New Year's Resolution...?

I've been thinking about the word "resolution". Did you know it means: a determination, to make firm to do something, firmness of purpose, a formal expression of opinion or intention made, usually after voting...?

I know this is a popular time to make "new year's resolutions". It would be easy to sit down and write: work out more (which I do need to do), drink less alcohol (which I probably should do), and read more books (which I only, at times, want to do). But what's the point of making a resolution we have no intention of keeping? How many of us actually "keep" whatever shotty goal we make for ourselves? Very few, I would venture to say.

But what if the point is making some sort of resolution, and actually keeping. The root word is resolve. Resolve means: to come to a definite or earnest decision about, to make up one's mind, to firm one's intent. When I think of resolution, I think of an unattainable goal I've set for myself to be a better person on the outside. When I think of resolve, I think of soldiers who fight for my freedom. I think of people who did something, anything, to get to their goals.

I've convinced myself that making a resolution is pointless, but having a resolve about this life is poingnant. I need to look at every day with determination. I need to be guided in my studies. I need to actually learn from the people put around me, and the situations I'm in - they do all, indeed, have a purpose.

There is nothing wrong with having goals. They are how a lot of people get up in the morning. Making goals are how we change who we are. Making goals are how we challenge ourselves to be better people, inside and out.

Have the resolve to change; not just a silly New Year's resolution.