Yet again, it’s time for resolutions! Oh, my—I could write a book. I have vowed to lose weight for years. I have lost 1,200 pounds and gained 1,205, so that’ a net gain of 5 over the last 40 years! I thought about resolving to get organized, but then I would have to remember where I put everything. So maybe that’s not the best of pursuits at this point.
Where do New Year’s resolutions originate? Well, I wrote a bit about this last year, and what I found is quite fascinating! This tradition runs back thousands of years, but of course, it has evolved over time.
The ancient Babylonians are believed to be the first group to make New Year’s resolutions. To start the New Year, which began not in January but March, they held a 12-day religious festival during which they reaffirmed their loyalty to the king.
Then, in ancient Rome, Julius Caesar tampered with the calendar and dubbed January 1 as the start of a new year. During this time, the Romans made promises of good conduct for the coming year.
Fast forward to 1740—clergyman John Wesley, founder of Methodism, created the Covenant Renewal Service, most commonly held on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day.
Contrary to this tradition’s religious roots, resolutions today are ambitions of self-improvement. According to research, only 8 percent of goals made at the New Year are met! But hey, I still think it’s worth the effort!
Now that we’ve had a little history lesson, here are my 2019 resolutions:
- I want to do something that I really enjoy every day! Needlework, quilting, sewing, or embroidery, even if it is just a few stitches a day!
- I also want to learn to cook new things! I love being in the kitchen, and I never want to stop learning.
Tell me, what are your New Year’s resolutions?
