Sprucing up your New Year’s resolution

In January, we discussed the importance of finding new opportunities and setting new year resolutions. Exploring these new experiences can be difficult and maybe create some stress, as you are stepping out of your comfort zone to face new challenges. Creating new opportunities for ourselves can be a somewhat daunting task, even when given prime chances for growth.

As we began the year, I reminded you to seek new opportunities and make it a resolution to possibly try one of the many programs that the Valencia County Cooperative Extension Service is hosting. These programs can provide new skills and education in a variety of areas.

I know I have met new people in our community over the last two months. I have enjoyed meeting everyone so far and cannot wait to meet more members of the community throughout the year!

I would like to pose a question: How many of you have abandoned your New Year’s resolution? According to the Metropolitan State University of Denver, only about 9 percent of people will keep their New Year’s resolutions. That means more than 91 percent of us will not achieve these goals.

Some will say it is because our resolution was too vague or maybe too big to achieve. Research done by the Dibble Institute says that most goals are not achieved, as often we do not have a “why” as to how we made the goal or resolution.

It is extremely important to have a clear and concise “why” for setting goals and resolutions. Knowing why you are doing something helps to provide a bigger picture for the vision of your goal or resolution. On average, we make 1,500 decisions every day. Having a clear picture of why we are doing something will assist in making a few of those decisions a little easier.

Our whys influence what we think, feel and do. They help us make good decisions to accomplish the objective we sought out at the beginning of the year. Whys can create positive thoughts and be long-term motivators to reflect on, which help renew and keep us engaged in reaching those new year resolutions. When you can identify the why, you are bringing a reason to your action.

As we enter the month of March, spring is about to arrive. We may find ourselves sprucing up outside, preparing our yards and gardens or exercising outdoors. We even might join in with spring cleaning our houses. Why not take the opportunity and spruce up our resolutions, too?

Take time to contemplate what your new year resolution was about, re-visit it and find your “why.” Once you have your why, you will need to put in place some SMART goals to help keep you on track to reach your goal(s). SMART is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-based.

When you define these parameters of the SMART goals and apply them to your resolution, it becomes more attainable with set time frames as you work your way through at your own pace.

When you are starting to spruce up those resolutions or even your yard and home, think of us here at the Valencia County Cooperative Extension Office. Please check out our resources, classes, and programs in agriculture, family and consumer science and nutrition education that are available to the community.

Program announcements

To register for an upcoming program, call the Valencia County Cooperative Extension Service at 505-565-3002. For more information, visit valenciaextension.nmsu.edu.

• Agriculture School Enrichment Programs: Spring and summer programs related to the science of agriculture are offered to elementary and middle school-aged students. Contact Sierra Cain for program offerings and scheduling at sierragh@nmsu.edu or 505-565-3002.

• Extension Get Fit: Began on March 4 and continues for six weeks every Tuesday and Thursday at the Belen Community Center. Extension Get Fit is a community-based strength and balance training program. Based on the latest research, the program is designed to improve balance, strength and flexibility. Classes are free. For questions or to register, call the Valencia County CES Office at 505-565-3002.

• Spring Break Fun for Kids: Jewelry Making. Join in from 10 a.m. to noon, Monday, March 17, at the Rio Communities Maker Center, 360 Rio Communities Blvd., to create some earrings and a keychain. Open to all youth ages 18 years and under. This free workshop has limited space and advanced registration is required by calling 505-565-3002.

• Spring Break Fun for Kids: Join in from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Tuesday, March 18, at the Valencia County CES Office. Participants will get to create a springtime craft and delicious cookies. Must be 8 years or older to participate; enrollment in 4-H is not required for class. This free workshop has limited space. Call 505-565-3002.

• ICAN Nutrition Class Series: These hands-on classes focus on cooking skills, food safety, and managing resources. Locations: Family Resource Center, 428 Los Lentes Road SE, Los Lunas, from 4:30-6 p.m., Wednesdays, March 19 and 26. Online Zoom from 2-3 p.m.,every Thursday. Call the office at 505-565-3002 for more details about the Zoom classes.

• Ask a Master Gardener Table: Ask a Master Gardener tables will be coming soon to the farmers markets and local businesses with spring plants! Ask questions about your home garden, insects, or get connected with the Extension Office. Schedule coming soon. Contact Sierra Cain for more information at 505-565-3002.

• Large Animal Emergency Rescue Training: From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday April 8, at the Socorro County Fairgrounds. Participants will get a hands-on learning experience and will train on the application of large animal rescue equipment such as slings, rescue harnesses, glides, and learn how to build a simple enclosure for containment. For more information, contact Kevin Padilla at 575-339-5040.

If you are an individual with a disability who requires auxiliary aid or service to participate in a program, please contact the Valencia County Cooperative.

(Crystal L. Garcia-Anaya is the FCS/4-H Youth Development agent with New Mexico State University, Valencia County Cooperative Extension Service.)