New Year Resolutions
Photo by Kaique Rocha
As the holidays end and the new year begins, many of us—more than a third of all Americans—will consider resolving to change our lives in one way or another during 2024. According to Statistica, the most common New Year resolution this year is to save more money. Next comes exercising more and eating healthier. Further down the list of top ten resolutions are spending more time with friends and family, losing weight, and spending less time on social media.
Will you resolve to change an old habit or set a new goal as 2024 approaches? Or have you given up on this time honored tradition, finding that that—like 90% of others who make such commitments—you’re simply unable to keep them?
Perhaps what we need are new kinds of resolutions, ones that challenge us to focus less on our finances, our bodies, and our social lives, and more on reflection and inner growth. Elizabeth Sewell seemed to think so.
New Year Resolutions
by Elizabeth Sewell (1919-2001)
I will drain
Long draughts of quiet
As a purgation;
Remember
Twice daily
Who I am;
Will lie o’nights
In the bony arms
Of Reality and be comforted
