Would Someone Please Define the Word "Resolution"?

January 12, 2013

When I looked up the word 'Resolution' in the Merriam Webster Dictionary I found the following:

Synonyms: award, call, conclusion, deliverance, diagnosis, judgment, opinion, decision, verdict.

Can we apply any of these synonyms to our New Year’s Resolutions that we have set for 2013? Are you awarding yourself? Have you been called? Are you trying to be delivered from something? Do you have the determination to achieve this goal? What decision did you set for yourself for 2013, and what is the verdict?

I don’t typically make New Year’s Resolutions. Just before the end of the year, I glance through my journal or journals from the year and evaluate the areas that might need a little extra attention in my life. It might be something as simple as my attitude towards a particular person or stores that I might want to avoid for a while. Generally, I look at all of the blessings I’ve had for the year and, with anticipation, expect more for the following year. I then close the journal.

If you are a Resolution setter and you’ve already failed, there’s good news for you. You have been granted permission to ditch your New Year’s Resolutions because January 17th is National Ditch Your Resolution Day!

According to Holiday Insights, here are some facts for you:

First of all, January 17th is the day to ditch the diet. It’s the day to smoke like a chimney, roll up the yoga mat, put the journal away, avoid the budget, skip a day of church, or whatever resolution you’ve set for yourself …UNLESS… you have been doing a good job, have been successful, or even mastered your resolution. Then we say… Kudos to you and keep it up!!!

Antonyms to consider on January 17th: hesitation, indecision, indecisiveness, irresoluteness, irresolution, vacillation.

So, if you’re hesitating with that diet, indecisive with what form of budget to use, or whatever is stopping you from achieving your goal, then remember the 17th is the day to get out from under them!

Beth F.
Boardwalk Branch