NEW YEAR JOY
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Eighty percent of those who sign won’t get their money’s worth. This is
not the gym’s fault. Most people give up on their resolutions, whatever they
were, within a month or two.
The ancient Romans are usually given
credit for being the first people to make New Year’s Resolutions but predating
them were the Babylonians. Four thousand years ago, they held celebrations in
honor of the new year. This wasn’t in January but in mid-March, when winter was
over and the ground warmed enough to plow and plant crops.
In
ancient religion and mythology, Janus was the god of time, the god of
beginnings and endings, and the god of transitions through gates and doorways.
Janus was believed to have two faces
and thus, two sets of eyes. One face looked forward
into the future while simultaneously, the other face looked backwards into the past.
into the future while simultaneously, the other face looked backwards into the past.
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The
Romans believed people would receive forgiveness from Janus for their wrongdoings in the previous
year by giving gifts to Janus, making promises of better behavior, and
forgiving their enemies. The hope was that Janus would appreciate these gifts,
hear their promises, and bless them in the new year. This is how the New Year’s
Resolution was born. Eventually, January became the first month of the year and
was named after Janus.
The year 2018 and the holiday season
are over. January, 2019 is here. Many people all over the world are reflecting
on and reevaluating some of their life choices of the past year. New Year’s Resolutions
are the perfect opportunity to revisit the changes they said they would make
last year and not be too disappointed if they didn’t keep them.
The New Year may serve as a catalyst
for sweeping character make-overs. Initiating a needed divorce in an abusive
marriage, the cessation of an addiction, and having a child are all examples of
abrupt transformations. Lynn Bufka, PhD. said, “It is not the extent of the
change that matters, but rather the act of recognizing that lifestyle change is
important.”
Most New Year Resolutions are meant to
enhance one’s behavior, health or lifestyle at a slow and steady pace. Share
your goals with those who will support you, and don’t panic if you slip a bit.
Forgive yourself, take a deep breath and start over. By making resolutions
realistic and personal, there is a greater chance of keeping them throughout the year.
realistic and personal, there is a greater chance of keeping them throughout the year.
As 2019 approached, my first resolution
was to not make any because like most people, I didn’t keep most of the ones I
made last year. That didn’t mean I thought I was perfect or had no room for
improvement, but not making resolutions meant I couldn’t break them. That
sounded like a no-brainer situation to me. If I refused to become a failure,
that would make me a winner, right? Not quite. Not beginning a project means no
possibility of finishing it.
I don’t want to reinvent myself. Again. My memoir, From Miracle to Murder, describes how I’ve
done that too many times already. But I could definitely become more organized,
lose those ten or fifteen stubborn pounds, designate more time with family, and
reach out to my neighbors. I also need to continue to learn how to forgive
those who I feel hurt me in the past.
Yeah, I know. Old habits are hard to break.
New ones are hard to make. What are the steps I could take to improve my odds
of keeping my new resolutions? A good feeling of satisfaction at the end of the
year might be enough incentive for most people. It wasn’t for me.
Hmm. What if I gave myself a tangible prize?
One I could drive or one that would increase the quality of my life? Sounds
like a win-win to me. As I started my list for New Year Resolutions, I became
amazed as I watched it grow.
Health: I’m not getting any younger so I need to protect my health.
NOW. How?
- Lose those stubborn ten, okay, fifteen pounds in spite of my defunct thyroid.
- Be kind to my thyroid and comply with the anti-inflammatory diet.
- Exercise regularly – not just when it’s convenient or I’m bored.
- Go to bed earlier – stop falling asleep in front of the zombie TV.
- Cut out tobacco – luckily, I never started. LO.L.
- Cut down alcohol – it contributes to my migraines.
Organize: Boy, do I need this. Since retirement, time flies by
without accomplishing half of what I used to.
- Keep up with the dog poop. Two big Rhodesian Ridgebacks contribute a bucket full every day.
- Wash my car! Looking out through dog nose-smeared windows grosses me out.
- Go through the clothes closet and drawers and get rid of everything I don’t wear. It won’t come back in style.
- Designate time every day towards learning social media for the promoting my true crime memoir book. (I know. I absolutely hate this one.)
More fun: I need to socialize
and enjoy life more.
1.
Laugh out loud every day.
- Make a reading list and read a book a month written by local authors.
- Stop feeling guilty about saying “good-bye” to toxic people and ending the cycle of abuse that began in the cult in which I was raised.
- Continue to work on giving forgiveness to those who once accused me of – murder. Still totally tough to say that. Ugh.
- Stop jamming on my brakes when I’m being tail gated by stupid drivers. And don’t return the ‘finger.’ Bad Joyce.
Money. I need to get a handle on this one. Seriously!
- Go on a budget – and stick to it!
- Pay cash. Or at least, give it a try.
- Check the balances of my checking, savings, and credit cards every month. Don’t let them slip and slide.
- Make lists before shopping.
- Check the cupboards and make sure I’m out before buying more!
All right, whatever. We aren’t rich but
I can always dream and hope.
For more stories on the heritage of hope:
For more stories on the heritage of hope:
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True Crime Memoir –
Survivor: As Long As I Breathe
is dedicated to:
survivors of emotional, physical, spiritual, or sexual abuse,
those who have had to bury a murdered child,
former members of a religious cult based on misogyny,
children born with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome,
and anyone who was falsely accused of a crime.
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Joyce A Lefler is a true crime survivor and the author of
From Miracle to Murder: Justice For
Adam.
She is a facilitator for Parents of Murdered Children,
a bereavement counselor, registered nurse,
and an advocate against abuse.
Connect with her:
Website:
Facebook:
Advocacy
project:
Amazon:
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I would love to hear from you. If you have lost a child, if you have been falsely accused, If you are presently in or have recently escaped a controlling misogynistic relationship or religious cult, if you are being abused, you are not alone. I would love to hear from you. Please leave your e-mail address and share your story. Courteous, constructive comments are welcome. All will be monitored before publishing.