Read More Gramma Wisdom Written by Susan Good @ Gramma Good

I want all of us grammas and our families to have an upbeat year that is family and goal-oriented. As we all know, that requires sticking with our efforts. I guarantee you

happiness. I am not saying it is not hard work, but as my husband tells this gramma, our children and our grandchildren, “Nothing good happens by accident.”

Here are a few of my do’s and don’ts for the new year. They aren’t hard to do … once you have made up your mind.

DO BE DISCIPLINED. That is the #1 key ingredient for a successful, exciting, loving and interesting upbeat 2014.

DON’T HAVE UNREALISTIC GOALS. You will put yourself into an emotional funk.

DO BE OPEN-MINDED. Choose an interest for yourself that you have been putting off and tackle it in the new year.

DON’T DO THE SAME THING OVER AND OVER AGAIN.  That bores you.

DO SHARE INSIGHTS. Sharing your thoughts with others you admire. That will expand your horizons.

DON’T LIVE INSIDE THE BOX.  Boring. Boring. Boring.

DO KEEP YOUR LOVING RELATIONSHIP ALIVE. Relationships are like gardens. They need to be watered.  Take the time to nurture your relationship with your husband or significant other.

DON’T FORGET YOUR PARTNER. That is your best friend.

DO FOCUS ON YOUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN. Sunday night dinners! E-mails, texts, phone calls!  Send keepsake gifts from gramma or mom through the mail.

DON’T USE EXCUSES.

DO FOCUS ON YOUR PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH. It takes real discipline but this is another #1 key to happiness in the new year.

DON’T SAY “I WILL START TOMORROW.” Procrastinating won’t get you anywhere! “I will start tomorrow” is the hardest part for all of us. This is what I have found. Once I force myself into the groove for a week, I get stimulated which creates discipline and happiness.

DO Something GOOD Today: Stick with the do’s and stay away from the don’ts!