I used to roll out of bed on January 1, head to the kitchen to start the coffee and stop in my tracks in front of the refrigerator. There it was, that big piece of paper clipped front and center. Bold, underlined words spelling out the changes I was going to make in my life. Changes that I was sure would make my life better – my New Year’s resolutions!
My Resolutions And Their 4,000-Year History
Year after year I made promises to myself. Some were kept, some not. Often, that list would look identical to the list I made for the past year. There was always something about eating healthier, exercising daily and losing weight. Occasionally, I’d throw in a new goal like not using my credit card for the entire year or I would quit dying my hair and find out what my natural color was. I must have been really broke or a bit tipsy when I added those to the list!
The practice of making new year resolutions dates back over 4,000 years to the Babylonians. Their new year began in March and coincided with planting the crops. Once the crops were in, they celebrated with a 12-day festival called Akitu. During this time they made promises to their gods to pay off their debts and return borrowed items, believing that by doing so it would bring them favor in the new year.
In 46 B.C. the Romans began a similar practice. On January 1, they offered sacrifices and made promises to one of their gods which they believed would improve their lives in the new year. The tradition continued to evolve and by the 18th century, Christians welcomed the new year in by reflecting on the past and resolving to live a better life. What started as a way to please the gods has evolved into setting goals focused on self-improvement.
Beyond The List: A Resolution That Lasts
Today, some of the most common resolutions are improving physical and mental health, managing finances, advancing professionally, strengthening relationships and learning new activities or hobbies. Despite good intentions, research suggests that less than 10 percent of the individuals making resolutions actually stay motivated and celebrate success.
New Year’s resolutions have changed over time, but the basic premise is still that of making a pledge to do better in the new year. Although I don’t make a list and post it on the refrigerator any longer, when the holiday celebrations are over and the decorations are packed away, I carve out a time to sit in silence. I reflect on the past, consider the future and review the resolution I have made and continue to make every year – to practice goodwill toward all.
*Some of the information shared in this blog was taken from an article in the Laurens County BUZZ
Ellen Beans
I served as a Director at Bryan Health for 40 years. Pat served as the Chief Financial Officer for NRC Health for many years. He now serves as the Manager for Amandla, LLC.
We have two sons, Winston and Beau. Winston is married to Emily, and they have a daughter, Sophia, 5 years old. Beau is self-employed and works diligently to assure the success of his company. He also carries the title of Best Uncle Ever!
As the author of the Grandparent blog, I’ll be writing about the challenges and rewards of retirement. I’ll focus on the roles I have taken on in life – spouse, parent, In-law, grandparent, colleague and friend, and how they have changed over the years. This is the plan for the blog, but as we all know, plans can change!
