Most wait for the New Year before starting their resolution list, but not me. I’m not waiting a minute longer to start on the “better me.”

It’s the same me – only a healthier, skinnier, able to walk to the courthouse and up the stairs without feeling like I’m going to die, more organized and put together me. A me that’s focused on providing the best life for not only my family, but also for the physical me.

We’ve all had those moments of realization that we’re not as spry as we once were – maybe the knees pop or the hip catches.

I came to this realization after opening my hometown newspaper and reading the obituaries. There’s nothing like the feeling of your own mortality hitting you in the solar plexus as when it clicks that you knew the person behind the printed obituaries.

I know that it’s not going to be an easy task, because, oftentimes, the demands life gets in the way of working on a better me. There’s work, ball practice (softball is coming up, Heaven help me) and supper to put on the table. It makes it difficult to fit it all in, but I’m going to do. I’m taking my boss’ approach and outing myself in the newspaper. So, here’s my plan:

• Start running. Take note of my previous statement about not being able to handle the four-block walk to the courthouse and up the stairs without my chest feeling like it was going to explode.

Tuesday morning, I made my first go – a half-mile walk/jog through the neighborhood. I put the girls on the bus, grabbed my iPod and out the door I went. I followed the conditioning instructions I found on the Internet, and when it was done, I felt good. I was even 10 minutes early to work because I had so much energy. (Side note: I am now taking suggestions for iPod selections. No Enya please. Post them as comments to this column on The Star-News website for all to share.)

• Get organized. I’m ordering a new planner – one that allows me to combine all my lists. If you’re not a planner-user, try it. You’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish.

• Quit procrastinating. I’m going to live by the adage, “Don’t put off until tomorrow what can be done today” – specifically when it comes to making doctor’s appointments, balancing my checkbook, cleaning out the gutters and all those other unpleasant chores in life.

• Lead and learn by example. This one is a big one for me. I’ve watched others make the conscious decision to bettering themselves, and it’s motivated me. I want to teach my children to be a “better me,” and hopefully, inspire just one person to take the initiative and know they’re not alone in the quest to live a better life.