“i want to spend New Year’s eve in a log cabin – isolated from the artificial transitioning between the last tick on the clock of the old year, and the tock of the clock that supposedly heralds the arrival of a new year!”
For a few years I kept in touch with an acquaintance from my army days. He hated all manifestations of tradition. I’m not sure whether he ever found his log cabin of seclusion and isolation. He would also say, “New Years’ resolutions are futile,” and “By the time we celebrate New Year’s it is already a new year in other parts of the world!”
New Year’s resolutions date back to ancient Babylon, over 4000 years ago. During a 12-day festival called Akitu, people would promise their gods to pay off debts and return things they’d borrowed, hoping it would bring them good luck for the year ahead. Later on, the Romans picked up the idea and tied it to Janus, their two-faced god of beginnings and endings, who looked back at the past and forward to the future. Over time, these traditions turned into the personal goals we set for ourselves today.
I’m OK when my New Year’s resolutions fail. In fact, I believe that when the resolutions fail within the first month, week, or day, their core components can be re-evaluated and unlearned- Maybe these airy-fairy ideas weren’t all that sound when they were concocted within the excitement of the New Year’s Eve festivities.
One “resolution” I have managed to keep for a few years now, is unlearning preconceived ideas about resolutions. I’m not a Babylonian, nor a Roman, and therefore, I can create resolutions each day, should I wish to do so. Alternatively, I can choose to forego new resolutions and still work on those I haven’t even addressed since 2015.
As per my usual “Post-Disclaimer” that I’ll place directly after this, the pivotal thing for me, is maintaining the dialogue, and understanding the dialogue of life changes each day, because as trite as it sounds, it’s still true: “Change is the only constant!” This is pure mindfulness. I don’t attempt to change the moment, I live through it, and discuss it. That way, I’m kinder to myself whenever I fail to uphold some resolutions I envisaged a day ago. I’m also excited about understanding that I can dream up new ones now, and maybe even more sustainable ones!
The online realm is filled with ideas for practical ways of being kinder to oneself.
These two resonated with me:
- Set smaller, manageable goals: Instead of overwhelming yourself with big resolutions, break them into tiny steps you can easily achieve, like drinking one extra glass of water a day or tidying up one small corner of your space.
- Celebrate progress, not perfection: Take a moment to acknowledge even the smallest wins, like sticking to a habit for a few days, and remind yourself that progress is more important than perfection
Happy new year!
Love,
Matt
2025 01 01
If you wish to donate massive amounts of money to me, include me in your will, drop a comment, or unleash scathing criticism about my views on “New Year’s Resolutions,” send an email to matt@mattlr.com.
Conversely, follow me, like the post, or add cute emojis as footprints to show you were here.
This post is not meant to be an exhaustive discussion about resolutions. This is about opening up a discussion – Thinking, sharing, and indulging in a bit of philosophy. What is your take on the self-imposed constraints of traditions, and expectations? You can also chat to me about exploring other stuff that you reckon might make things easier for your reality? Send me a summary of your story, and maybe I could comment on your example of how we navigate through life, by doing the best we can to make it meaningful, joyful, and nourishing for ourselves.
If all of the above sounds convoluted, talk to me about your playlist, and what the first song was that you listened to in the “New” year.
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