I’m a big fan of New Year’s resolutions.  Sure, most of us never really give them a shot; often they’re broken before the ink is dry.  But what have we got to lose?

I have trouble planning for more than a year or two anyway.  I’m a realist and don’t want to tempt fate.  But one year at a time?  Perfect!

Like many of you, 2013 wasn’t my best year.  Although my hip replacement went off without a hitch, I relapsed again last fall.  But one thing to remember about multiple myeloma: until we run out of options, expect to experience a lot of ups and downs.  Therapies work, then they fail.  Then our doctors come up with a treatment that works again.  So why not plan for an “up” 2014?

In the spirit of the season, here are eight resolutions that myeloma survivors might consider making for 2014:

1) Be a better patient.  Make a special effort to be kind to the staff at the doctor’s office or cancer center. Be pleasant to the staff at the front desk when you check in.  Go out of your way to acknowledge the techs and nurses that serve us.  The doctors get all the credit and accolades.  But let’s not forget the hard-working support staff that helps keep us patched up and going.  Call if you need to miss an appointment.  Take your medications as scheduled.  Make a conscious effort to build a cohesive health care team.

2) Keep your eye on the prize: staying alive!  Myeloma researchers and doctors are charged with the unenviable task of mixing and matching therapies that help keep our cancer at bay.  Our job is to keep our body and minds as fit and healthy as possible – all to better withstand the unfortunate side effects that we’re forced to endure in order to stick around to make next year’s resolutions.

3) Eat right.  I know, I know.  This one tops most resolution lists – and is the first to be shattered during the New Year.  But can you think of a more important component to your overall health that you can control?  Think of it this way:  This is something I can control; something that I can do better.  And remember, it’s a marathon not a sprint!  You don’t have to be perfect, just make one healthier choice each day.

4) Exercise.  This is at least as important as eating well.  Keep moving!  We all need to do something active every day.  Every day!

5) Play mind games.  Studies show keeping our minds engaged help improve our memories and keep us sharp.  Truth be told, I’m not a puzzle guy.  But as you know, I write each and every day.  Pick a hobby that requires you to be actively engaged.  Learn a foreign language; then take a trip where you can practice it.  Keep a journal.  Try new recipes.  Volunteer at a school or shelter.  This reminds me…

6) Give back and help others.  We’ve been dealt a tough – some would argue unfair – hand.  Might as well make the best of it!  Did you know there are programs offering rides to medical appointments for cancer patients who can’t get around?  In most areas, the programs sputter due to lack of volunteers.  Can you still drive?  Help get a fellow patient who can’t out to treatment.  I enjoy chatting with other patients at my local cancer center.  Just taking the time to listen and letting them know you understand can help make someone’s day.  Try it!

7) Laugh and have fun!  Find time to do something you enjoy every day.  If you can, surround yourself with fun, positive people.

8) Push your comfort level a bit.  Even healthy people have a tendency to stick to the familiar.  Myeloma patients even more so.  Don’t fall into that trap!  I understand the need to stick close to a bathroom or avoid crowds.  Not comfortable traveling?  Start with a short day trip.  Visit friends or family.  Attend a local festival.  Try not to insulate yourself so much that you can’t appreciate the little things that make life worth living: a sunset, nature, people-watching.

Living with and writing about cancer isn’t always easy for me.  It can really bring me down if I’m not careful.  But it has been a liberating experience.  I have had a lot of practice switching from the serious to something fun – and then back again.  You can learn to do it, too!

We may not be able to prevent a seemingly never-ending list of disappointments that are part of being chronically ill.  But we can control what happens in between.  Getting out, exercising, and eating right are guaranteed to make it easier to feel good and keep smiling!