By DEANNA M. SMITH / Guest Columnist

If you’re like me and you are already wondering what happened to those New Year’s resolutions, I urge you — don’t give up hope yet. Montevallo is a great place for fresh starts, so even if it isn’t Jan. 1, 2 or even 3, look no further for inspiration.

Here are some top New Year’s resolutions, “Montevallo style:”

-Exercise more: Take a stroll around Montevallo. Every day, progress is being made to improve our downtown. Make sure to enjoy the newly renovated Promenade from UM’s Palmer Hall to Main Street. In the future, this will continue to Orr Park.

-Save money: There’s no better scenery for a brown-bag lunch than the University Lake. Thanks to Shelby County and the Community Foundation, there are new picnic areas and restrooms. In the right season, you could catch a glimpse of a family with baby ducklings.

-Practice work-life balance: Find a hobby right here in Montevallo. Maybe you’ve always wanted to play piano — you’re never too old and (almost) never too young for the Community School of Music at the university.

-Continue your education or find your passion: Enroll in classes at the university — from a captivating history class with Dr. Hultquist to sharpening your computer skills in the Stephens College of Business. Not ready for the classroom? Maybe you can find your passion on the sidelines. Put on some purple and gold and do the seventh-inning stretch or watch the Falcons dunk while getting a chance to be on TV. Mark your calendars for Feb. 16, for a CBS-televised basketball game right here at the University’s BankTrust Arena.

-Manage your stress: Take time to relax. See a show produced in the university’s theater department or by the Montevallo Main Street Players. Visit one of the art galleries in town, including student, faculty and visiting artists’ shows in The Gallery in Bloch Hall. Catch a concert or recital with the many talented musicians who work and play here. Or head to the Wilkinson Student Life Center on the UM campus and de-stress over a cup of Starbucks coffee with a friend.

No matter the day, make today count in Montevallo. We look forward to seeing you!

DeAnna M. Smith is the vice president for business affairs and treasurer at the University of Montevallo.