Anti-New Years’ Resolutions
Posted by Sarah Modene on December 29th, 2008
Every year I’ve followed tradition, chained to its compulsive demand of painstakingly writing out resolutions to be filed away and checked off diligently as each is fulfilled. However, this year I’m breaking free and doing something drastically different.
No, I’m not refusing to make a list. I’m making a list, all right. In fact, I’m going to make a list of all the things I think everyone should do or not do, because there are several things that irritate me to bits and that I think would greatly benefit my- and your- self-control. 
So, here goes!
1. Quit complaining about the small things in life.
Okay, yes, I know your car leaks and runs slow… and I know you don’t have any heating because of some strong winds. But really, it’s not that big of a deal. Yeah, I know you’ve heard the old “think about the starving kids in Africa” line. But let’s go a little deeper than that, and not quite as cliché. For example, not too long ago there was a massive pesticide-poisoning episode in rural India, where thousands of people died from devastating effects. And currently many people in Israel are losing their homes and businesses due to the acts of terrorism from Hezbollah. We have it great here in America. And if you don’t like your car and you want your heat back, go out and earn some money and fix it. That’s one of the reasons we used to have such a great nation: because average people like you and me could actually make it on our own.
2. Stop treating people without consideration.
This one is kind of obvious. But I am really, really tired of people acting like they’re still in high school when it comes to things like dating, friends, etc. It’s too bad that low standards are now the norm.
3. Get over it.
Yep, rejection’s not fun. But you know what? It could be worse. You could have an amputated limb. Or you could be awaiting a trial for murder. Or… well, you get the picture: you’re still alive, breathing, and- more than likely- still healthy. But even though it hurts, it will be much better for you in the long run if you tough it out and move on. There are better things to focus on right now than someone who probably doesn’t deserve you, anyways.
4. Focus more on your family.
I’ve done it myself, and I know what the end result is when you focus more on your friends and school and work than your family. But family is worth more than you’ll ever be able to imagine now at this point in your life, and it is extremely beneficial to spend just a few more minutes with your parents and siblings. It doesn’t hurt to ask them how their day went or spend a few minutes playing a video game with a younger sibling… and chances are you’ll feel much better afterwards.
5. Read.
Just do it. And no, I don’t mean picking up a pathetic paperback novel… try something with more substance, say, like… David Copperfield. That’s why they call them the classics… because they’ve stood the test of time and are still worth reading. And I don’t think The Office will miss you that much if you decide to turn off your TV.
6. Branch out with your musical tastes.
No wonder the average American has such a low IQ… he listens to the same musicians 24/7. Music is a stimulator for your mind, depending on what exactly it is you’re listening to… and if you repeatedly hear the same bland, adulterated pounding chords of Jay-Z and Akon every day on the way to school and back, it will effect you in some way. Try something new, perhaps something that actually makes you listen more closely to the progression, melody, and harmony. Good music is the kind that grows on you: you may not like it at first, but after several tries you find yourself listening to it over and over again.
7. Read your Bible.
And if you don’t have one, find one. They give them out for free some places, you know. Hey, I’ll even give you one.
8. Stop watching TV.
I honestly can say that I never watch TV… because it’s a waste of my time. I’d much rather be reading, practicing, studying, or creating something. Gossip Girl is overrated, anyhow.
9. Do something sacrificial.
No matter how small, just do it. It’s worth your time.
10. Live.
Go for a long walk. Be adventurous and explore a new town some weekend. Do something crazy and unexpected. Write a song and sing it for your dog. Pray out loud under a freezing night sky. But just live. Life is too short to waste on trivial things that don’t matter in the long run.
What are some of your anti-New Years’ resolutions?
Tags: Christian Living, materialism, overcoming, resolutions
