Resolutions

As another New Year approaches, there is talk of Resolutions. Now it seems to me that there are two kinds of people: those who make Resolutions, and those who don’t.

The folks who don’t make resolutions seem somehow content with the way things are. They don’t want to shake things up, or try to invent a better mousetrap. They see the steady course of daily life as manageable, and they enjoy predictability and routine. These people are happy with themselves and happy with the status quo. They may be oblivious to many of the ills and hardships of the world, but they are blissful in their ignorance. I don’t know what that is like, but I envy them their comfort; their lives must be simpler and less stressful than mine.

The definition of the word “resolve” includes: settle, sort out, solve, find a solution, fix, straighten out, deal with, put right, rectify, determine a course of action, and decide. Those of us who make Resolutions are determined to take a course of action for change.

I have always made New Year’s Resolutions. Read More. Lose Weight. Exercise. Complain Less. Travel. Forgive. Reorganize. Learn. Take Chances. It seems that I have always wanted to improve the original version of ME. Each year taking stock of my shortcomings and trying to upgrade the software and the hardware has been part of my routine.

The commitment with which we resolve to change is important. It is optimistic, and fundamentally essential to our growth mentally and spiritually. We, as a species, do need to improve. We need to better understand where we live and how we live. We need to work toward  the resolution of differences. We  need to welcome the kind of changes that make the Planet better for every living being. All this has to start somewhere. Why not with me? Or with You?

I love the people who make New Year’s Resolutions. They are passionate, thoughtful, courageous, and caring. They are outraged, committed, and not satisfied until they have tried their best to fix something.

Albert Camus said: “Not to decide, is to Decide.” Think about it.

Author: barbarabeardsley

Writing is essential for me. My work helps me through so much of Life, and brings me joy and creative fulfillment. I hope you will enjoy reading my stories, essays, and poems. View all posts by barbarabeardsley