As we sit here, the first week of a new year, everyone is talking about resolutions. Many people make them, some even keep them for a little while. Everything from losing weight to eating right, to having a better attitude: I would venture a guess and say that each of us has made some sort of New Year’s resolution in the past.
What is a resolution? I mean, what are they, really? Resolutions are simply a series of promises (mostly empty) that we make (usually to ourselves) to make ourselves feel better about where we have been and where we are coming from.
Every year, at the end of December, we make this long list of things we will stop doing, that we will start doing, that we will do more of, and that we will do less of. For most of us, those promises last through the first week of January, if we are lucky. Then, we fall back into our old routine, returning to our old habits with more promises, like, “I’ll do better next year,” or “Well, there is always next year.” What a waste!
Wait? Did I just say resolutions are a waste? Well, yes and no. Resolutions can be a great thing, IF they are done for the right reasons. On the same token, if you are simply making a resolution because “everybody is doing it,” do not. If the change is not something you are truly committed to, you will not stick with it, and therefore it will be a waste of your time, money, and effort.
So, what are some resolutions I think are worth it? Well, like I said, any resolution you make for the betterment of yourself, that truly holds meaning to you and that is one you will stick with, is worth it. Here are some ideas, if you want to try a few different resolutions: Instead of presents, be present: Yes, I know we just left the time of the year most centered on gift giving. But it you resolve to be present in your family’s lives, the presents will not be that important. (It will also lessen the sting should there ever be a time when monetary gifts are not readily available.) Which child, standing at their parent’s grave, has ever asked for more “stuff?” None, because, at that point in our lives, all we want is more time. Just one more day.
Be kind: yep, I went there. We have become a population who cares more about making sure that no one offends us, even to the point that we do not care if we offend others. Just because you disagree with someone’s views or opinions, that does not give you a right to belittle, bemoan, and put down those who think, believe or act differently. There is a phrase that we need to bring back into practice, “agree to disagree.” It is just fine to disagree with people. Sometimes, we must simply agree to disagree, and go about our merry way. Far too often, we see people who disagree taking their argument to new heights, sometimes even to the point of bullying or belittling a person to the brink of disaster. For what? Simply to prove a point? It must stop!
I know, I know, this was probably slightly deeper than most wanted to go first thing in the New Year, but it must be said. If we all resolve to do the little things, the simple things, then maybe we can be better off.