Tuesday, January 1, 2008

Resolved for New Beginnings


The January picture from my National Parks and Monuments Calendar
Visiting a few blogs today, I noted some discussions about New Year's resolutions. Many of the blogs that I have read lean toward not making resolutions. Myself, I can see great value in making resolutions to turn over a leaf. Granted this new start does not necessarily have to begin at the dawn of a new year. One can, of course, resolve to make life changes whether large or small at any time. However, the beginning of a new year does give both psychological and chronological demarcation. A time that one can look back and say "I stopped smoking on January 1, 2008" or "I started saving twenty dollars a week in January of 2008."

The January picture of my new Garden Birds of North America calendar

A small joy that I have each year is putting up the new calendars, and actually I like to turn the page of a calendar a the start of each month. Not only do I enjoy the beautiful new pictures, but I like the idea of a new beginning. I like the thought of putting unhealthy habits to rest. Yes, resolutions can be quickly broken. But some problems not addressed are never resolved. If you smoke a cigarette after resolving to quit, you can still quit smoking. If you only save twenty dollars in January, maybe you can save sixty dollars in February. Resolutions allow us to make meaningful changes in our lives.

So, I wish for all of us a year of new beginnings.

30 comments:

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year, Mjd and Daddy D!

I like your idea of turning a page and starting anew each month. You always have such a wonderful and positive way of looking at things. I will try and remember this as I turn the pages of my calendar.

On another note, I hope we see new and meaningful changes in the direction of our country. Now that would be a 2008 to remember.

Margaret said...

Happy New Year! I don't do resolutions, but I always wish for a good year, and that I can be the best person possible. I fall down on that--but I don't want to beat myself up about it. If it's a formal resolution, I feel like a failure, versus just getting up every day and trying to have a positive day and impact the world in a good way. Does this rambling make any sense? Anyway, have a great day--do you go back to school this week?

Nessa said...

Here's to starting fresh. I wish you a very Happy New year.

karisma said...

Happy New year to you both.

daddy d said...

Everyday does bring a new beginning. There is such joy in starting anew on the same path way each day. Such is the Big New Year start to the new year.

theotherbear said...

Happy New Year. Great perspective on resolutions. Especially since I quit smoking on the 1st January, 2008. (It's the afternoon of the second day now and so far so good. Well, so far so very bad and cranky, but it'll be worth it in the end!)

Pamela said...

Just getting up each morning can be a challenge to overcome... whew!

Happy New Year!

Junebug said...

Words of wisdom. I love new calendars too. I always seem to get too many. :D

Cazzie!!! said...

Happy new year to you too :)
I love the new calenders I have put up too, onw is of images of castles from Germany and they are gorgeous.

Tink said...

Happy New Year! Believe it or not, I haven't had a calendar in two years! I rather miss all those cute puppy pictures and silly cartoons.

Kaytabug said...

I too enjoy putting up my New calenders and then turning to see the new photo each month. That is a great idea for a post, thanks!! I enjoyed your words too. I am going to address things I want to change or get better at or just simply do, but I am still going to refrain from calling them resolutions. I plan on calling them my hopes for the New Year. I am hoping for change in our world in our country and in my lil world too!

LizLSB said...

I love fresh starts. If this counts as a resolution, I am trying to let my optimist side talk more than my pessimist side. Have a wonderful year, MJD. :)

DebbieDoesLife said...

So nice to meet you! Thanks for coming by. I am a frustrated writer myself. I will be back to read more of your blog.

Unknown said...

Both of those photos are great! I love calendars in the beginning of the year then I soon forget to change the pages. SO hubby does not allow me a calendar anymore. :(

J Cosmo Newbery said...

A New Year's resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other. ~ Author Unknown

Beccy said...

Such wise words mjd.

Happy new year.

Anonymous said...

Well blogged, my friend!
Happy New Year to you and may all your dreams come true!

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year!

Did you make any resolutions?

Jenn in Holland said...

Wishing you a grand new year too!

I have a little something for you at my place today. :)

Jeni said...

Thanks for stopping by my place from Sunshine's. (I love her blog -so bright and full of fun and love -and kids! Speaking of kids - congrats to you too on the new granddaughter. That's quite the big one too! Wow! But aren't grandkids just the best thing ever? No one can ever convince me any differently on that one. Stop by again, visit, stay awhile.

Smalltown RN said...

Well I would be one of those that don't do resolutions....but, I am a goal setter....when I started running I set a distance I wanted to accomplish...it took me awhile to get there, but I did it....now for example I am embarking on my degree....I have just finished my first course it will be a long journey but I will complete it....so setting goals is more important for me than resolutions....

thank you for dropping by my blog and leaving a comment....I really appreciated it....like you I too like to look at the new pictures on the calendar each month.....

here's hoping you have a terrific day...cheers..

riseoutofme said...

Rising and shining is about the extent of my new years resolutions!

Lovely photos ... would like to see the feathered fellow outside my window every day ... think he'd give a shine to any day.

Best wishes for 2008.

Anonymous said...

You are absolutely right: only we can choose to make positive changes in our lives. I love the cardinal (January picture). We don't have cardinals in Colorado, but I grew up with them in Ohio and I miss them. They are beautiful creatures!

Fianna said...

This is such a beautiful post. Thank you for sharing such a great perspective.

captain corky said...

Here's to new beginnings. Cheers.

Anvilcloud said...

I'm just popping in on a few old blogging friends to say Happy new Year.

Jen said...

Here here!

It will be a wonderful 2008!

molly said...

Happy New Year Molly! Love your cardinal. We see them a lot down here. I also like turning to a new calendar page at the beginning of every month! It looks so clean and pristine---but not for long!

Shady Gardener said...

Beautiful photo of a cardinal. Is there a way to see your calendar?

Shady Gardener said...

Oh, I also meant to comment on the subject of new beginnings. Every day holds the potential for a new beginning. :-)