It’s self-improvement season and the air is thick with vows to do better next year. Most will be abandoned before January’s over. But is there a way to make better, stronger intentions that might actually stick?
A few weeks ago, I was asked at a party what my new year resolutions were. I found the very idea laughable. I’ve never made any – because I’m perfect, and delusional. I also didn’t think anyone did. I straw polled my friends, who were equally dismissive. “Nobody chooses to do anything,” pronounced Charlie, “they just happen.” Mimi, an artist, does make them – but only at solstice. “Ghastly to have everyone doing the same things at the same time.” James’s only resolution was “the Mountain Goats one.” He’s referring to the song This Year by the band of that name, which pledges: “I am going to make it through this year if it kills me.”
This left me thinking a few things. First, I have very intense friends. Second, what are resolutions? Are they now a legacy pastime, like Auld Lang Syne? Something we joke about, rather than actually do?
