Tuesday, January 1, 2008

Fifty-two: Happy New Year

On the news today, it was all about resolutions. The New Year offers a symbolic clean slate, not that we couldn't start brand new habits in the middle of March, it's true we could. But there's something about the New Year, it's a common bond for all of us whether or not we go out like lemmings and drink till we puke the night before. We still reflect and then think ahead, maybe some of us make resolutions. I know there are those of you rolling your eyes at the thought of it, resolutions. Deep in my cynical self, I find the whole notion endearing, that we make it a habit to try to improve ourselves or part of our lives with a promise and sometimes with a plan of action. Statistics say that for the most part we, as a species, fail miserably year after year---there was no losing of those unwanted pounds, no bonding with our immediate family, the gym membership abandoned after January 13th, we remained shackled to our hateful jobs, our relationships stagnated, our fears dominated, there was no weekly Yoga, no increased bran, no lasting changes.
And yet we try every single year. That's the endearing part. That other part, relentless failure to focus on singular goals, well that's just a little pathetic. But the fact that most of us try every year, I suppose that's the dopeyness of our humanity, that in our heart of hearts we want to be more, we want to be better, it just takes us more tries.

4 comments:

MJ said...

You are so good at helping us see the humanity of everything.

They say that when people do make change it's rarely because of an arbitrary date or event like New Year's Day. It's about being so uncomfortable that you seek change. Most of us must be pretty comfortable, even with our flaws.

EJG said...

Who needs a new year to try and fail at resolutions? Every time I wake up, it's a new day. Start fresh in the morning. Mess up a little by the afternoon. Say "Screw it!" by the early evening. Enjoy the rest of the night!

DiaBelo said...

What's your resolution(s), CS?

Cora Spondence said...

My resolutions are to find more peace, joy and let go of the need to control. Plus get more money.