Back when I was living in Brooklyn, and leading a much more viable, productive, social life than I am now, I used to steal a couple hours during the last few days of the year to sit down with myself and think about the upcoming year. Sometimes I'd do it over a coffee, sometimes over a really good glass of wine, pen in hand, my notebook just to the right. I'm a relentless and fairly hopeless self-improver. So every year I make shitloads of resolutions–big ones. The same ones, as a matter of fact, since I was about 20. Usually my list is something like:

Think less about myself (after making this list, anyway)

Think before speaking. Talk less. Listen more.

Write–for at least an hour–everyday

Volunteer

Eat only real food

Do astanga at least 5 days a week

Spend at least 5 hours a week on art

Be a better friend

Walk as much as possible

MAKE MORE MONEY

Curse less

Don't let the mail pile up

Floss morning and night

Laugh as much as possible

Basically the list of a slightly clownish bohemian Puritan.

A list that still appeals to me.

Only this year, I am scaling it back to one resolution: Eat Clean. No gluten, no sugar, no dairy; limited starch. No caffeine. And no booze–at least until the dissertation is done. Just lots of vibrant, straight-from-the-earth food. About 60% raw.

If my little experiment of a few weeks back was any indication, if I hew close to this plan, the other stuff will take care of itself: the motivation, the creativity, the self-respect, the social and ethical impulses.

I am trying to think of it not as "fixing myself," but as finding out how healthy I can get, and how functional my life can get. It is time for real change.

I hope that everyone here has a great 2013–full of health, joy, peace, love, and fulfillment. I am very grateful for my DT friends.