What is a New Year’s Resolution Anyway? Defining Resolution

When trying to answer this question, I first got online.  Then I headed to my bookshelf to look deeper for the reason behind our culture’s tradition.

I found words synonymous with resolution:   decision – determination – solution

This is the definition of resolution according to (Merriam-Webster):

res·o·lu·tion       noun \ˌre-zə-ˈlü-shən\

1: the act or process of resolving: as

a : the act of analyzing a complex notion into simpler ones

b : the act of answering : solving

c : the act of determining

d : the passing of a voice part from a dissonant to a consonant tone or the progression of a chord from dissonance to consonance

e : the separating of a chemical compound or mixture into its constituents

f (1) : the division of a prosodic element into its component parts (2) : the substitution in Greek or Latin prosody of two short syllables for a long syllable

g : the analysis of a vector into two or more vectors of which it is the sum

2: the subsidence of a pathological state (as inflammation)

3a : something that is resolved

b : firmness of resolve

4: a formal expression of opinion, will, or intent voted by an official body or assembled group

And then again, as so often when I look up a word, I had to ask myself… what did all of that mean?  What is a resolution?

Every day we plan to make it out of the house on time, or put in an effort to get any number of items accomplished.  The dawn brings with it new ideas and an opportunity to make our lives a little better than the day before.

Each day, I make a conscious decision to leave behind everything I touch a little more beautiful than when I first passed through.  I try to engrave this determination, born from hope, into my children.  I want them to see, regardless of whether they are in the valley or touching the peaks of their dreams, the dawning day is theirs for new discoveries.  I know every day will not be lined with roses and happiness.  With challenges, I will discover weakness.  When we find weaknesses, we’re offered an opportunity to create a new strength.  We can then discover a creative solution.

I am not sure why we give one day each year, on New Year’s Day, to making resolutions.  All of a sudden this becomes so popular.  Many individuals hope these date-stamp resolutions will instantly change their lives.  Instead, if we make small daily goals, the rewards of completion become an incentive to continue accomplishing more and more.

Resolutions are good.  Making a decision, having determination and working on a solution can never be bad.  Yet, why wait for one set day on the calendar.  Set these goals each day and every week.  Dare to dream.  And realize, with continued effort, all your hopes can evolve into a reality.

My wish for you is a wonderful, happy and prosperous new year.

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Weekly Serving of Optimism: Quotes & Thoughts (8 Quotes to Help Make Resolutions)

“We want to let go out of our past and gently ride on the hopes of a greater tomorrow.”  Unknown

New Thoughts on a Blank Page

“Set priorities for your goals.  A major part of successful living lies in the ability to put first things first.  Indeed, the reason most major goals are not achieved is that we spend our time doing second things first.”  Robert J. Mckain

“Our goals can only be reached through a vehicle of a plan, in which we must fervently believe, and upon which we must vigorously act.  There is no other route to success.”  Stephen A. Brennan

“Whether or not you reach your goals in life depends entirely on how well you prepare for them and how badly you want them.  You’re eagles!  Stretch your wings and fly to the sky.”  Ronald McNair

“You may not accomplish every goal you set – no one does but what really matters is having goals and going after them wholeheartedly.”  Les Brown

“Goals should be SMART:

S = Specific

M = Measurable

A= Assignable (who does what)

R = Realistic

T = Time-Related”

Unknown Source

“The roads we take are more important than the goals we announce.  Decisions determine destiny.”  Frederick Speakman

New Year’s Greeting

It feels good to have my computer up and running again.  I was taking a short break the past few weeks and will be gone again for just a little while.  This short break is allotting time to celebrate our family’s vacation of no school and no work.  This time away has led to extra time of extra baking and lots of playing.

We sang, as our family tradition continues, “Happy Birthday” to baby Jesus before opening our gifts Sunday.  Last week, we sang this song to my oldest as she celebrated her eleventh birthday.  On Christmas, I looked around our tree and was filled with gratitude for the gifts we had received.  It was more than just the monetary value of gifts wrapped with pretty paper and lots of tape.  The value of love uncontained by closing tape was what truly warmed my heart.  I am lucky to realize how rich I really am in so many ways.

Christmas Eve was celebrated with dear friends.  Christmas day brought a chance for us to Skype with my family far away.  All week we have had a table overflowing with baked goods consisting of sugar cookies made from a recipe passed through generations, scotcheroos, peppermint bark covering pretzels and so much more.  We had our family all together.  Most importantly, we had laughter…. lots and lots of happy smiles and laughter.  The old Irish blessing came to my mind:

“In the New Year, may your right hand always be stretched out in friendship and never in want.”

                Yesterday was a day of exploring a new museum and watching wonder fill the eyes of all of those in my family.  This weekend we will greet a new year.  We will say goodbye to the old, and recall memories of the highs and lows the past twelve months have offered.  I know how truly lucky I am.  I have had my share of trials, yet within the trials I have had triumphs.  I am excited to welcome in 2012.  I know there will be challenges.  I accept this.  Maybe I even welcome it.  I know that when I am challenged, it is then I fully comprehend the strength I contain within myself.  Tonight I will be having a kid-friendly party with friends I am fortunate enough to have discovered through our military journey.  Rest assured, next week I will be back ready to continue telling my journey of prosopagnosia and epilepsy.  My journey of discovery and optimism.  Until then, I will leave you with a New Year’s wish from American author William Arthur Ward:

“Another fresh new year is here . . .

Another year to live!

To banish worry, doubt, and fear,

To love and laugh and give!

This bright new year is given me

To live each day with zest . . .

To daily grow and try to be

My highest and my best!

I have the opportunity

Once more to right some wrongs,

To pray for peace, to plant a tree,

And sing more joyful songs!”

HAPPY NEW YEAR!