THE SAGA OF THE NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION

I am somewhat of a superstitious person.  It's not to the point that it interferes with life in any way.  And it is very selective.  I am not scared to walk under a ladder - safety permitting!  I welcome a black cat to cross my path - I love them!  Unlike my mother-in-law, I am not afraid of sweeping out the door after dark or putting a hat on a bed.  But I was always a subscriber to eating lucky foods of New Year's Day.  From the time I was little, my mother always had cabbage and black-eyed peas - cabbage for the green money, and black-eyed peas for the coins.  I started added some form of pork because I heard that was lucky, too.  My husband and kids always fought me on it, mainly because they don't like those foods.  My husband thought it was just dumb and did not see any benefit from it, so starting last year, we abandoned the lucky foods.  And I have to admit that we did better monetarily last year.  So this January 1st, I made zoodles (zucchini noodles) with meatballs and spaghetti sauce.

The New Year's resolutions.... I used to make them.  For years it has been to finish my novel, which is still unfinished.  I have even resolved not to make resolutions.  Yeah, I think that's lame, too.  But I have never been the type who pledged to join a gym and work out every day.  I know that isn't happening!  I am not resolving to eat healthier - but I keep trying to get back on and stay on the low carb lifestyle.  I am not going to resolve to do anything more or better than I do now. 

 

To me, every day is a chance to learn, grow and improve.  In the same way that I have issues with people giving up things for Lent (if it's such a bad habit, give it up for good - and don't wait until Ash Wednesday!), why is January 1st the magical date for making changes. Yeah, I know: "New year, new you!"  I hate that term.  New year, same ole you. If you want to give up a bad habit on February 4th, do it.  If you want to quit smoking on March 5th, please do it.  If you want to learn a new skill on June 16th, go for it.  You have the same chance of success any day of the year.  Perhaps your chances are better since you are ready at that time and not relying on the calendar. So maybe just resolve to live your life as you see fit.

As for superstition, I take it back.  I don't think I am that superstitious.  But I do believe in karma.  And keep in mind that karma doesn't wait for New Year's Day either!