- Quit smoking (if applicable): Living in LA, we breathe in enough car fumes on a daily basis as is. Don’t make matters worse; make this the year to ween yourself off cigarettes.
- Take in a homeless pet: There are tons of dogs and cats in the LA pounds and shelters that need happy homes.
- Take more road trips: California is beautiful and its seaside Highway 1 is one of the best features of living here. The next time you need to decompress, plan a short nearby getaway by the sea.
- Go fresh and organic: Make a resolution to explore the great farmers markets of Los Angeles.
- Tap into your inner gardener: LA is a great place to grow all sorts of herbs, fruits and vegetables like oranges, tomatoes and basil.
- Learn something new: Whether you're young or more mature in years, it's never too late to take a class and learn something new.
- Conserve water: It’s the law because we’re going through a water shortage. But it also feels good to be civic-minded and eco-conscious.
