Well it is that time of year again – a time when we traditionally write down a list of resolutions that are designed to make us better people in the new year or, at least, make the year itself better than the one we just lived.
I have always liked the process of writing new year’s resolutions. I see it as an act of hope – an optimistic commitment to the idea of that I remain in control of my life and that the coming of a new year gives me the chance to not only reflect on what kind of life I want to live, but to also do something about it.
However, sometimes these resolutions can seem to hang over you in judgment and become a list of things that you have failed to do; a symbol of your failure to live up to your ideal self. In order to avoid this depressing side-effect, my resolutions last year were simply a list of ten things that I wanted to do with my year – things that would make it more fun and more worthwhile. I think it included practicing more yoga, learning to swing dance, volunteering somewhere worthwhile, and getting more involved in Australian politics. The results have been mixed. I have at least attempted most of the things on my list, but some of them (like swing dancing) did fall by the wayside rather quickly.
This year I am not sure what to do. I am slowly embracing the idea that I will have very little control over my life in the coming year as a new little person enters our world and interrupts everything. This, of course, seems to run counter to the very purpose of new year’s resolutions, which are all about claiming control. So I probably shouldn’t be making any resolutions this year. But the thing is; I am quite attached to the process. So maybe this year I will simply make them all hopes, as in: I hope to get some sleep, I hope to find time to blog, I hope to at least live in nice pyjamas…
How about you? What do you think about new year’s resolutions and, if you are making them this year, why don’t you share some of them with us?
I have no problem with New Year Resolutions, but I never do them. I always have vague plans for the year but if I don’t make them I can’t break them.
I’m moving the the US in two weeks so the only ‘resolutions’ I have is to try and learn Spanish, find a job at some point, eat my body weight in Mexican food and be happy.
Resolutions? Only two, read more books and eat more fruit and vegetables…….starting tomorrow and not necessarily at the same time.
My New Year’s resolutions are to: make some resolutions this year, do at least some of the things I plan to do, spend more time enjoying the kids and less doing housework, and updating my blog more often.
New Year’s resolutions are always problematic, swept away as they often are by emerging demands and, let’s face it, our human incapacity to be consistently resolute across many competing and seemingly worthwhile fronts.
That’s why my New Year’s resolution now doesn’t change much from year to year, and can be described as a kind of meta-resolution: do more of what I consider worthwhile, less of what I consider not worthwhile, and spend more time reflecting on what ‘worthwhile’ means. Read more books? – tick. Comment on blogs in the middle of the night because I find myself awake – hmmm, not sure about that one, but at least tomorrow’s a holiday.
The same with us. I’ve been told from reliable sources that is quite wonderful for both parents and I’m looking forward to the experience.
Personally, resolutions wise is to gain some control over my girth, get back in academic study, win at least one game this cricket season and cheer the mighty Eels onto the 2007 Premiership.
I like the fact that you are embracing a lack of control and resolving to cheer the Eels into the Premiership – great combination!