It’s the first of the year, and many are recuperating from a late night celebration. This day historically represents a new beginning. Setting a financial goal, beginning a new exercise routine, quitting smoking, or beginning a new hobby may be on your New Years agenda. These positive changes are efforts to stop doing what we know are unproductive and begin what would be beneficial for a better life. Why then, do we wait until January 1st? Now, many don’t consider it as “waiting” because it’s the very first day of the year. Yet, many of these resolutions don’t last into the next month! Then what? Wait ‘til next year? Of course, it can be difficult to change what we have been doing the entire previous year or even our entire adult lives, but when we fall short, why not regroup and keep trying? How much damage can occur by reverting back to old bad habits we already concurred was something very much worth changing? Better yet, shouldn’t consideration be made the moment we think to ourselves, “I really need to…..” even if that day happens to be a birthday, the fourth of July, or simply any given Sunday, Tuesday, or Friday?” You see, making positive changes in our lives should be ongoing, and when we slip up, instead of giving up, reflect, assess, regroup, and take action once again. Each effort will be a step in the right direction until those steps become easier. It’s all about commitment rather than a date on a calendar marked to practice a resolution ritual. Because that’s all it becomes is a yearly ritual.
Speaking of rituals lets see. What else can we find in the homes around the world on this day? Black-eyed peas, a coin in a cake, scrubbing away bad vibes, eating donuts (could be contradicting to a diet resolution), checking the direction of the wind, and ensuring a dark haired male is first to enter a home. Is it really, food, gender, or hair color observed one day of the year that brings blessings to a home? I think not. I joked, to my friend, that God must look down at us, sarcastically, and think, “What do they need me for? They’ve got black-eyed peas!” 
Consequently, if a thorough cleaning could rid an atmosphere of bad vibes, what a reason to not wait an entire year and practice every day at every location we enter, or at least every month! Personally, I will rely on my intentional acts, prayer, and Gods will, to have an impact on my life. Think about it, do we do such acts in regard to relationships? Boy, counselors would be out of business if all we need were a magic coin to make our marriages prosper. Instead, it takes intentional acts of love and kindness, along with commitment. Once a year will not suffice. Some historical traditions were designed to reflect on wrongdoings, seeking and offering forgiveness, returning borrowed items, and paying an unpaid debt. Shouldn’t those be normal, consistent habits to strive for? Having goals is important. We will all fall short, but we should reflect, and make appropriate changes all year round. That’s what commitment is all about. Like I always say, “Don’t just make a commitment, be committed to the commitment.”
There’s nothing wrong with celebrations. Celebrate the many blessings we were allowed. Celebrate another year of life. However, that is also what should be recognized on an ongoing basis, not just once a year. Every day is a blessing. Please understand, I am not knocking anyone’s traditions or culture, but let’s recognize what devotions are important to practice consistently. That is what makes for a better life. By the way, of course, I have to also point out that it’s also what makes for a better marriage. Plus, don’t we say, “Happy wife happy life?”
Happy New Year! Celebrate life!
Leslie Cristea
