Question: Every time the New Year comes around, I get annoyed by all the attention that New Year’s resolutions get. I don’t understand why they are necessary. They have never worked for me in the past and so I’ve decided to give them up entirely. They’ve even named the second Friday of January “Quitter’s Day” because so many people give up on their resolutions. So why is there so much emphasis on setting intentions and resolutions? What’s the point when they don’t work?

Bothered

Dear Bothered,

Let this be a year to not sweat the small stuff. Resolutions perhaps build up too many expectations for us. How about we just do this as a start to living our best lives. 

Focus on loving your neighbor and serving the less fortunate. Get good rest, eat well and exercise. 

Be mindful of all of our blessings each New Year and view this New Year’s Day as another opportunity to live your best life. Move forward and do not dwell on past failures as one can do nothing about them. 

Focus forward knowing that with God’s grace we all have the opportunity to start over and try again. 

Happy New Year,

Father Guy Leemhuis
St. Luke’s of the Mountains Episcopal Church
guyleemhuis@gmail.com

Dear Bothered,

Try not to be bothered by “The Game of Life.” It’s human behavior to make lists to do, to set goals, set intentions … and for whatever reason, fall short on follow through. “Make it, Break it, Repeat.”

Each time the New Year comes around, it’s an opportunity for new beginnings. It gives a person reason to hope, to make a promise: “This time I’m really going to follow through.” 

The intention is well-meant. The resolve is promised. And then … you know,  we fall short. “Quitter’s Day” doesn’t have to mean a person is a failure. I’m sure there was something learned in those few days of commitment.

Maybe it should be called “Try it again” day or “Better luck next time” day.

Life is filled with infinite possibilities. And it is meant to be lived out of the box, past the normal routine. Let it be an adventure and a challenge to overcome those times of falling short. The word “practice” is a most powerful and important word. The dictionary states some synonyms for practice are dress rehearsal, trial, exercise, seasoning. Hmmm … our New Year’s intentions and goals are perhaps seasoning us for a greater future as we learn along the way of living.

Your words, thoughts and actions are so important to how you “do” life regardless of circumstances. Why not give it your best shot … over and over again …and enjoy the process along the way.

Make it, Break it, Repeat … until you are happy with the results. Take a breath through it all and love every moment as best you can.

Blessings of good intentions and it’s all okay.

Laney Clevenger White, RScP Emeritus
Center for Spiritual Living – La Crescenta