The champagne is finished as well as
the party food. I watched the ball drop at Times Square, via television, and
welcomed in the new year with those I love. I’ve thought about the past year,
what I accomplished and what has been left undone and even ignored. It’s time
to look ahead and for me, plan what I want to accomplish for myself and my
writing. It’s time for New Year’s resolutions.
New Year’s resolutions, we’ve all made them. While they’re
most common in the Western Hemisphere, resolutions, the promise to yourself to
do something nice for yourself or others, are made world-wide. Since the
resolution implies a new beginning, what better time to make them than the
beginning of the year.
Who started this ritual? At the start of each year, the
ancient Babylonians promised their gods they would return borrowed items and
pay their debts. Romans made promises to the god Janus, yes that Janus, for
whom January is named. Janus is the god of beginnings and traditions. Knight in
the medieval era took the “peacock vow” at the end of the Christmas season to
re-affirm their commitment to chivalry. Christian prepared for the new year at
the watchnight services by praying and making resolutions.
Other religious groups have parallels to this
tradition: Jewish people reflect upon their wrongdoings during their High
Holiday season and resolve to be better. The concept, regardless of your
background, is to examine ways to improve yourself.
The ten most popular resolutions include:
- Spend more time with family and friends
- Get fit
- Lose weight
- Get organized
- Help other people
- Quit smoking
- Enjoy life more
- Quit drinking
- Get out of debt
- Learn something new
These are wonderful resolutions and the top five are
definitely on my list but I also have my writing resolutions.
- I will write everyday
- I will write everyday even when I don’t feel like it
- I will write from the heart and dig deep so my readers will feel it
- I will read widely
- I will focus on writing rather than social media
- I will experiment with my writing style and voice
- I will create and stick to a timetable
- I will write two novels and two short stories this year
- I will learn how to market my work
- I will give something back to other writers – they have supported me in all I do and I will pay it forward
That is an aggressive list, but I can make it all happen. Do you make resolutions at the beginning of the year? If so, what are yours?
Have a wonderful happy and healthy year!
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