As 2010 begins, I remind myself of this. While unanticipated forks in the road (think economic downturns, natural disasters, divorce, etc...) are inevitable and often affect the route, it is ultimately our everyday routine choices that determine the direction our lives take.

Every January, I sit back to reflect and set course. I ask myself, “What do I want this year? Why do I want it? What must I do, and alternately refrain from doing, to get/have it?”

I remind myself daily of the Law of Displacement, which says that two things cannot occupy the same space at the same time.  In practical terms that boils down to assessing where and how I spend my time/energy as I can’t be in two places at the same time.  I must say “no” to time zappers that do not support my values and make time for things, like volunteering, that I believe will help make my world and life better. 

Through the years, I’ve learned to eliminate the “perfectionism trap” by asking myself if the payoff warrants the amount of effort I am investing in a given project.  And, as I go through my day, I often ask myself if there is a simpler way to do what I am presently doing.  

I’ve learned to take risks because they often create opportunities. Even small risks, like starting a conversation with a stranger, can change one’s life. 

Setting Goals

This year, there are two goals that I am focusing on: 1. To join a hiking or walking club so that I can increase my exercise quotient and get even more in tune with nature. 2. To expand my small space organic container gardening efforts from 4 plants (tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, basil) to 6 (tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, basil, lettuce, beets and potatoes). As a renter, I have major limitations in regards to gardening space but I never let it hold me back. I plan to tap into the wisdom of local experts and find a way to make it work!          

What do you have in mind for yourself in 2010? Do you want to eat fewer processed foods, learn to grow organic vegetables in your own backyard, or possibly embrace a simpler lifestyle?  Are you willing to do what it takes to accomplish this goal? Are you willing to give up or change the things that are in the way?  Can you turn off that “autopilot” zone where so many of us operate in order to see your world in a new light?

Don’t forget Mother Earth

Whatever your goals may be, I hope that you will find a place in that plan for Mother Earth.  On “Grey’s Anatomy”, Meredith begs the love of her life to “Pick me! Choose me!  Love me!” over another woman.  I believe Mother Earth is shouting a similar request. For a very long time now, she has done her best to support and protect us.  We now owe her something in return.

What daily actions are you taking to help make the world a better, safer, less toxic place? Do you recycle? Repair versus replace that broken kitchen appliance? Embrace your local library instead of adding to your own private collection of books, CDs and DVDs? Use less toxic cleaning products in your home? Eat less meat or none at all? Keep abreast of new socially-significant words like green washing and precycle?

It’s easy to get overwhelmed and simply stop short in your tracks before making any progress toward reaching your goals. But by working together and giving it our best, I’m optimistic that we can live a good life and help our Mother Earth at the same time.

As a green kitchen economist, I’m always looking for ways to lighten my carbon footprint, embrace simplicity, save money and protect the animals. Mostly, I do this through one room in my home – the kitchen.

I hope that you will stay connected via future columns in A Fresh Squeeze where I will share a sprinkling of kitchen wisdom, a handful of simple recipes for those who love to eat well but want out of the kitchen fast and a pinch of inspiration.  If I can do it, anyone can!  Until next time…Laura