"A kiss is just a kiss" but is it? I was telling my very expectant daughter the other day when talking about the soon to be arrival of her baby girl, "I just can't wait to kiss her little face". That little visual set my mind off. I don't know if it is just my wandering mind or my constant search for what to blog on next, but off it went!
We think of a kiss as an endearing gesture, and it is but have you ever thought about all the different kinds of kisses or the various meaning behind different types of kisses?
The one that come to mind first for most of us is probably the passionate kiss. The one that says Wow! There is our first kiss , remember how awkward that felt? There is the kiss that leaves us wanting more of that.
There is the kiss we give our children, the kiss goodbye, the kiss goodnight, a kiss of comfort, a congratulatory kiss. The kisses we give newborn babies, the wide mouth open drooley kisses we get from our toddlers as they learn to kiss.
There is the blown kiss that we catch in the wind, the kiss on the hand that seems a formal way of meeting ones acquaintance or says "you look stunning", the kiss on the forehead that offers a comforting safe feeling. The kisses for boo boos that magically calm that blood curdling screams and instantly heal a wound.
There are even kisses to say good bye to those no longer with us. What does that say? This person who is at eternal rest does not know we are making a gesture of love. This kiss is for us.
There is the parental kiss, that one packs so many emotions. Oh and the kiss on the cheek after a date- what does that mean? I like you "as a friend"!
So really a kiss isn't JUST a kiss it is a form of communication. It says so many things;
I love you, I am sorry, I adore you, I will miss you, Please take care, Be careful, good bye, Rest in Peace. We use the kiss to express ourselves to others but it is a gesture that while we are giving, we are also receiving.
A kiss is just a kiss? you can kiss that thought goodbye!
Monday, January 16, 2012
Saturday, January 14, 2012
A Picture is worth a thousand words
A recent family photo had many of us wondering "who is that baby" Several suggestions were made by different siblings and cousins but no one really knew for absolute sure!
This got me thinking (surprise!). I love pictures and think most people do. I have totes full of photos from the lives of my children, vacations, family events and just stuff! Many of the pictures are older though. I can't remember the last time I printed a picture. I have scores of them on my photo cards and some in my computer. I know that digital is in! but I miss having to have to go and get my photos in print. I love my digital but man I am not good at going and getting them into actual photos I can hold.
What happens when I am old, or no longer here? My digital photos won't exist. My hard drive will be no more. Even with backing up your photos, years from now that device will not likely be compatible with new technology. My kids won't have pictures to wonder who is that? Oh they will have childhood pictures, and pictures up until the last few years, but what about all the memories we have made together since then? What will happen to the 17 pictures of 1 nearly identical pose just because it's digital and we can.
When I pull out my old pictures, it isn't just about looking at the pictures it is about all the memories that are stirred within. It is about living those moments again. It is about laughing all over again, it is about seeing and being in the moment with loved ones who are no longer with us.
The old adage "A pictures worth a thousand words"? refers to the notion that a single image can be complex, can tell a story, making it possible to absorb large amounts of data quickly.
I can think of many photos I have seen and have been able to tell an entire story in my head about what is happening.
When I look at familiar photos that I have taken I instantly remember all the surrounding circumstances to the moment.
I do LOVE digital, I do NOT like that we tend not to get them printed. I feel like it is another loss that we experience born to progress.
I love progress, I don't always like how it changes us!. I love looking at old black and white photos of my family, truth be told I love old photos. I collect antique photos of children that I have no connection to. These photos tell a story. I can tell what kind of clothing they wore , what kind of toys they played with, how sad if these photos were a hidden truth to our past, hidden somewhere in a device that we had no ability to retrieve them from.
Pictures are images of us, they tell truths, they preserve memories.
I won't stop snapping with my digital, but I am going to be more mindful of getting them in print. This shutterbug has work to do.
What can you say may have been happening here?
The progress in imaging is obvious !
This got me thinking (surprise!). I love pictures and think most people do. I have totes full of photos from the lives of my children, vacations, family events and just stuff! Many of the pictures are older though. I can't remember the last time I printed a picture. I have scores of them on my photo cards and some in my computer. I know that digital is in! but I miss having to have to go and get my photos in print. I love my digital but man I am not good at going and getting them into actual photos I can hold.
What happens when I am old, or no longer here? My digital photos won't exist. My hard drive will be no more. Even with backing up your photos, years from now that device will not likely be compatible with new technology. My kids won't have pictures to wonder who is that? Oh they will have childhood pictures, and pictures up until the last few years, but what about all the memories we have made together since then? What will happen to the 17 pictures of 1 nearly identical pose just because it's digital and we can.
When I pull out my old pictures, it isn't just about looking at the pictures it is about all the memories that are stirred within. It is about living those moments again. It is about laughing all over again, it is about seeing and being in the moment with loved ones who are no longer with us.
The old adage "A pictures worth a thousand words"? refers to the notion that a single image can be complex, can tell a story, making it possible to absorb large amounts of data quickly.
I can think of many photos I have seen and have been able to tell an entire story in my head about what is happening.
When I look at familiar photos that I have taken I instantly remember all the surrounding circumstances to the moment.
I do LOVE digital, I do NOT like that we tend not to get them printed. I feel like it is another loss that we experience born to progress.
I love progress, I don't always like how it changes us!. I love looking at old black and white photos of my family, truth be told I love old photos. I collect antique photos of children that I have no connection to. These photos tell a story. I can tell what kind of clothing they wore , what kind of toys they played with, how sad if these photos were a hidden truth to our past, hidden somewhere in a device that we had no ability to retrieve them from.
Pictures are images of us, they tell truths, they preserve memories.
I won't stop snapping with my digital, but I am going to be more mindful of getting them in print. This shutterbug has work to do.
Old photo of myself and sister Pam. Thankful our mom took pictures. What can you tell about this picture? .
What can you say may have been happening here?
The progress in imaging is obvious !Wednesday, January 11, 2012
A mama bear and her cubs
In recent posts I have focused on my wonderful children, and I would be remiss if I did not dedicate a post to my wonderful "additional children" I like that better than in law. Sometimes that word just doesn't fit. Think about it if you have a mother/father in law that you don't get along with imagine the tone one uses when saying "my mother in law". I can't share that sentiment with the spouses that my children have chosen.
My additional son, married to my lovely daughter could not be more loved by me if I had given birth to him. I remember with unbelievable clarity when he came to our home and asked me for her hand in marriage. He does not not know the peace he brings to me. Peace because of how he loves my girl. Peace because he "gets it" he doesn't just care for her he takes care of her. He sacrifices for her, he puts her needs first, he works hard for them. He loves her family (not just because we are great) because she loves her family. He fits. He will be an exceptional dad to my grandchildren.
My additional daughter loved my son before we met her. She immediately fit into our family on her first visit to our home. It takes a special woman to get approval from her "mother in law". Why? because a son is different. My son is different. He had no reservations in calling me daily. His wife was going to, have to, must have, his moms approval. My dear additional daughter you have that and more. You have our love, our forever love. Thank you for taking care of my boy. You knew what that meant. You knew you would likely be living all over the world. You love him enough to be in a foreign country away from family and all that is familiar to you. You love him through his pains, and struggles. You stand with him through his accomplishments. You will be an Awesome mom to my grandchildren.
To both of my additional children, whether you want to or not, you too become a member of a new family and the challenges that brings. Where do we go for Holidays?, who do we vacation with?. This is more than a journey though, for all of us. It is a relationship to embrace, a place in which to grow. None of us had classes on how to be molded into a new family, how exactly does a marriage work. Mistakes are made and through those mistakes comes happiness and learning. This education will make you stronger no matter where you spend the Holidays.
You need to know that in my heart/mind there are few men who are perfect enough for my daughter and few women who are good enough for my son. You both have proved to me that you are perfect and better than good enough.
Having me for your mother in law, has it's challenges I know. You have joined the circle of people I worry about, fret over, dote on, (do you want an omelet), care about , love and would do anything for. You know another pesky mother!
It is a compliment actually, that I entrust the care of my children to you both because next to a mama Bear I am fiercely protective, but this mams bear has two additional cubs in her den!
Rick and Meredith, know that you are both loved so much not only for who you are, or for the role to play in our lives, but for giving my children happiness and completing them.
My son Mike and my additional daughter Meredith
.
My additional son, married to my lovely daughter could not be more loved by me if I had given birth to him. I remember with unbelievable clarity when he came to our home and asked me for her hand in marriage. He does not not know the peace he brings to me. Peace because of how he loves my girl. Peace because he "gets it" he doesn't just care for her he takes care of her. He sacrifices for her, he puts her needs first, he works hard for them. He loves her family (not just because we are great) because she loves her family. He fits. He will be an exceptional dad to my grandchildren.
My additional daughter loved my son before we met her. She immediately fit into our family on her first visit to our home. It takes a special woman to get approval from her "mother in law". Why? because a son is different. My son is different. He had no reservations in calling me daily. His wife was going to, have to, must have, his moms approval. My dear additional daughter you have that and more. You have our love, our forever love. Thank you for taking care of my boy. You knew what that meant. You knew you would likely be living all over the world. You love him enough to be in a foreign country away from family and all that is familiar to you. You love him through his pains, and struggles. You stand with him through his accomplishments. You will be an Awesome mom to my grandchildren.
To both of my additional children, whether you want to or not, you too become a member of a new family and the challenges that brings. Where do we go for Holidays?, who do we vacation with?. This is more than a journey though, for all of us. It is a relationship to embrace, a place in which to grow. None of us had classes on how to be molded into a new family, how exactly does a marriage work. Mistakes are made and through those mistakes comes happiness and learning. This education will make you stronger no matter where you spend the Holidays.
You need to know that in my heart/mind there are few men who are perfect enough for my daughter and few women who are good enough for my son. You both have proved to me that you are perfect and better than good enough.
Having me for your mother in law, has it's challenges I know. You have joined the circle of people I worry about, fret over, dote on, (do you want an omelet), care about , love and would do anything for. You know another pesky mother!
It is a compliment actually, that I entrust the care of my children to you both because next to a mama Bear I am fiercely protective, but this mams bear has two additional cubs in her den!
Rick and Meredith, know that you are both loved so much not only for who you are, or for the role to play in our lives, but for giving my children happiness and completing them.
My son Mike and my additional daughter Meredith
My daughter Ashley and my additional son Rick.
.
Monday, January 9, 2012
God shed his Grace on thee.
Today I received a letter from a Lieutenant in the United States Navy. This letter was written by a 30 year old man. This man has served his country, our country for 12 years.
As Americans we recognize patriotic holidays a few times a year when we are called to pay special attention to military personal both past and present. Do we really take that much time to honor them though? what we really celebrate is a day off from work, a chance to gather with friends to have a cookout, an opportunity to watch a parade. we stand as veterans walk by, we place our hand over our heart as the American flag passes by, but when we go home do we spend any additional time thinking of those who sacrifice for us each day.
When you thank someone for the sacrifice they make for our country do we realize what it is they are sacrificing? We compact it down to "Thanks for keeping us safe"
Sacrifice. This is sacrifice. The contents of this letter from this Lieutenant reflect the tremendous stress of serving in a foreign country. Having to watch your flag be set to fire the very flag that represents the country you serve. To be living where 22 fire bombs have been set off in the schools and the police are tear gassing protesters. To fear for your safety, to worry about the safety of your wife and her fears while doing a very important confidential job. To watch your hair fall in your lap as it is being cut and realize that it has turned gray in just months.
Sacrifice This lieutenant did not celebrate Christmas with his family. He will not be home to witness the birth of his sisters child, He did not get to celebrate the traditional American Christmas in a country that is 2% Christian. He sacrifices all we take for granted. How many of us couldn't wait to sit down to our Christmas dinner, or waited for our favorite Christmas cookie to be made? How many of us had the freedom to go and choose or cut down a Christmas tree? How many of us took for granted that we had our church to attend on Christmas eve for a candlelight service. How many of us longed to hear O' Holy Night ? Would you willing sacrifice your traditions and your family anytime of the year for people you will never even know? They do.
When a soldier, sailor, airman, any military personel is deployed, the heart of his family is deployed as well. I know. This letter from this wonderful man began like this,
Dear mom...... It ended like this..... Don't worry I will be o.k and I will get through this.
Sacrifice has a new meaning for me today.
I love you son!
As Americans we recognize patriotic holidays a few times a year when we are called to pay special attention to military personal both past and present. Do we really take that much time to honor them though? what we really celebrate is a day off from work, a chance to gather with friends to have a cookout, an opportunity to watch a parade. we stand as veterans walk by, we place our hand over our heart as the American flag passes by, but when we go home do we spend any additional time thinking of those who sacrifice for us each day.
When you thank someone for the sacrifice they make for our country do we realize what it is they are sacrificing? We compact it down to "Thanks for keeping us safe"
Sacrifice. This is sacrifice. The contents of this letter from this Lieutenant reflect the tremendous stress of serving in a foreign country. Having to watch your flag be set to fire the very flag that represents the country you serve. To be living where 22 fire bombs have been set off in the schools and the police are tear gassing protesters. To fear for your safety, to worry about the safety of your wife and her fears while doing a very important confidential job. To watch your hair fall in your lap as it is being cut and realize that it has turned gray in just months.
Sacrifice This lieutenant did not celebrate Christmas with his family. He will not be home to witness the birth of his sisters child, He did not get to celebrate the traditional American Christmas in a country that is 2% Christian. He sacrifices all we take for granted. How many of us couldn't wait to sit down to our Christmas dinner, or waited for our favorite Christmas cookie to be made? How many of us had the freedom to go and choose or cut down a Christmas tree? How many of us took for granted that we had our church to attend on Christmas eve for a candlelight service. How many of us longed to hear O' Holy Night ? Would you willing sacrifice your traditions and your family anytime of the year for people you will never even know? They do.
When a soldier, sailor, airman, any military personel is deployed, the heart of his family is deployed as well. I know. This letter from this wonderful man began like this,
Dear mom...... It ended like this..... Don't worry I will be o.k and I will get through this.
Sacrifice has a new meaning for me today.
I love you son!
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Are you remembering the who, what & why?
I hope this 8th day of the New Year finds you all well. Don't be hard on yourself if you have already given up your resolution, that is what is expected right?
I spent the weekend putting away all of the Christmas decorations and felt like I was packing away memories as well.
When I reached for the two velvet reindeer on my mantle I was flooded with memories of my mother and each year that she put these reindeer out in my childhood home, a memory that is 40 plus years old. As a child this indicated Christmas was near!
Memory is our ability to store, retain and recall information and experiences.
Memory makes us. If we couldn't recall the who's, what's, where's, and whens of our everyday lives, we'd never be able to manage. We mull over ideas in the present with our short-term memory, while we store past events and learned meanings in our long-term memory.
I have things that I packed away that I have had for only a couple of years and I couldn't tell you where I got them. I obviously like them but there is no experience attached to them.
Taking ornaments off my tree walks me down memory lane. Cameron's adoption ornament, many special ornaments from my sons naval career and his travels, family ornaments, ornaments that tell off my interests, tastes and styles, ornaments showing my Faith. ( I saved space for a grandma ornament or 2).
It's not how much you learn that matters it is how much you remember. Are you remembering the right things? When you are packing away this years memories are you packing away Jesus? Are you making him part of your short term memory?
Are you remembering the;
Who : Jesus
What: His Birth
Why: He is our savior
Don't forget the celebration for an entire year, when you are putting your boxes in the attic or basement remember;
Not to pack Jesus away.
I have to ad this ironic side note. I wrote this blog only to lose it for some reason when I went to post it. The first one was written with passion and the words flowed. Having to re-write it I could NOT remember all I wrote! Regardless the message is the same!
I spent the weekend putting away all of the Christmas decorations and felt like I was packing away memories as well.
When I reached for the two velvet reindeer on my mantle I was flooded with memories of my mother and each year that she put these reindeer out in my childhood home, a memory that is 40 plus years old. As a child this indicated Christmas was near!
Memory is our ability to store, retain and recall information and experiences.
Memory makes us. If we couldn't recall the who's, what's, where's, and whens of our everyday lives, we'd never be able to manage. We mull over ideas in the present with our short-term memory, while we store past events and learned meanings in our long-term memory.
I have things that I packed away that I have had for only a couple of years and I couldn't tell you where I got them. I obviously like them but there is no experience attached to them.
Taking ornaments off my tree walks me down memory lane. Cameron's adoption ornament, many special ornaments from my sons naval career and his travels, family ornaments, ornaments that tell off my interests, tastes and styles, ornaments showing my Faith. ( I saved space for a grandma ornament or 2).
It's not how much you learn that matters it is how much you remember. Are you remembering the right things? When you are packing away this years memories are you packing away Jesus? Are you making him part of your short term memory?
Are you remembering the;
Who : Jesus
What: His Birth
Why: He is our savior
Don't forget the celebration for an entire year, when you are putting your boxes in the attic or basement remember;
Not to pack Jesus away.
I have to ad this ironic side note. I wrote this blog only to lose it for some reason when I went to post it. The first one was written with passion and the words flowed. Having to re-write it I could NOT remember all I wrote! Regardless the message is the same!
Friday, January 6, 2012
Does she know?
Anyone who has been following my blog knows at least two things about me,
1. I am going to be a first time grandma.
2. I am excited about being that first time grandma.
The time is drawing close ( just a few weeks) and I have been reflective ( surprised aren't you). I have been thinking about my daughter and son-in laws life and how much their lives are going to change. I know that is cliche, any new parent to be's have, I am certain heard several times throughout their pregnancy. I am not thinking about all the big obvious things, but the small everyday happenings in the life of a parent with a baby/toddler.
I am thinking about how the child's wardrobe will be so much nicer than my daughters (it is a fact) not that my daughter does not have lovely clothes (or that it matters) but how suddenly we have more fun dressing a little one to the max and we wear sweatpants. (no one looks at us anymore anyway).
Does she know she may never eat a hot meal again?, or that she will be reduced to running to the store with puke on her collar and not really care. Does she realize how precious each dark moment is that she can sleep? does she know how many mornings she will open her eyes to see 2 staring right back at her only inches away.
Does she know that her view of a clean house will change? If things are out of sight you can declare it clean! Does she know that she will be learning a sign language only her and her husband will know and it will be accompanied by hand gestures, head jerks and the ever popular finger to the mouth (shhhhh )a flash of the phone may mean I have to go hide in the closet to make this call.
Does she know that the first sniffles will frighten her?, that she will need ALOT of band aids and there does NOT have to be blood to need one? Does she know she can laugh and cry at the same thing?
Does she know that she will change so many poopy diapers that the odor somehow becomes embedded in your noise hairs? Does she know she won't even mind it?
Does she know that her masters degree won't really matter, she is already the best teacher her little girl can have.This sorority girl will pick up crumbled crayons from the floor, wipe yogurt from her hair, wipe spit up off her top and call it clean, she will become a nurse, a teacher, a counselor ( oh she already is), a cheerleader.
Does she know how enriched her life will be? How her family dynamics will change, how crazy, exciting, fulfilling her life is going to be when she hears that first cry?
Has she thought about the first time she hears her little girl call her mommy and how each time she hears it, a smile tugs at her heart?
Does she know that even though her world is about to change- it is a world that will be brighter,more beautiful.
It is a world in which her arms will always have something to hold.
I love you Ashley and your world IS about to change, it is about to get better!
1. I am going to be a first time grandma.
2. I am excited about being that first time grandma.
The time is drawing close ( just a few weeks) and I have been reflective ( surprised aren't you). I have been thinking about my daughter and son-in laws life and how much their lives are going to change. I know that is cliche, any new parent to be's have, I am certain heard several times throughout their pregnancy. I am not thinking about all the big obvious things, but the small everyday happenings in the life of a parent with a baby/toddler.
I am thinking about how the child's wardrobe will be so much nicer than my daughters (it is a fact) not that my daughter does not have lovely clothes (or that it matters) but how suddenly we have more fun dressing a little one to the max and we wear sweatpants. (no one looks at us anymore anyway).
Does she know she may never eat a hot meal again?, or that she will be reduced to running to the store with puke on her collar and not really care. Does she realize how precious each dark moment is that she can sleep? does she know how many mornings she will open her eyes to see 2 staring right back at her only inches away.
Does she know that her view of a clean house will change? If things are out of sight you can declare it clean! Does she know that she will be learning a sign language only her and her husband will know and it will be accompanied by hand gestures, head jerks and the ever popular finger to the mouth (shhhhh )a flash of the phone may mean I have to go hide in the closet to make this call.
Does she know that the first sniffles will frighten her?, that she will need ALOT of band aids and there does NOT have to be blood to need one? Does she know she can laugh and cry at the same thing?
Does she know that she will change so many poopy diapers that the odor somehow becomes embedded in your noise hairs? Does she know she won't even mind it?
Does she know that her masters degree won't really matter, she is already the best teacher her little girl can have.This sorority girl will pick up crumbled crayons from the floor, wipe yogurt from her hair, wipe spit up off her top and call it clean, she will become a nurse, a teacher, a counselor ( oh she already is), a cheerleader.
Does she know how enriched her life will be? How her family dynamics will change, how crazy, exciting, fulfilling her life is going to be when she hears that first cry?
Has she thought about the first time she hears her little girl call her mommy and how each time she hears it, a smile tugs at her heart?
Does she know that even though her world is about to change- it is a world that will be brighter,more beautiful.
It is a world in which her arms will always have something to hold.
I love you Ashley and your world IS about to change, it is about to get better!
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Resolve to make resolutions daily!
Happy New Year !
This is a time of year when people seriously reflect on what has been and begin to focus on the possibilities of what lies ahead. Amends are made, some in the form of resolutions to not make the same choices; others resolve to improve over their past performance.
If you are anything like me then each time the New Year approaches you get reflective on the year we are saying goodbye to. I think (or try, it gets harder as I get older) about all that I accomplished, all I failed to do, things I learned, things I celebrated, people I spent time with and new memories made. I don't usually make any New Years resolutions however I always have a craving for healthy foods and raw vegetables after all the holiday foods I have been consuming. I also usually have this desire to reorganize things in preparation for what I hope will lead me to having more free time in the coming year.
In my reflections I praised God for the celebration of 1 year cancer free for my husband, I shed tears each time we celebrated another holiday with my son and his wife absent from the table, I felt pride though in knowing he is serving his country. I felt extreme joy in learning that I am going to be a first time grandma, I felt nostalgic as I looked through baby photos of my own children. I felt honored given the task of designing the nursery for my granddaughter.
I felt "fun" as we vacationed with friends, Happiness as I vacationed and reconnected with my sisters, I have experienced sadness losing dear friends, illness and surgery, humbled at Gods Grace.
This is a time of year when people seriously reflect on what has been and begin to focus on the possibilities of what lies ahead. Amends are made, some in the form of resolutions to not make the same choices; others resolve to improve over their past performance.
If you are anything like me then each time the New Year approaches you get reflective on the year we are saying goodbye to. I think (or try, it gets harder as I get older) about all that I accomplished, all I failed to do, things I learned, things I celebrated, people I spent time with and new memories made. I don't usually make any New Years resolutions however I always have a craving for healthy foods and raw vegetables after all the holiday foods I have been consuming. I also usually have this desire to reorganize things in preparation for what I hope will lead me to having more free time in the coming year.
In my reflections I praised God for the celebration of 1 year cancer free for my husband, I shed tears each time we celebrated another holiday with my son and his wife absent from the table, I felt pride though in knowing he is serving his country. I felt extreme joy in learning that I am going to be a first time grandma, I felt nostalgic as I looked through baby photos of my own children. I felt honored given the task of designing the nursery for my granddaughter.
I felt "fun" as we vacationed with friends, Happiness as I vacationed and reconnected with my sisters, I have experienced sadness losing dear friends, illness and surgery, humbled at Gods Grace.
New Years is synonymous for people vowing to lose weight,save money, stop smoking,exercise more,eat better, be more patient, work harder, you get the idea fill in the blank!
New Year's resolutions have been with us for 4,000 years, ever since the Babylonians began celebrating the start of each new planting cycle. The Babylonians knew how to ring in the new year. They'd party for 11 days, with each day devoted to a theme, before packing up their party hats and pulling out their plows.
The Babylonians were the first to have New Year's resolutions. The most common promises were to return borrowed farm equipment and pay off old debts.
I have come to this conclusion though and that may be why I don't really do resolutions. Historically people resolve to stop doing something, or vow to do something better and within the first few weeks they already feel that they have failed, thus they go back to the old ways which led them to make the resolution in the first place AND they feel like a failure.
Instead why not do this, wake each day with the attitude of making this day better than the last, for your self or someone else. If you need to do something better that day do it. If you need to be lazy a day be it, if you want to feel successful feel it. Each day YOU are in control of your own actions so own it. Don't go a whole year feeling as though you will need to make several resolutions to improve your life at the end of the year- start living now and resolve to make each day as good as you want it to be. Each day you live may be the last day you live.
New Year's resolutions have been with us for 4,000 years, ever since the Babylonians began celebrating the start of each new planting cycle. The Babylonians knew how to ring in the new year. They'd party for 11 days, with each day devoted to a theme, before packing up their party hats and pulling out their plows.
The Babylonians were the first to have New Year's resolutions. The most common promises were to return borrowed farm equipment and pay off old debts.
I have come to this conclusion though and that may be why I don't really do resolutions. Historically people resolve to stop doing something, or vow to do something better and within the first few weeks they already feel that they have failed, thus they go back to the old ways which led them to make the resolution in the first place AND they feel like a failure.
Instead why not do this, wake each day with the attitude of making this day better than the last, for your self or someone else. If you need to do something better that day do it. If you need to be lazy a day be it, if you want to feel successful feel it. Each day YOU are in control of your own actions so own it. Don't go a whole year feeling as though you will need to make several resolutions to improve your life at the end of the year- start living now and resolve to make each day as good as you want it to be. Each day you live may be the last day you live.
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