Apparently, resolutions at the turn of the old year with the new year in mind have been fashionable well before some of the bad habits we’ve all succumbed to existed – in other words, the Babylonians or Romans who are presumed to be the originators of the trend, would have probably quoted: ‘From now on I will spare the rod when it comes to the horse’ – or conversely, ‘When my enemy falls, I promise not to scalp him.’
A mythical king of 153 B.C. called Janus was deemed to have two faces that enabled him to look back on past events and look forward to the future. How cool is that? Janus became the ancient symbol for resolutions and many Romans looked for forgiveness from their enemies, to the point of exchanging gifts at the beginning of each year.
Fast forward to the present day:
New Year’s Resolutions are basically commitments or promises that people make to themselves. These could be promises to complete a project or to alter a habit for their own betterment. Since these resolutions are usually made at year’s end, they have picked up the tag of New Year’s Resolutions. Ideally, a resolution like this should remain in effect until the goal is achieved; however, it’s well known that most resolutions are broken fairly shortly after they are made.
For myself, I will endeavour to keep up the walking regime with the dogs and enjoy the healthy environment that Dominica provides; won’t cut off people in mid-sentence when they phone; slimming is not an issue so the chocolate stays; keep contact with folk that are often lonely and depressed; strive to become a better artist – I’ve attached my latest painting – and possibly give my husband a little more latitude in life, considering he’s writing this!
On that happy note, we wish everyone at Dominica News Online and their considerable readership a peaceful and prosperous 2010 and Beyonce…sorry, Beyond.
Lisette Stevens
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of the management and staff of Dominica News Online and its parent company.
More details, fewer misunderstandings
Can anybody help?
About that mythical king called Janus; is that where the name ‘Janus List’ originates from?
A Janus List is used by spies and others in the Clock and Dagger industry.
There is a difference between resolutions and wishes as far as i am concerned. Wishes are all the good intentions we all put together at this time of year. For example as a student one may want to become more studious. That in it self is a good intention and indeed a fantastic wish. But the resolutions are the steps taken by the said student to study hard, spend time with the reading material and be total committed to the task at hand. So when one have clear wishes and then take the necessary action to make them a reality – we have resolutions. The problem is that many of us remain stuck on wishes and never strenghten our resolve to make our wishes come true. Just adding a little five cents to the good piece written by the above commentator. Happy New year to all!