Earth has completed another revolution around the sun, travelling at a speed of 66,600 miles per second, bringing us around to a new year, 2016. About then came resolutions.
Sometimes I wonder which would be more diversified, mountains or resolutions. I think that resolutions could be more diversified than the mountains among which we live.
Someone might say their resolution is to build a carport. To me that would be more of a goal. Perhaps closer to a resolution would be a resolve to take better care of one’s mode of transportation. But then, that, to me, is more like an objective, which may be reached by building a carport, which is a goal to reach the objective.
Some resolutions are unattainable, unrealistic or nearly so. Perhaps one of those is a resolve to get married or partnered to a rich person. That isn’t apt to happen with someone who is of like mind, especially if neither are rich. If it did happen, the result might be disastrous. Resolutions would be better made in the realm of one’s own control and/or where one can tap into the ultimate source of power for assistance.
I see resolutions as being of an intrinsic nature rather than extrinsic, as having to do with an integral part of our being. I also see resolutions as being somewhat separate from the day-to-day basic activities, standing out above the ordinary. We don’t usually have to resolve to eat, sleep, drink water, work and so on. These are things that we don’t, unfortunately, often give much thought to until something collapses. When we are normal, we carry out these activities as a response to a need. Then we might resolve to, say, get more sleep or not work so hard. Sometimes, there may need to be a revolution in our thinking to carry out a resolution.
Some people say they don’t make resolutions as they always break them. Right there, a resolution has been made. Water takes the easy route, downhill. It usually requires a bit of effort to carry out a resolution because it has to do with the less usual or with something that is not happening that should. That is why a resolution is more like an upward winding trail, as it has to do with something that we are not used to doing, that is not part of our habit. Not making a resolution or resolutions could be disastrous.
Really, resolutions don’t cease to exist just because they are broken or not carried out. And just because a resolution is broken doesn’t mean it is no longer valid, but with the fall there is an opportunity to get up again, to pick it up again, restore it and refresh it any time during the year. A broken resolution could be a glaring sign that perhaps the route that is being followed to carry out the resolution is faulty, and hasn’t built in parts to compensate for human error or weakness. (Never heard of such a thing?) There may have to be a big-time revolution in the resolution strategy or thinking that goes into the resolution.
On the other hand, the changes might seem too small to bother with and yet hard to make. For example, if there is a certain location, activity or social circle that is taken in and the resolution is broken, then avoid that location, activity or social circle. It might require such simple things as taking a different route, connecting with a different social circle, not answering the phone or email, avoiding the sale flyers or not purchasing a certain product. It is nearly impossible to permanently keep a resolution when one keeps connecting with the thing that supports breaking the resolution. One shouldn’t expect a different result when they keep doing the same thing.
Looking back to the start, I reflected on what might be the most common types of resolutions that people would make. Possibly, many of them might be self-serving or materialistic. Probably sincere resolutions relating to improving relationships or directed at the good of others are less common. How much less I don’t know, but possibly a little search or survey on resolutions might give some indication. Many resolutions are headed in a truly beneficial direction but it is one thing to be on the right trail but another thing to reach the destination.
A resolution to build up oneself is perhaps good if it enables one to build up others. How about this one: “Leave the islands of ‘isolation’ and cross the seas of misunderstanding”? Here’s another: “I resolve to be more caring for others starting with those closest to me.” And this one: “Resolved to occupy oneself with things that are essential.” Then there is a resolution to give “prime time” as a gift rather than giving a gift measured by dollars. (It is a false assumption that nothing is “good” unless it costs money). Connected with giving prime time is resolving to spend a certain amount of time each week or month with, say, children or those who are lonely or confined to their residence. These are not glamorous, earth shattering, newsy, “look at me”, popular, highly desirable or showy. Remember that the sun rises and sets silently and flowers open silently, and yet, what an impact they have!
Perhaps, already, the New Year’s resolutions have headed out the door but resolutions can be refreshed, brought back to life or picked up again. Who says resolutions can only be made the first of January? There is no such thing as it being to late to run with that resolution again or pick up another. One doesn’t have to wait for another orbit around the sun!
Ed McMackin is a biologist by profession but a naturalist and hiker by nature. He can be reached at 250-866-5747.