January 2, 2014

The University of Scranton Journal of Clinical Psychology says that 45 percent of Americans make some sort of New Year’s resolution. Of those, there is an 8 percent success rate. Maybe that’s why Hot Spring County residents are making sensible resolutions, like Willie Bryant. “So many people make a resolution one day, then the next day they break it,” he explained. His resolution for 2014 plays off his own personality. “I’m a friendly person, so my resolution will be to make friends everywhere I go and to try to make 2014 just a little better than 2013,” he said.
Sharon Walters said she resolves to make the best and most of every day and to help people every day, too. The Journal of Clinical Psychology notes that Walters’ resolution to help people is the eighth most popular goal for 2014.
The 10th most popular resolution for 2014 is to spend more time with family. Natasha Murrell reflected this desire in her resolution to travel more to see her seven grandchildren. She recently drove 3,500 miles to see them. “It was a day-and-a-half there, then a day-and-a-half back. I only had a day-and-a-half to spend with them, but it was all worth it,” she said.

Gail Johnson has decided to stop smoking in 2014. The resolution to quit smoking ranks seventh on the top 10 list of resolutions for 2014.
Bobby Elmore resolved to be healthier in the coming year. Staying fit and healthy ranks fifth among 2014 resolutions, according to the Scranton study.
David Lewis’ resolution is to “stay in church and living for the Lord,” he said. Nancy Cuellar’s resolution is to stay sober.
Philip Hunt’s resolution is to watch for roadblocks. Floyd Hall said he resolves to to stay off the streets and avoid hot rod drivers. Ray Bailey resolved to spend the New Year’s holiday at home, off the roads.
Cynthia “LuLu” Luke said she plans to flatten her stomach and get in a two-piece bathing suit and have a 36-24-36 fine body in a wheelchair.
The study shows weight loss to be the number one resolution, followed by getting organized, spending less/saving more, enjoying life to the fullest, staying fit and healthy, learning something exciting, quit smoking, help others, fall in love and spend more time with family.