New Year's Resolutions and Societal Critiquing

With the New Year, and new decade, still freshly upon us were all reflecting on 2009 and the last decade.  I've read many articles outlining technological advancements, human rights victories and atrocities, and recounts of news highlights.  All this reflecting (some of which is really just media generated ideological crap) has me reflecting on how 2009 went for me and creating goals for 2010.  Many of these goals relate to material things like a new car and moving, however, there are things many of us should consider beyond material goals.  Yes, the recession has made many of us slide backwards financially, but in the end money does nothing for you when you're dead--its material.  My goals for 2010, materialism aside:

1.    Volunteer with at least three organizations, at least one in Vancouver.
2.    Attend at least three protest events relating to human rights and gay rights.
3.    Find three things to be happy about each day.
4.    Smile at and/or compliment three strangers each day.
5.    Eat healthier
6.    Eat a lot less meat

These goals aren't lofty, they're reasonably attainable and won't cost me anything, aside from buying healthier food.  I really want to build and continue to act upon my activist/advocate/social justice beliefs.  Being this is my last semester as an undergraduate student I'm now having to think of working full time and being a full time engaged, concerned, and actively involved citizen, a juggling act for many.  Upon graduation many students' social justice flame begins to flicker and is ultimately snuffed out by capitalism and materialism.  Were taught to be mindless, selfish, shit-purchasing sheep.

Ultimately we only have each other.  Money and possessions are secondary things which have the illusion of helping us live easier lives.  Yet there seems to be a never ending race to beat the Jones', to have the newest and best of everything.  Where have we gone wrong?  Again, none of this shit comes with us when we die.  In all reality our technology and goods have really damned us who can afford to purchase them and those who can't.  It's one big clusterfuck. We unconsciously exploit the third world for food and cheap labour so we can have one dollar hamburgers at McDonalds.

Another goal for 2010: don't go crazy with all the stupidity and injustices in the world, but rather make a positive difference.

I sincerely hope I don't become too jaded.