Thursday, May 16, 2024
Sam Houston is a syndicated columnist and newspaper executive. He is also an author, actor, playwright, and entertainment producer/promoter.
New Year’s Day has come and gone. New Year’s Day is an important day for most of us and for some rather interesting reasons. Stop and think about it. Some holidays, like the 4th of July, are on the calendar because an event happened on that day. Other holiday events, like Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, are all set on the calendar by the powers to be as the recognized time which to celebrate, honor, or give remembrance. New Year’s Day is celebrated on Jan. 1 just because it happens to be the first day of the year. Nothing notable in history happened on that day; it is simply a day set aside which allows us to reflect on the hope of what we could be.
Why does the start of a new year mean so much to people? Over a million people gathered in Times Square to watch a lighted ball “fall” and count out the last seconds of the previous year. Private celebrations were held with families and friends. People drink, consume certain food items like black-eyed peas, and set off fireworks. It is a big deal here in Texas, and it is a big deal around the world.
The day is notable for people making New Year’s resolutions, which are nothing more than promises one makes to oneself about accomplishing a certain goal. It might be to quit smoking, or get in shape, or take more time for oneself. Unlike most other promises, these resolutions have no legal weight and are completely unenforceable. Many times, the resolutions are cast aside before the first of February comes to pass. So, why do we make these so-called “resolutions?”
Could it be hope? With each new year, we are mentally refreshed with the idea of a new beginning and recognize the whole calendar year is before us. The failures of the past fall by the wayside, and we can set new goals, seek new accomplishments, and make positive choices. Our minds are programmed to believe we can be better. It is something inside us we want to do. But, to be better we must confirm in our mind what we are seeking, what we want to become, and the price we are willing to pay. Thus, the New Year’s resolution.
There is no question: Many people, including me, would like to lose weight. They may make a resolution to eat less, to exercise, and change their lifestyle to one which is healthier. Everyone can agree this type of change is positive, and the results will be beneficial. The tough part is paying the price to accomplish the goal and having the discipline to see it through. We kid ourselves that we will pass on the piece of pie, the cold beer, and laying on the sofa, watching an old movie. Instead, we envision ourselves eating carrot and celery sticks, drinking lots of water, and going to the gym religiously. Deep down inside we know that we probably are not going to be disciplined to achieve our goals, but something about setting the goal makes us feel better. With a little luck and perseverance, we might even accomplish at least a part of them.
Guess for me I like the idea of thinking about who I am becoming. What are the changes I can make which make me a better husband, father, columnist, citizen, and human being? I never want to be satisfied with the person I was last year. It is exciting and, to some degree, almost thrilling to imagine the reality of the person I am, rather than the person I may have once been. Maybe, by the time the end of the year arrives, I will be one step closer to making the hope a reality. Of course, if I don’t accomplish my resolutions, I will get the chance to start all over again on New Year’s Day of 2025. Hope springs eternal!
May all your resolutions be fulfilled, and you find the person you have become.
Thought for the day: Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better person. Benjamin Franklin
Until next time…I will keep ridin’ the storm out.
