New Years Resolutions
Looking forward to a new year
Every year I make a New Years resolution. I’m guessing a lot of other people do too. Some years I’m going to lose weight, other years I’m going to exercise every day, still other years I’m going to spend less money on frivolous things. None of the goals I resolve to accomplish have ever come to fruition. Within just a few days of Jan 1st, my plans get derailed, mainly because I forget what I my aspirations are. I plan to lose weight but then I buy a pint of ice cream and eat the whole thing in one sitting. Right after the last spoonful of the delicious, creamy treat I remember my goal. I realize I’ve messed up, but I promise myself I’ll get back on track soon. Only problem is that I don’t, and by the end of the first week of the new year, my goal is forgotten and I go back to my regular habits.
Making resolutions date way back 4,000 years ago when the ancient Babylonians made promises to the gods to repay debts they owed or return objects they borrowed. If they followed through with their plans, the gods would look favorably on them and they’d have a good year. If not, they would fall out of favor with the gods which would lead to rough times.
Sometime around the year 46 B.C. the ancient Romans established January 1 as the first day of the year. They did this in honor of the god Janus, who was two-faced. His two faces signified looking both back at the previous year and also to the coming year. Every year Romans would offer sacrifices to Janus and make resolutions to do good throughout the year.
Resolution-making continue with the early Christians. They saw January 1st as a day to realize the error of their ways from the previous year and pledge to do better in the new year. In 1740, the English clergyman John Wesley, founder of Methodism, created the Covenant Renewal Service, most commonly held on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day. Also known as known as watch night services, they included readings from Scriptures and hymn singing, and served as a spiritual alternative to the raucous celebrations normally held to celebrate the coming of the new year.1
For the most part these days, people don’t make resolutions based in religion. Instead they are concerned about issues that will serve them personally - how they can improve themselves physically, emotionally, and financially. And depending on where you live, your method of making changes in the new year may be different. Here are some examples:
As the clock strikes 12 midnight, Colombians eat one grape and make a wish for each chime of the clock, so that they wind up with 12 wishes. Colombians might also put lentils in their pockets if they want a bountiful year. They might also write their wish down and carry it around all year, then burn it at year end and write a new one.
Italians have what are called buoni propositi, or “good intentions.” These are similar to resolutions. Italians will also eat black-eyed peas for good fortune or fatty pork which will lead to a fattened wallet. Some also believe their underwear choice (both style and colors) will bring good luck.
Lunar New Year, which starts on the first full moon between January 21 and February 20, is how the Chinese celebrate. Chinese people don’t state resolutions, they do things hoping their actions - such as using the color red or the number eight, and meeting with family for a reunion dinner - will result in good things for the new year.
Russians also make wishes, then write these on paper and burn them. Then they put the ashes in a glass of champagne which they may drink at midnight.
Food rituals play a part for many other people besides the Italians. Those folks in the southern part of the United States believe a dish called Hoppin’ John, made with black-eyed peas, will bring good luck for the new year if eaten on new years day.
Whether you make a wish or a resolution, the new year is a good time to take stock of life and to make some changes if you feel you need to. Struggling with formulating an idea for a change you can make? Check out this link - Good Houskeeping’s 65 Best New Years Resolutions for a Healthy, Happy Life. Suggestions in the list include creating a budget, practicing mindfulness, learning to love vegetables, spending more time outdoors, and getting more sleep. All of these suggestions are great, and many people will put one or more of these on their list. Even though millions of people have good intentions and make a resolution, according to History.com, only 8 percent are successful in achieving their goals.
The moral of this story?
My resolution for 2023 will be to look for something I’ve never seen or learn something I’ve never known on a daily basis. Some days I may be successful, others I won’t. As long as I stay engaged and active, I’ll consider it a win.
If you make a resolution or a wish for 2023, do your best to fulfill that resolution or make that wish come true. Even if you stumble a little (or a lot), you have a whole year to make any changes you hope for happen. Don’t beat yourself up if you slip a little. Another idea besides a resolution or wish - create your own New Years traditions - eat your favorite food with your family or friends, wear a color that make you look fabulous, or visit a place that makes you happy. Anything you do to make changes for the better will make 2023 a great year.
Just a few more things:
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This was sent to me by my friend Susan, check it out. Drug Expiration Dates-Do They Mean Anything?
Ever read the Farmers Almanac? Don’t even know what it is? It’s a publication that’s been around since 1792 making predictions about the weather. How accurate is it? Read this if you care to find out ❄️☀️☁️
The History of New Years Resolutions, https://www.history.com/news/the-history-of-new-years-resolutions